Council committee hears neighbors’ concerns as dispensary relocation to 1960 West Market advances

The Akron Planning Committee heard testimony Tuesday on a conditional-use request by Tango Ventures LLC to establish a dual-use marijuana dispensary, Clutch Cannabis, at 1960 West Market Street. Planning staff said the proposal would renovate an existing single-story building, add designated off-street parking and landscape buffers, and would operate daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions.

Peter Nisht, representing the petitioner, said the dispensary will occupy the space currently used by Pink Pedals florist under a relocation agreement and will not expand the building footprint. He said the plan provides more off-street parking than the previously approved location (total on-site parking was later described as 28), adds an accessible space, and will rehabilitate and bring the parking area up to code.

Neighbors and some council members voiced opposition during public comment. Councilmember Bruce Bridal said many neighbors in his ward were against the project and asked for additional outreach. Resident Linda Movian, who lives nearby, told the committee that neighbors do not want the dispensary in the area and asked for details about the building and parking; staff and the petitioner confirmed the building will not be enlarged and that the florist is working to relocate.

Security and public-safety questions came up during committee discussion. Nisht described dispensaries as heavily secured: on-site security, 24/7 internal and external camera coverage with multiple angles, and retention of footage in the cloud for at least 45 days. He and staff said those measures have been beneficial for investigations and can reduce crime by providing evidence to apprehend suspects.

The committee did not take a final council vote at the session; the item was set for continued consideration in the evening hearing. Staff and the petitioner invited further neighborhood dialogue before final council action.

Next steps: the conditional-use application will be discussed again at the evening public hearing and then recommended to full council for a final decision.