Elmhurst Mariano's Gas Station Plan Withdrawn

ELMHURST, IL — In the face of organized opposition, Mariano's grocery store withdrew a controversial plan for a gas station on Elmhurst's north side.

The decision was made four days after Elmhurst Patch ran a story about neighbors' objections to a gas station on what is now a gravel lot at York Street and Crestview Avenue.

In an email to the city Tuesday, the store said it was withdrawing its request. It cited operational concerns with lighting restrictions and safety with its location on a main commercial thoroughfare.

At the same time, Mariano's said it would continue to look for sites near the store, which is at 678 N. York St.

"The fuel program continues to be an important part of the Mariano's long-term plan and the team is still very interested in bringing a fuel center to Elmhurst to support this store," the email said.

Mariano's is owned by Kroger Co., the nation's second largest retailer.

Last week, Patch documented the neighborhood's opposition to the proposed gas station next to the Interstate 290 exchange. Residents created a Facebook page that now has more than 100 members, got yard signs and distributed hundreds of flyers.

Organizers said they became aware of the proposed gas station from an Oct. 20 Patch story. A city zoning panel was planning to consider the proposal at its meeting next Tuesday.

On Friday, Patch left a message with Tim Kratz, a representative of the developer for the project. He called back to say he has alerted Mariano's public relations department about the inquiry.

In an interview last week, Andi Tseng, one of the neighbors, cited safety and health concerns about the station.

"The north side of Elmhurst has really been built up. This doesn't seem to meet a community need," Tseng said.