Courtesy Photo A rendering is shown of what the new Zella Cannabis marijuana shop could look like if it opens later this year. On Tuesday, the Alpena Planning Commission voted to issue a special-use permit for the proposed store which would be at the corner of 12th Avenue and Chisholm Street.

ALPENA — Alpena could be getting another adult-use marijuana shop.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Alpena Planning Commission voted unanimously to grant a special-use permit to Fadi Yousif, who intends to open Zella Cannabis at some point this year.

The new shop is slated to be built at the corner of 12th Avenue and Chisholm Street next to McDonalds.

The property borders a residential neighborhood and all property owners within 300 feet received letters from the city informing them of the public hearing for the permit and the plans for the shop.

Only one resident spoke in opposition of the permit being issued at the meeting.

Deb Werner said she has no issue with people using or being able to purchase the drug, but she fears the store, if allowed to open, will negatively impact the neighborhood, which she said is made up of people who are older in age.

She said her home would only be separated by an alley from the store if it is allowed to open, and she fears it could disrupt the aesthetic of the vicinity where she has lived for 39 years.

“I am right directly behind them and right now there is no commotion and it is just quiet there in the evenings and on the weekends,” she said. “I just really don’t want it there. I don’t want anything that will disrupt the neighborhood.”

Yousif said he hopes to clear the permit and licensing process as quickly as possible and hopes to have the store remodeled and open in six months. He said he and his partners will do good by the store’s neighbors and the community as a whole.

He said Alpena will benefit from having another marijuana shop in the city because of the tax revenue it will bring in.

“We are excited to open something that will benefit the residents who might have medical issues, but also bring the tax incentive revenue back to the municipalities,” Yousif said.

Zella Cannabis, when open, hoped to allow curbside pickup for its products, but that would not comply with the city’s zoning ordinance, so Yousif said he would scrap that part of the plan. The planning commission will include a stipulation for the issuance of the permit that it will not be allowed.