Daywatch: Regulators approve controversial cannabis dispensary

Regulators have approved a controversial proposed cannabis dispensary for Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, despite a recommended denial from the city zoning administrator.

 Opponents say it is too close to a school and will delay emergency vehicles.

The business was approved by a 3-2 vote of the Zoning Board of Appeals, including a vote in favor by former Ald. Helen Shiller, whose son helped the business obtain a license but was not involved in the zoning case.

Consultants for the business said the school in dispute was primarily a day care, and like any other retailer, the store won’t cause major disruptions.

“The hysteria (about cannabis stores problems) that may have existed 10 years ago just has not come to fruition,” dispensary attorney Jim Banks said. “There’s no evidence of an impact on increased crime, traffic or property values.”