Green Dragon Dispensary in Boynton Beach. {Google Maps}
By Bryan Boggiano
Medical marijuana provider Green Dragon Dispensaries could roll its way into Coconut Creek.
The planning and zoning board will discuss Green Dragon’s application for a special land use approval and vote on forwarding a favorable recommendation to the city commission at their Sept. 13 meeting, starting at 5 p.m.
Green Dragon proposes opening a 3,112-square-foot medical marijuana dispensary in Colonial Plaza, 6706 State Road 7. It will replace a convenience store.
It will occupy the smaller freestanding building in Colonial Plaza. The larger, 10,500-square-foot structure will go through facade renovations, painting, and parking lot restorations as part of a larger project.
The dispensary will operate Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Green Dragon has 31 locations throughout Florida, including Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, and Wilton Manors. Four additional locations are scheduled to open soon.
While the city allows medical marijuana dispensaries, Green Dragon needs a special land use to open and operate.
Under the city’s code of ordinances, certain special land uses are necessary when there are more stringent development standards than those permitted by right, when there are restrictions on the number, area, or location of certain businesses in individual zoning districts, and when there are restricted hours of operation and other aspects.
The proposed facility will have numerous safety and security components in place.
These include a 24/7 camera system monitoring all entrances; an alarm system outfitted with door contacts, glass breakers, motion sensors, and panic buttons; secure storage areas; background checks for all employees; and deliveries in unmarked vehicles invisible to the public.
Green Dragon also plans to make multiple unspecified renovations to the building.
According to a traffic study from Lisa S. Bernstein, PE, Traffic Engineers, the new dispensary would also reduce the number of daily trips to the plaza and not lead to disruptive traffic in surrounding areas. Traffic studies also indicate there would be no strain on available parking.
Following the board’s vote, the city commission is expected to decide on the fate of Green Dragon’s Coconut Creek location at an unspecified upcoming commission meeting.
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