Plans for a combination medical and recreational marijuana shop in Buffalo Grove hit a snag this week when the village’s plan commission deadlocked on whether to recommend approval of the proposal. Associated Press/2018
Steve Zelusky Updated12/19/2019 6:28 PM
Supporters of the PDI plan said the 1,000-foot restriction was created to keep pot stores away from OMNI Youth Services, which primarily provides drug counseling and other services for troubled teens. Dan Shapiro, an attorney representing PDI, said comparing OMNI to Attention to Wellness is “apples and oranges.”
But Attention to Wellness operator Dennis Lubchenko raised concerns.
“Many of my clients go through the parking lot. They do stop at Starbucks. I am not sure how they will be able to respond to being right in front of a dispensary,” he said.
Jamie Epstein, executive director of the Stand Strong Coalition, which is dedicated to preventing underage drinking and drug use among the youth in the Stevenson High School community, said Lubchenko’s is one of the few private practices that specializes in marijuana use disorder in the area.
“It is the first referral of my colleague at Stevenson High School,” she said. “Lake County probation refers to Dennis.” Among the commissioners voting against PDI was Zill Khan.
“We all know that Starbucks and T-Mobile is a destination for the teenagers, and they will be in and out all the time,” Khan said.
Add Comment