Pot Shop Takes One Step Forward
De la Vina Establishment Approved, but Appeal Expected
In the same breath that city hearing officer Suzanne Reardon approved the pot dispensary proposal at 2609 De la Vina Street, she directed opponents exactly where they could appeal the controversial project.
Plans for the medical marijuana dispensary have been in the works for more than two years. Applicant Ihab Ghannam has since been leasing the vacant small space, tucked between Yellow Belly and a hair salon. “This has been a long process,” said his attorney Rebecca Eggeman, expressing optimism they were “close to the finish line.”
“Close” is a relative term. Wednesday was the third time the project had been before the city’s hearing officer. Ghannam presented his revised application, including an updated security plan. It includes two security guards, one to patrol the premises 24/7. During business hours, one guard would escort patrons in cars parked in the back lot all the way around the adjoining buildings. (City codes require the back door remain shut.) The plan also includes surveillance cameras outside and bulletproof glass inside.
