ABOVE: State license holder for the planned Mariworks LLC/nuEra cannabis dispensary Charles Williams (left) listens to the City Council along with nuEra Chief Operating Officer Laura Jaramillo Bernal.
The path has been cleared for a third cannabis dispensary in Danville. But in listening to parties such as Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr; Alderman Jon Cooper, and Vice-Mayor Tricia Teague prior to Tuesday night’s 9-4 Council vote; what the vote actually did was clear the way for development south of I-74 and Lynch Road that’s been stuck in neutral for a long time due to lack of infrastructure.
The proposal calls for cannabis licensee Mariworks LLC to build a nuEra cannabis dispensary, and have those parties pay for four acres of the new infrastructure; two for their dispensary and two others that could be used for quick service restaurants. The other five acres of infrastructure would be paid for by Casey’s, for their planned truck stop at the site.
Michael Mervis, from property owner Vermilion Real Estate Development, said they’ve wanted Casey’s to come for a long time, but Casey’s simply could not foot the bill for all the infrastructure work. Mayor Williams stated that yes inded, Casey’s approached the city about a truck stop in this area a couple of years ago. But after preliminary discussions, Casey’s concluded that they could not build the new infrastructure by themselves. Now, they’ll have some help. And eventually, truckers and motorists will have a new choice in between the truck stops in Western Indiana and Oakwood.
Mariworks LLC Dispensary license holder Charles Williams, nuEra COO Laura Jamarillo Bernal, and Vermilion Real Estate Development’s Michael Mervis all address the City Council prior to their vote.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: The fact that they’re going to be able to partner with Mariworks to make this happen, and nuEra, I think that’s great. People always complain to me about lack of good gas stations; lack of restaurants out in this area. I believe this finally puts us headed in the right direction.
Voting against the special use permit for the dispensary were Aldermen James Poshard, Carolyn Wands, Sherry Pickering, and Ed Butler. Heidi Wilson was absent. Mervis said afterwards that this partnership is the needed push to bring new business and new jobs to an area that’s just been itching to do it. One benefit he cited was finally having quick service restaurants for folks who work at industry and plants already in that vicinity.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: I think it’s wonderful to see the City Council so focused on overall development in that area. We’ve got opportunities, but they can’t move forward alone. You need the kind of synergy that we can get with a project like this.
NuEra Chief Operating Officer Laura Jaramillo Bernal stated that it will take a while to work towards groundbreaking and opening dates will all the preliminary and infrastructure work that has to be done. But just the same, they are thrilled to get started.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: We’re really pleased with the decision tonight. And we’re excited to become a part of the Danville community. We’re excited to see how we can help things grow, much beyond just our own dispensary.
Mariworks was turned down last year by the Planning and Zoning Commission for a proposed site north of I-74. But after unanimous approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission for this site back on June 6th, the Council has followed their recommendation. Mariworks’ nuEra dispensary will be the fourth in this area. Sunnyside and Seven Point of Illinois are already operating in Danville; while Parkway, after being turned down by Danville, is operating in Tilton.
