German grocer LIDL on May 25 received rezoning and annexation approval from the Fayetteville Planning and Zoning Commission in connection with proposal to construct a 36,000 sq. ft. grocery store on Ga. Highway 85 North.
The proposal included 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 included 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 is home to J&R Clothing and sits parallel to the highway. The proposal has the replacement building situated at a 45-degree angle to the roadway. The building would be replaced with one totaling 35,962 sq. ft.
Meantime, J&R owner Richard Dumas said his clothing store will be relocating to Ga. Highway 54 West near Grady Avenue on Fayetteville’s west side.
Dumas said he is planning a 22,000 sq. ft. strip center that will include the new location for J&R along with several retail spaces.
LIDL requested no variances or special exceptions.
Citing the desire to build the company’s prototype store, company representatives said LIDL offers a limited selection that emphasizes quality over quantity along with a European-style bakery.
Commissioners approved the request by on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner John Reeves opposed. Reeves thought LIDL might have requested a special exception, thereby not setting a precedent for the future.
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.
