The Salem City Council on a 4-1 vote Monday night approved a special use permit for a craft cannabis grow facility in the west side industrial park.
The vote allows Tracy Murray and Hometown Heroes Consulting Firm to move forward with an application to the state to try and receive one of about 40 licenses that will be issued statewide for the craft grow facilities.
Mayor Nic Farley says the super respectfulness of those on opposing sides shows they can deal with very divisive issues and still respect each other.
He also noted the council is keeping tight controls on any facility that wants to locate in the city.
“We did it by special use permit so that every time that someone would try to have a facility they would have to go to the Planning Commission and come before the City Council. So we are limiting it the best we we know possible with the tools that are given to us.”
Farley added the council is continuing to block any cannabis dispensary from locating within the city limits.
Councilman Jim Koehler told the full house in the city council chambers that they do take this issue seriously. He noted no problems at the Albion grow facility that is in a very conservative town and then added he had skin in the game.
“I had a sister that died of opioids. I have often thought as she was 10 years younger than I was, what if she would of had access to this?”
Councilwoman Amy Troutt traveled to grow facilities in Albion and Edgewood and didn’t find any residents with major concerns.
“People talk about limiting marijuana, the reality is it’s been legalized in the state of Illinois. These guys are trying to pursue a perfectly legal business venture. I have spoken to health and law enforcement professionals who have advocated for the use of recreational marijuana over the use of alcohol for many reasons. Unfortunately there isn’t this turnout every time a liquor license comes before us.”
Troutt noted the legal growth and sale of cannabis was a better option than the black market that may try and get it into the hands of underage persons.
Councilman Royce Bringwald cast the lone no vote after noting there was plenty of evidence on both sides and a split community on recreational use of cannabis that was apparent during a poll he took of residents.
“One thing did stand out that come up more than not and that is the meth problem we have. Finding needles in the street where our children play. I found that to be a problem and it wasn’t just one person telling me this. So that’s probably an issue we need to address.”
A dozen people addressed the city council prior to the vote, with eight wanting the special use permit denied and four speaking in favor.
