DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission backs pot shop request for extended license approval

DeKALB – The city of DeKalb’s Planning and Zoning Commission is backing a request by a marijuana dispensary to allot an additional year for the pot shop to obtain a state license in order to operate in the Junction Shopping Center.

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4 to 1 to allow NuMed Partners LLC, an Illinois-based medical and recreational marijuana dispensary with shops in Chicago, East Peoria and Urbana, a one-year extension to July 1, 2022, to obtain a cannabis dispensary license from the state of Illinois. The measure will next go to the City Council for a final ordinance amendment vote.

Commission member Bill McMahon voted against the extension.

“As a resident of DeKalb, what I see is an empty storefront for another year,” McMahon said. “I see zero taxes created. I see zero jobs created. So I’m inclined to say, ‘Maybe this isn’t meant to be here.’”

If approved for a state license, the 6,600-square-foot future dispensary will be located in the Junction Shopping Center, 818 W. Lincoln Highway, in the former location of Book World.

A representative for NuMed spoke at Monday’s meeting, and confirmed the intent remains to set up shop in DeKalb. The company has continued to pay rent in the space despite not opening yet.

“We strongly feel it is [meant to be here],” said Jim Hughes, a NuMed representative. “We have been continuing to work with ownership to continue to pay rent, and I don’t think anything can speak loud enough that our intention is to get this thing done. … We just want to get to that point, get the license, get in there and get the build out done and open the doors. We’re thrilled with the location, we think it’s a great spot.”

The DeKalb City Council previously voted, 7-1, in April 2020 to approve the ordinance allowing NuMed to head into the shopping Center on West Lincoln Highway. Third Ward Alderman Tracy Smith was the only no vote, previously citing issues with the proposed location being so close to Northern Illinois University.

“The ordinance required the applicant obtain a state issued license within one year after approval of the ordinance,” according to the agenda documents. “Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the review process was delayed for dispensary licenses.”

Per previous city ordinance stipulations, NuMed had a year to obtain a state license, and six months after getting the state-issued license to build out the shop and open. The pandemic and slow rollout of state licenses has slowed plans.

The next City Council meeting is set for 6 p.m. April 12, and the next Planning and Zoning meeting will be held 6 p.m. April 19.

• Daily Chronicle reporter Katie Finlon contributed to this story.