Palatine Residents Sound Off On Starbucks Plan

Palatine is expected to vote on whether to approve a Starbucks in the 200 block of Northwest Highway at its meeting at 7 p.m. tonight, Monday, Nov. 14.

The meeting will be at Village Hall, 200 E. Wood St.

As of 1 p.m. a . Those voting "no" on the plan outnumbered supporters by a count of 136 to 75. The poll will close at 6 p.m.

Residents also have been voicing their opinion on the Palatine Patch Facebook page.

Those opposed to the plan cite traffic concerns and a belief that the location is too close to , 189 W. Northwest Highway, and will have an adverse impact on the local business.

"I hope they don't for Norma's sake and traffic," wrote Dave Young. "There are already at least three Starbucks in Palatine."

"I think a drive-through Starbucks is a great idea but not in that particular location (too congested)," wrote Donna Garcia. "A better choice would be on the corner of Northwest Highway [and] Quentin [Road]."

However, supporters said they wanted to see the project go through.

"It may take some business away form her, but I really doubt it would take a whole lot away," wrote Linda Snodgrass Sabor. In a another post, Sabor wrote "I am more worried about the traffic problems there will be when [Mariano's Fresh Market] opens up on Hicks."

The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approving the project last month, despite concerns about . The Starbucks would be located in new stripmall in the 200 block of Northwest Highway between Harris Bank and McDonald's.

Although zoned for commercial businesses, for a proposed drive-thru for Starbucks and because the other proposed tenant, Charley's Grilled Subs, is a restaurant.