Representatives for CURELEAF presented plans on May 6 for a medical marijuana treatment center at 1280 North Ponce De Leon Boulevard, describing the proposal as an interior-only buildout within a property zoned CM-2 (Commercial, Medium 2) that requires a use-by-exception review by the Planning & Zoning Board.

Jacob Thromberg, the company’s North American retail and industrial development manager, told the board the proposal would not change the building footprint; the firm expects limited exterior “sprucing” but no expansion of the structure. Thromberg described the operator’s experience in designing compliant retail and processing spaces for regulated cannabis uses and said CURELEAF would follow local security, access and regulatory requirements for medical marijuana treatment centers.

Why it matters: Medical marijuana treatment centers are a regulated land use in Florida; local zoning can restrict locations and requires specific findings for a use-by-exception approval. The site’s CM-2 zoning allows the use with board consideration of consistency, traffic and security plans.

What was presented
- The application is for an interior tenant build-out; the building footprint will remain unchanged.
- CURELEAF expects to implement standard security and queuing controls and to design the facility to meet state and local regulatory requirements.
- Staff advised the board that, based on Section 28-29, the board may approve the use by exception with or without conditions; staff’s summary recommended the board could approve following a standard review of the site plan and internal security measures.

Next steps
- The item will remain on the agenda for formal action once the board has had an opportunity to review the full site and operational plan packet; staff will list any recommended conditions regarding access control, delivery windows and signage if the board moves forward.

Speakers
- Jacob Thromberg, CURELEAF (representative)
- Planning staff (summary of zoning allowances and review steps)

Authorities referenced
- Section 28-29 (use-by-exception and variance standards) — cited by staff in the review.

Ending
The board received the presentation and did not take a final vote at the May 6 meeting; the staff report indicated the board may approve the use-by-exception after review of interior security and site plans.