Niles council approves recreational marijuana dispensary in town

After Austintown trustees voted at the beginning of June to allow a recreational marijuana dispensary in town, the City of Niles is the latest community to welcome the concept. 

Niles leaders said the tax revenue is a benefit they don't want to pass up on. They're also moving forward with the idea, reflecting the majority of resident's opinions on the subject. 

"Some were not thrilled about it but they said we had to respect what the citizens asked for," explained Councilman Doug Sollitto.

Communities across the Buckeye State can apply for recreational marijuana dispensaries in their town. While some cities have enacted a moratorium against the concept, cities like Niles are looking to reap the benefits.

Niles City Council voted unanimously to welcome a recreational marijuana dispensary along U.S. 422. The tax revenue from the dispensary could earn the city up to $500k annually.

"People that are concerned about marijuana, it's still going to be there," Councilman Sollitto explained. "They drive right down the road to any city and give anywhere from $100-500k revenue together when we could have that same thing."

Council members see the financial benefits of welcoming one dispensary into town but are proceeding with caution in regards to it's location and safety concerns.

Two dispensary companies are already eying Niles. The council mentioned using the former Sunshine Buffet property on U.S. 422 but its site could be too close to residential neighborhoods.

"With the B1 zoning, it limits it just to the 422 corridor," Councilman Jimmy Julian explained. "It can't be in the downtown area or too close to residential neighborhoods."

Niles council agrees marijuana users will buy the product regardless, so they want to bring in the tax revenue. That money will go to the city's general fund, that could be used for park and city improvements.

"I just hope I made the right decision," Councilman Michael Lastic told 21 News. "I hope we made the right decision."

Councilman Lastic hesitated to approve the concept but wanted to reflect his vote with residents. Every ward in Niles voted in favor of State Issue Two last November.

"Being the principal of the high school, the junior high, and telling our youngsters to stay away from all of this," Lastic explained. "I had reservations but I also know the State of Ohio overwhelmingly voted for this and the City of Niles voted for this."

A handful of residents for and against the dispensary spoke to the council before the unanimous vote was made.

"We represent the people," Julian added. "So the people had their voice last year and we're just going through with it."

The City will hold another meeting in the following weeks and begin working on the terms and conditions the dispensary must follow. Police presence will be at the dispensary, following council's request. The council does not have a time frame for when a dispensary could open.

Related stories:

https://www.wfmj.com/story/50860810/austintown-trustees-reverse-decision-and-will-permit-one-marijuana-dispensary-in-township

https://www.wfmj.com/story/49967352/valley-dispensaries-police-react-to-the-passing-of-state-issue-2