Retail Marijuana Sales Denied:
Though marijuana will be legalized statewide, Naperville plans to opt out of the retail sale of recreational adult-use cannabis. At last night’s Naperville City Council meeting, the dais heard from several speakers on the issue. Many felt allowing cannabis sales would hurt Naperville’s brand as a family-friendly city. Others said legalizing the sale would give the city more control over the drug compared to marijuana sold illegally or brought in from neighboring towns. After each council member spoke on the issue, a narrow vote of 5-4 was reached to have city staff draw up the necessary documents to opt out of the sale. The sticking point for several council members was a lack of data on municipalities that opt out in states that have already legalized pot. Councilmen Kelly and Hinterlong said the prudent move is to opt out while waiting for that information. Naperville currently has one medical marijuana facility, 3C Compassionate Care, which will continue to dispense medical cannabis products.
95th/Book Rd. Construction On Hold:
Council also decided at the meeting to put off planned construction to expand the 95th Street/Book Road intersection. Plans had been made to put in right turn lanes for all four directions of traffic and add additional northbound and southbound lanes on Book Road. The decision came after several residents complained that the expansion would increase traffic and noise along the road, though city staff’s research claimed the renovations would make it safer. Residents also said they were not properly notified of multiple public meetings to discuss the expansion. City staff said they felt their notification strategies were more than adequate, with emails, mailers and flashing signs at the intersection in the days prior to each meeting. However, council sided with the residents, and directed staff to reinitiate the public outreach on the subject before moving forward.
Excessive Heat Warning:
An excessive heat warning has been issued for our area starting Thursday at noon, and continuing through Saturday evening. Temperatures will be in the upper 90s to 100 degrees, and heat indices are predicted to reach between 102 to 112 degrees. Heat of this nature can lead to heat related illnesses, so residents are advised to take caution and prepare a cool place to take shelter. Those who are in the heat should stay hydrated and take frequent breaks to cool off. Officials ask that you check in on elderly family and friends as well, as conditions could be hazardous for them, and those with pre-existing health conditions.