Council Clears Path for Meijer Grocery Store

TIPP CITY — Tipp City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize the city manager to enter into a real estate purchase option contract with Meijer, advancing a years-long effort to bring a full-service grocer to town.

The resolution grants Meijer the exclusive option to purchase approximately 17 acres off State Route 571 and South County Road 25 for $3.05 million, with the intent of developing a general merchandise and grocery store on the site. Meijer will have a twelve-month option to purchase the land.

The vote followed public comment in which several residents voiced concerns about the project's effect on adjoining neighborhoods, citing anticipated increases in noise, lighting and traffic. Many mentioned that they were interested in keeping Tipp City’s “small-town feel” intact and felt a large grocery store in that area was a step in the wrong direction.

Council President Ryan Liddy acknowledged those concerns directly and said the city would work with Meijer to limit the development's traffic and impact on nearby residents. "Is it going to increase traffic? Yes, it will. I'm not going to sit here and lie and say that it won't," Liddy said. "But from my standpoint, that's not necessarily the worst thing in the world, not for the trade-off of bringing a grocer to a food desert that we currently are."

One resident urged the city to pursue a smaller-format grocer, such as Trader Joe's, rather than a large store. Councilman John Kessler responded that the city had approached 17 retailers over the course of its search. "I just think it's fair for you to know that there was multiple, multiple places, businesses, talked to, and this is the only return we got," Kessler said.

Liddy also addressed repeated calls from residents to place a grocery store in the existing plaza on West Main Street. "No grocer wants to go there, so it's not an option," he said.

In a statement issued Tuesday, State Senator Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) commended the council's action. "Watching this development move forward with Meijer is a huge accomplishment for the city and the surrounding region," Huffman said. "I'm proud to have supported the funding for this project in the capital budget. I know that this investment from the state and the city will have a positive effect for residents across the 5th Senate District and I look forward to shopping at this new Meijer myself."

The Gazette will continue to follow the project and report on developments as they occur.

**UPDATE**

On Wednesday, City Manager Eric Mack will appear as a guest on the latest episode of the Downtown Lowdown podcast. He will be speaking to host Tasha Weaver of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership to clarify the city's position, answer questions and provide historical context for the council's vote.