County officials unsure of when to expect new Meijer

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - Tippecanoe County officials are hopeful a popular retail superstore is getting closer to coming to the West Lafayette area. But an exact time frame for a new Meijer off U.S. 52 is still uncertain.

Residents in the West Lafayette area seem to be excited about the new Meijer. Many put an emphasis on how convenient the new store would be.

"The location would definitely be a reason for me to switch," said Aubrey Bredemeyer.

"When I want to cook up something with a whole lot of decently fresh ingredients, it will give me a chance to get those," said Alex Bunkofske.

"My wife likes shopping at Meijer, but it's a 20-minute drive or so to get to the east side. We normally limit our visits to when we are traveling to Indianapolis because it's convenient to I-65," Jim McCammack said.

Meijer is looking to build on an empty field that sits next to Menards off U.S. 52.

As News 18 has already reported, Meijer representatives asked the Tippecanoe County Board of Zoning Appeals last month for larger signs. The larger sign package was voted down.

"Since that denial, they have submitted a secondary request for signage that does comply with the ordinance, so ultimately it would be approved. It wouldn't require a variance," said Tom Murtaugh, Tippecanoe County Commissioner.

Murtaugh said the new sign package means Meijer is one step closer to breaking ground. However, when that will happen still remains a mystery.

"We've had no communication with the officials from Meijer as to when that groundbreaking would take place," Murtaugh explained.

Murtaugh hopes the new addition will allow the West Lafayette area to grow. He said the retail business is a good fit for that area.

Residents seem to agree.

"We heard earlier, probably two years ago, that it was a possibility but then nothing since, so we're anxious to see them arrive," McCammack added.

Meijer representatives refused to speak to News 18 at January's meeting.

News 18 did have the chance to speak to residents off Klondike Road whose yards and homes flooded in June 2010.
    
Back then, they said flooding was becoming a big problem because of a retention pond the new Menards installed.
    
Wednesday, when News 18 asked if they were worried about Meijer causing any flooding problems, their answer was no because the store would be farther away than Menards.