Grove City mayor to veto special use permit for marijuana dispensary
GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) - A special use permit approved by Grove City Council that allows a marijuana dispensary to open and operate in the city could be put on pause by the mayor.
The council voted 4-2 on Jan. 6 to approve a special use permit for a marijuana dispensary to move forward at 1947 Stringtown Rd. through the Ohio Cannabis Company. This comes after the city's planning commission recommended that council deny the application, stating the site was too prominent for that type of use.
Following the council meeting, Mayor Richard "Ike" Stage said he is planning to veto the legislation. Stage said he does not agree with making an exception and said he is signing the veto action on Monday. Stage did mention council could appeal the veto, needing at least five council members to override the measure. See an earlier report on dispensary efforts in Grove City in the video player above.
Before passing the special use permit, council discussed the dispensary location and the city's distance requirement for marijuana retailers, which was passed in August 2024, being at least 500 feet away from residential buildings, as well as churches, schools or parks. Two multi-family residential developments are fewer than 500 feet from the proposed site, according to the application submitted to the city's planning commission.
"It is very important we live up to the expectation that we set," council president Christine Houk said. "I will look first always to our public safety division, our law director, our administration and they put that legislation in front of us and the seven members of council got it where we thought it was good for Grove City and, for me, it's important that we stick with that."
Representative for the Ohio Cannabis Company Brian Wingfield addressed council, showing his support for the dispensary, saying the business would bring opportunities to the area and residents.
"This industry is highly regulated and we always adhere to state and local requirements," Wingfield said. "Our presence will create new jobs and foster local employment opportunities, additionally tax revenue from the adult-use cannabis sales will serve to benefit the community."
Council will hold their next meeting on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m., where Stage said they can vote to override his veto.