Plans for Harrison Aldi, twice-delayed, appear uncertain

Plans for an Aldi grocery store in Harrison appear to be up in the air, following a two-year construction delay.

J.R. Perry, Aldi divisional vice president, said previously that work would start this year for the proposed store at 4024 Freeport Road, on the property formerly occupied by Harbison Nursery.

As of Friday, no work appeared to have started. Greenhouse structures sit empty on the property and there has been no site work.

Aldi spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment.

Township officials have not been notified that the plan is scrapped, although Township Manager Amy Rockwell said there have been no submissions by Aldi made to the township since its application to the zoning hearing board in 2022.

At that time, a public hearing sought input on the grocer’s proposal for the property. Company officials were granted a variance 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.

The company first announced its arrival in Harrison 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.

Rockwell said efforts have been made by the company to address site conditions.

Just three months ago, the township was informed that a final report had been submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection, she said.

“No further submissions have been made to the township since then,” Rockwell said.

The company’s next step would involve submitting a land development application to the planning commission.

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

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

Aldi has said it hopes to add 800 new stores to its 2,400 by the end of 2028, targeting Pennsylvania as part of its expansion.

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

As recently as last year, Perry said, “We are excited to confirm we are planning to open the Natrona Heights store next year.”

If plans go through, the store would sit directly across from Walmart.

Rockwell said the township has not received any updates indicating a change in plans.

“We continue to be informed of their progress throughout the process,” she said.