Council to consider appointment of new member, cannabis store

The Worthington City Council will consider the appointment of a new council member during its meeting Monday.

Due to the recent resignation of Worthington City Council Ward 1 representative Larry Janssen, a City Council Subcommittee was established to provide a recommendation for a new representative for Ward 1. Three eligible applicants were interviewed, and the subcommittee is bringing forward its recommendation for the city council to appoint as the new representative for Ward 1 pursuant to state and local statute. The appointee will serve the remainder of Janssen’s current term ending in 2026.

In an additional business item, council members will consider approval of a conditional use permit for Freedom Paradise Holdings to allow for the operation of a cannabis retail dispensary – or, cannabis retail store -- at 1300 Humiston Ave. The applicant plans combine the vacant middle unit with the adjoining unit on the west side of the building that is currently occupied by Jimmy John’s.

City code specifies that cannabis retail facilities are permitted by conditional use only in the ‘B-3’ district, the zoning designation of the subject property. The city’s Planning Commission voted unanimously on July 1 to recommend approval of the requested conditional use permit with conditions.

The application from Freedom Paradise Holdings is the first request in Worthington pertaining to operating a cannabis retail store. As for Jimmy John’s, Planning Commission minutes from July 1 state that Director of Community Development Matt Selof indicated that per his understanding, that business would either move or close if the conditional use permit for the cannabis retail store is approved. If the CUP is not approved, he is unsure of Jimmy John’s future, as both businesses are tenants and subject to their lease terms.

Additionally, the council will consider a CUP request from David Bosma to allow for the establishment of Old Home Automotive, a new auto repair business at 1000 Sherwood St.