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Council refers conditional‑use request for dual‑use cannabis dispensary at 926 E. Waterloo Road for further study
Summary
Pharmaceutical Rx LLC sought conditional‑use approval to establish a dual‑use cannabis dispensary at 926 East Waterloo Road; presenters said the site spans Akron and Coventry Township and requires review by Coventry Township and the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control. After public comment, the council referred the item for more study.
Akron City Council on Feb. 10 held a public hearing on an ordinance seeking conditional‑use approval for a dual‑use cannabis dispensary at 926 East Waterloo Road. The petitioner said the site occupies both Akron and Coventry Township; the proposed use will also require review and approval by Coventry Township and the State of Ohio Division of Cannabis Control. After public comment that included both support and opposition, the council moved to refer the matter for further study.
Mr. Antonucci said Pharmaceutical Rx LLC intends to remodel a currently vacant 2,751‑square‑foot retail building and add a modest rear addition. The petitioner told council the property’s front lot and ingress lie in Akron while the rear of the site is in Coventry Township. The presentation said 30 parking spaces are available in front of the building on the Akron portion and about a dozen additional spaces are available to the rear in Coventry. Staff noted the 2,751‑square‑foot building would require no more than 14 parking spaces under applicable standards.
The proposed site plan includes a drive‑through lane that would encircle the building and allow pickup through a window on the east side. The petitioner said lighting, video surveillance and state packaging and security requirements would be employed to mitigate impacts. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to conditions, the record shows.
Greg Gross (spelled in the record as presenting for the petitioner) said the applicant will follow the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control’s application procedures and Coventry Township zoning requirements and is available to answer questions.
A public commenter identified as Apostolate (participating in Ohio’s Safe at Home program) spoke in opposition, raising concerns about large corporations profiting from cannabis sales, the effect of cannabis outlets in communities affected by poverty and addiction, and objections rooted in faith‑based arguments.
After public comment, Councilman Fusco moved to refer the item for further study. The council recorded the item as referred at the Feb. 10 session; no final approval or denial was made.
