I wanted to provide an update regarding the zoning change application submitted by Verano Holdings for the former Leona’s property at 6935 N. Sheridan Road. 

Earlier this year, Verano Holdings - who purchased the GreenGate dispensary at 7305 N. Rogers Ave; approached my office with a proposal to move the current dispensary and cannabis license to a new location at the site of the former Leona’s restaurant at 6935 N. Sheridan Road. 

This proposal would require three separate zoning approvals in order to open: one, changing the zoning designation from “Business” to “Commercial” (Under current Chicago zoning laws, cannabis dispensaries are only allowed within “Commercial” zoning designations). Two, a favorable application to the Lakefront Protection Review. And finally, obtaining a special use permit that is required for all cannabis dispensaries. As with any zoning change request that is presented to my office, a community-driven process was initiated to gather feedback and concerns from the neighbors who would be affected by this zoning change. 

On March 28th, our office hosted a community meeting with Verano Holdings. After the community meeting, we collected hundreds of responses regarding this zoning change. While the 49th Ward supported the zoning change overall, the immediate neighbors were not as supportive. Many of the respondents who lived nearby expressed concerns with traffic, crime, and Verano’s general business practices. However, a general throughline began to develop from a majority of the responses - while supportive of Verano being in the neighborhood, many felt this was not the best location for a dispensary to be located. 

My office then began to work with Verano to address these concerns. After the community meeting, my team and I brought an array of possible new sites to Verano for consideration. We would like to see them located on Morse Ave, wast of Sheridan so that all of our businesses can benefit from the increased traffic they would bring to the area. While Verano is open to considering alternative locations in our ward, they haven't found the ones we've presented as viable so far.

Additionally, after the community meeting, some other prospective opportunities for the former Leona's site have been presented to my office that could be better aligned with our community needs. Because we would like to pursue other possible uses, Verano has decided to terminate their hold on the lease with the owner of 6935 N. Sheridan Road and will no longer pursue the zoning changes they were seeking. 

We are continuing to work with Verano on alternative sites and are excited that new opportunities have presented themselves through our community process. My office will continue to work to bring the best developments possible to our ward and to make sure the former Leona’s site returns to use as a good, productive neighbor that will be embraced by the community it serves.