Kewanee council approves cannabis dispensary permit over location objections, 3-2

The Kewanee City Council on May 13 approved a special use permit allowing HVN Capital LLC to operate a cannabis dispensary at 618 Tenney St., a decision that drew vocal support and opposition from residents and passed on a 3-2 vote.

Councilmember Komnick moved to approve the special use permit and Councilmember Colomer seconded. Councilmember Faber said he did not like the proposed location. Mayor Moore and other council members said they had discussed the proposal with residents and heard both support and concern.

During public comment, several residents said medical or personal cannabis use had helped them and urged the council to keep local business dollars in Kewanee. Opponents focused on the site’s visibility to children and its proximity to Wethersfield School; one attendee who identified a career with the Illinois State Police warned that cannabis can be a gateway drug and said the city should not encourage its use.

Supporters emphasized that licensed dispensaries are secure and restrict entry to those legally allowed to purchase cannabis. In response to concerns about visibility, the mayor said residents he spoke with in other towns did not readily identify which businesses were dispensaries and that building security would prevent access by those underage or otherwise ineligible.

The motion passed 3-2, with Councilmembers Faber and Baker voting “No.” The council did not place additional locational conditions on the permit during the meeting. The council’s vote allows HVN Capital to continue through the special use permit requirements before opening.

Next steps: the permit holder must meet any requirements set out by the city’s special use process before commencing operations.