Machesney Park approves cannabis dispensary in former bank building

MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — What was once a bank in Machesney Park may become a cannabis dispensary, and neighbors are voicing their concern.

The dispensary, intending to occupy the former Illinois Bank and Trust building at 1515 West Lane Road, received a zoning regulation exception from the village board, since dispensaries must be located more than 250 feet from residential homes.

At Monday’s board meeting, members gave a one-time exception, with Mayor Steve Johnson explaining, “Nobody wants empty buildings. That building itself is designed with a vault, since the State of Illinois requires that the cannabis be kept in a vault.”

Machesney Park resident Cinda Launius lives behind the bank, and voiced her concerns.

“I don’t like that,” she said. “I’m not against a dispensary, but I don’t believe that’s the right location.”

Launius said the traffic in the street is already bad and fears a dispensary would make it worse.

The owner of the building must apply for more permits before a dispensary is approved to open, but the village board’s blessing moves it closer to that goal.