German grocer LIDL is making its entry into the U.S. and has designated Fayetteville as one of its proposed locations.
Representative Mark Moore in an overview of the project said LIDL wants to construct a 35,962 sq. ft. store on Ga. Highway 85 North on the property where J and R Clothing is currently located.
The proposal includes a rezoning request for approximately five acres from C-2 (community commercial) and R-22 (single-family residential) to C-3 (highway commercial).
The proposal also includes the annexation and rezoning of .96 acres of adjacent property from the county designation of R-20 (single-family residential) to C-3.
The current building, which sits parallel to the highway, would be replaced with one essentially sitting at a 45-degree angle to the roadway.
Unlike the last time LIDL came before the commission, the acquisition of additional property means that no variances or special exceptions are needed.
Citing the desire to build the company’s prototype store, Moore said LIDL offers a limited selection that emphasizes quality over quantity along with a European-style bakery.
Commissioners explained that the largely glass front of the prototype will be an issue.
“They use a lot of glass to let in more natural light,” said Moore.
Commissioners suggested Moore meet with planning staff to address the issue.
LIDL will return to the planning commission in May.
LIDL operates approximately 10,000 stores in 27 European countries and is planning to open 100 stores across the eastern U.S. by mid-2018, according to businessinsider.com.
