Confusion Lingers On Darien Marijuana Store Site

DARIEN, IL – Darien aldermen are apparently still getting questions about why the soon-to-open marijuana dispensary is so close to an elementary school.

At Monday's City Council meeting, Alderman Ted Schauer said a resident asked him how he voted on allowing dispensaries in town. He voted no in 2019.

He said he was then questioned about how the dispensary, High Haven, could be so close to Concord Elementary School. The store is set for Darien Plaza, 8117 S. Cass Ave., which is southwest of the school

City Administrator Bryon Vana said no regulation bars the store from being where it is planned. State law, he noted, includes no required setback distance from schools.

A month ago, city officials explained at a council meeting about the distance issue. With Schauer's comments, the issue was brought back.

Alderwoman Mary Sullivan said residents may be confused because the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended marijuana dispensaries be at least 1,500 feet from schools. But the council later rejected that requirement.

"People saw that in city documents and thought that was something that was mandated," she said.

Vana said he started getting questions after "inaccurate" social posts.

In the same shopping center are Q Bar and Darien Liquor. Q Bar is open during school hours on Thursdays and Fridays, while the liquor store is every day.

Unlike the bar, consumption of High Haven's products won't be allowed on the property. The dispensary is set to open in late spring.

Under a 2019 law, towns have a right to determine whether they'll allow marijuana dispensaries. Suburbs such as Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Elmhurst and La Grange decided against them.