Lincoln Park’s two cannabis retailers will be able to relocate from an industrial section of the city to major thoroughfares.
The City Council voted 4-3 on Monday, Jan. 26 to amend a city ordinance, allowing the businesses to relocate to the municipal business district, which consists of heavily traversed areas of Dix Highway, Southfield Road and Fort Street.
Council members Lylian Ross, Carlos Salcido and Eric Szor voted no.
The two businesses, Pleasantrees and Moses Roses, requested the change, saying their location on John Papalas Drive is deserted after their industrial neighbors close at 5 p.m., creating safety concerns for their employees who work in the evening.
Representatives for the two retailers could not be reached for comment. Mayor Maureen Tobin said she didn’t know whether they had specific plans to move.
“It’s dark (at night). It’s better to be in an area that has traffic and is well lit,” Tobin said after the meeting. “It’s safer for the employees.”
Tobin added any relocation would be subject to a review by several city departments to ensure compliance with all ordinances.
The council held a public hearing before the vote, with representatives for the two businesses and several other people speaking in favor of the ordinance amendment. Two residents said the matter should go on the ballot.
Voters approved a measure in 2019 that allowed cannabis retailers in the city, although it put a limit of two such businesses in the city. About 56% of those who voted on the issue were in favor.
By a 5-2 vote last year, the city’s Planning Commission recommended the council approve the amendment.
