Residents organize against proposed Meijer development in Niles Township

NILES TOWNSHIP, Ind. -- Some residents in Niles Township are organizing an opposition group to a proposed development that could bring a Meijer store and other commercial construction to the intersection of Niles-Buchanan Road and Morris Drive.

Neighbors met Wednesday to discuss concerns and prepare talking points for future township meetings, citing worries about noise, traffic, property values and public safety if a large retail development is approved.

Steve Chiodo, a local resident, said the scale of the potential project is significant.

“If you overlaid the University Park Mall and all its parking lots, it would fit in this piece of land,” Chiodo said.

Residents say they are not opposed to economic development but believe a large retailer would be better suited for an existing commercial corridor rather than near homes.

Resident Brian Tarnacki also questioned whether the township has the resources needed to support a major commercial development.

“I’m not sure if Niles Township has the infrastructure that can handle that, with police and fire and other things that they will need to really manage this major development,” he said.

Some residents said the need for additional police or security services could lead to higher taxes.

The Niles Township Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss the project at a meeting April 14 at 7 p.m., where residents are encouraged to attend and share their feedback.