WAYNE HEIGHTS–Land development plans for the proposed new Aldi store at Wayne Heights Mall were unanimously recommended for approval by Washington Township Planning and Zoning Committee at a meeting March 13. Voting in favor were Charlie Strausbaugh, chairman; DanDeDona, vice chairman; Barb McCracken, secretary; and members Stewart McCleaf and Scott Stine. Aldi engineer Tim Scheg spoke with the committee via conference call.
The plan was recommended to the Washington Township Board of Supervisors for approval pending storm water review and bonding, Washington Township Municipal Authority (WTMA) and Waynesboro Borough Authority approval, payment of traffic impact fees, and minor edits to the land development plan.
Four stores from Rite Aid east to Dollar Tree, including where New Taste of China restaurant is located, will be demolished and remodeled to make way for the 20,499 square foot grocery store. Plans call for a bump-out that will nearly meet the front of Dollar Tree, according to Scheg.
“Franklin County (officials) had no comments on the plans and we’re waiting to hear from the Borough of Waynesboro and WTMA,” said Chad Reichard, assistant zoning officer and planner for Washington Township.
The committee also is looking at whether transportation impact fees need to be assessed. Washington Township Engineer Tim Cormany said the fees help the township fund needed traffic improvements. “Any time you have a new use (of a property) you look at that,” Cormany said.
New additions include a loading deck to the rear of the property as well as the cart holding area at the front of the store. “The carts lock together,” Scheg said. “You pay 25 cents for a cart and you get your quarter back when you return the cart. There are no loose carts in the parking lot because the customers want their quarter back. It works out very well.”
