Recreational pot sales start in 13 days

Plus: Support local news and local brews

👋🏼 It’s been four weeks since Chicago Cityscape’s newsletter last graced your inbox with its arrival. That’s what happens when the author visits Oceania for more than two weeks. There isn’t a lot to say except Happy Holidays, it’s the end of 2019, and we hope you get your building permits issued this week!

Actually, there are some important things:

• Recreational sales of marijuana will proceed in Chicago on January 1, at 10 of Chicago’s 11 medical marijuana dispensaries. Plus, three companies have applied to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to open recreational-only dispensaries next year; all so far in the coveted Central Cannabis District that was the first to have all slots chosen at ZBA’s lottery on November 15. Only Chicago Cityscape has an always-updated map of existing dispensaries, schools, eligible zoning districts, and dispensaries in process.

• Block Club Chicago is an important, reader-supported news outlet that is nearing its goal of having 10,000 subscribers. We’ve been a subscriber since it started, and we’ve helped BCC reporters get information for stories. We also provide all reporters who write about Chicago’s neighborhoods a free Cityscape Pro membership.

• Streetsblog Chicago is also fundraising. This is the only news outlet that tells transportation stories from the perspective of the millions of Chicagoans who walk, bike, and use transit, which is distinct from the “windshield perspective” that clouds many people’s judgment on good mobility policy, street design, and the built environment. The Chicago Community Trust is matching donations, but only if SBC can raise $50,000.
• Englewood Brews also needs financial support. The brewery started construction three days ago with interior demolition at their 63rd and Halsted location in Englewood. Back it! We did!

• Hey, you made it this far! What do you want to see on Chicago Cityscape next year? Reply with a dataset you want, a feature you want, or a change you think would make it easier to use. If you’re curious to see what we’re thinking about, we publicize a partial wishlist/workplan.

Recreational pot sales start in 13 days was originally published in Chicago Cityscape on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.