Beecher board directs attorney to draft ordinance for vape and smoke shop at 759 W. Indiana Ave with public‑safety conditions

On Oct. 28, 2024 the Village of Beecher Board of Trustees voted 6–0 to direct the village attorney to draft an ordinance that would grant a special‑use permit for a vape and smoke shop at 759 W. Indiana Ave in the B‑1 Historic Downtown Business District. Trustee Gardner made the motion; Trustee Weissbohn seconded.

The Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval with five conditions the board recorded: no one under 21 admitted unless accompanied by an adult over 21; the business must maintain a video surveillance system and make footage accessible to law enforcement on request; at least 50% of exterior windows must be exposed glass for visibility; flashing string or rope lights are prohibited (solid‑color neon is permitted, LED is not), and the owner must replace the existing wall sign with a new sign matching the exhibit shown at the public hearing.

The motion before the board was procedural—directing the village attorney to prepare draft ordinance language and therefore does not itself finalize a permit. The board did not adopt a final ordinance or issue a permit at the Oct. 28 meeting. The board record shows the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended the conditions at its public hearing prior to the board action.

Trustee Gardner framed the direction to draft the ordinance as the next step in the approval process; Trustee Weissbohn seconded the motion. No vote totals indicating opposition were recorded; the clerk recorded a unanimous vote in favor. The record does not state a timeline for when the drafted ordinance will return to the board for formal consideration or a final vote.

If the drafted ordinance returns for final action, any permit would be enforced under the village code for the B‑1 Historic Downtown Business District and subject to the conditions described above.