CRYSTAL LAKE,IL-Meijer's 10th location in the Chicago market isshaping up as another tough sell the Grand Rapids, MI-based groceryand general merchandise retailer. Zoning board of appeals membersunanimously recommended against rezoning for a retail project afterhome owners living next to a 34-acre site at the southeast cornerof Route 31 and Three Oaks Road object to the increase traffic,safety problems and demolition of 100-year-old oak trees.

The plans for a 24-hour, 195,714-sf Meijer's store as well as amedical center and three restaurants got a chilly reception fromabout 50 neighbors at a recent zoning board of appeals publicmeeting. Meijer's officials received a postponement of a scheduledplan commission hearing, pushing consideration by the city councilin this far northwest suburb into November.

A partnership that includes Meijer Stores Limited Partnership,Mercy Health System Corp. and Rubloff Three Oaks LLC are asking torezone a site that is primarily earmarked for light manufacturingto business use. It also is asking for variances on required lotsizes, height and landscaping.