After years of delay, Harrison Aldi taking steps forward

A decision on whether an Aldi grocery store will move forward in Harrison could come as soon as next month.

Store officials submitted plans to the township planning commission last week, seeking a recommendation for land development.

The move comes two years into discussions on a store proposed for 4024 Freeport Road, the site of the former Harbison Nursery. It’s across the road from Walmart.

“Plans were also submitted to Allegheny County planning for review,” Township Manager Amy Rockwell said. “We are still in the 30-day review period for the county.”

The company first announced plans for a Harrison store in 2022, the same year it purchased the 18.3-acre property, according to the Allegheny County Real Estate website.

The cost was $875,000.

J.R. Perry, vice president of Aldi’s Saxonburg Division, previously said construction would start this year. As of this week, the vacant greenhouse buildings still occupy the property.

“At this time, we do not have any information to share on a potential store in Natrona Heights,” Perry shared Tuesday in an email. “As soon as we have information regarding further ALDI expansion in this area, we will reach out.”

Early on, Aldi was granted a variance by the township’s zoning hearing board to build in an area zoned S-1, or special. APD Engineering & Architecture, on behalf of Aldi, also sought a variance to allow construction within a required 30-yard setback from Freeport Road.

Since then, the company has made efforts to address site conditions and submitted a report to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

About 18 months passed without further plans submitted to the township, until last week.

Rockwell said the planning commission and township engineer met with Aldi representatives to review the submission.

“There were some comments for Aldi to complete and submit,” Rockwell said. “They will be on the planning commission agenda for August provided they resubmit in time.”

By then, the township is expected to have received comments from the county, she said.

The planning commission could take action if all items are satisfied.

Locally, Aldi operates in New Kensington, Frazer, Kittanning, Penn Hills and Shaler.

Headquartered in Batavia, Ill., the company recently announced plans to open later this year in Allegheny Township, Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood and Harmony.

Founded in 1961 in Germany, there are more than 2,300 Aldi stores across the U.S., according to the company’s website.