The Alliance City Council has established a designated cannabis business district along State Street, allowing for the operation of both medical and recreational marijuana dispensaries. The council’s decision, made during a meeting on Monday night, passed unanimously with a 6-0 vote, although Councilwoman Sheila Cherry was absent and did not participate in the vote.
Safety-Service Director Mike Dreger noted that the new cannabis district permits up to five dispensaries on State Street. However, he cautioned that zoning restrictions, such as a requirement for marijuana facilities to be at least 1,000 feet apart, may reduce the actual number of dispensaries that can open in the area. Dreger mentioned that there has been interest from multiple parties looking to establish dispensaries within the city.
Councilman Phillip Mastroianni, who chairs the Planning, Zoning, and Housing Committee, emphasized that this decision is a positive development for the city, potentially attracting new businesses and increasing revenue. “These dispensaries will be established somewhere, so it’s better for us to have them here,” he stated.
The ordinance to modify the zoning code to permit dispensaries has been on the council’s agenda since late April. A public hearing was held on the matter on the same day as the vote, where several residents voiced their concerns.
Retired educator Connie Bancroft expressed skepticism about the benefits of dispensaries, arguing that they would not boost income tax revenue and could lead to an increase in crime. She reminded the council that even after the passage of Issue 2 in November 2023, which legalized cannabis in Ohio, municipalities retain the authority to ban dispensaries if they choose.
Residents Jim and Linda Jordan also opposed the legislation, with Linda stating, “We need to think of the children. Let’s not talk about the money. It’s not in our children’s well-being.” Following the public comments, Mastroianni acknowledged the residents’ concerns but pointed out that it was the first time they had heard opposition in nearly five months of discussions.
Before the council voted, a slight modification to the ordinance was made to prioritize applications based on the order of submission. Jim Jordan reacted to the council’s approval by saying, “I hated it. Terrible.”
The establishment of the cannabis business district marks a significant development for Alliance as it positions itself to engage with the growing cannabis market and its economic opportunities.
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