What is Happening with...? Why is it taking so long?

Recently, a commenter on Facebook responding to a City Council meeting agenda that I had posted asked for a status update on some ongoing projects.  Instead of struggling with Facebook's posting format I decided to dust off the blog here and add a little background commentary.  

Disclaimer up front, any opinions expressed here are wholly my own, and not official statements or positions of the City Council or the City of Zion.

Here we go.

Where is the Popeye's?  

At last report, the Popeye's is still on track to open, but exactly when is totally in the hands of the franchise owner.  The City for it's part, has completed everything that needs to be done on our end.  

Here I think an important lesson learned has been learned; don't make a public announcement of a new business or other project until either construction starts, or there is a grand opening scheduled.  The natural inclination is to share good news, to show that there is progress and things are happening. Obviously, this raises expectations in people's minds. COVID delays, and issues on the franchisee's side ended up clashing with those expectations, and now no matter how many times it is explained, the question will likely continue to arise until the location is finally opened.   

Hey, a Starbucks!

A prime example of this more cautious stance is in what seems to the casual observer the almost overnight appearance of a new Starbucks under construction on 173 near the CVS pharmacy.  Actually this was the result of continuous efforts by our City staff on economic development for the past few years; developing contacts with companies like Starbucks and promoting Zion as a place for their business.  Like the Starbucks, there are other commercial projects in development that hopefully can be shared with the public in the near future.

Cannabis based businesses?

Currently there are no businesses licensed for medical or recreational cannabis in the city, which are permitted under city ordinance. Similar to the situation with Popeye's, this is out of our hands since the licenses are issued by the State.

In my opinion, the State licensing program has been very flawed in its execution, much to the detriment of communities like Zion who were hoping to benefit from legalization. 

However, there are businesses that still want to locate in Zion as soon as they are approved for a license. At the July 5th City Council meeting an extension was granted for a special use permit and ground lease agreement for the property at 2809 Damascus. Flat Rock Holdings LLC, requested the extensions since they are still seeking a license for a medical cannabis cultivation center at that location.

At the same meeting; variances were extended to Elevated Organics for a Cannabis Infuser, and Cannabis Transfer Organization at 3101-3199 16th St. Also an extension was granted for a Special Use Permit for an Adult Cannabis Craft Grow at the same location. 

We are keeping our options open in this area of potential development, as the alternative revenue from sales would definitely assist in balancing the City budget.

Economic development and commercial growth are key to our efforts to growing the local economy, which benefit all of us.  Sometimes, it just takes longer than you would expect.

If you have any questions regarding an agenda item or the city, please feel free to email me directly at christopherf@zion.il.us