An ALDI Market is proposed at Westgate Plaza next to TJ Maxx. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
WESTFIELD – An ALDI Supermarket in Westgate Plaza, 231 East Main St. was approved Oct. 6 for a special permit, site plan and stormwater plan by the Planning Board at its third hearing, after lengthy discussions about truck routes in and out of the plaza.
The 19,750 square foot supermarket in Westgate Plaza would be located between TJ Maxx and Taco Bell. The plans include construction of an end cap, reconfiguration of the parking lot in front of the store, and a loading dock.
According to information on its website, ALDI is one of America’s fastest growing retailers, with nearly 2,000 stores across 36 states, and is on track to become the third-largest grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022. Ninety percent of its products are ALDI-exclusive brands.ALDI also owns a store in West Springfield.
At the Oct 6 Westfield Planning Board meeting, a representative from R. Levesque Assoc. said the concerns of the board had been met by adjustments to the plan, including added pavement striping, signage and rounded mirrors to aid the visibility of trucks traveling behind the stores to the loading dock on the front corner behind Taco Bell. Trucks will not be allowed to drive across the front of the store for deliveries.
Also added to the plan was a rail, sidewalk and bike rack at the edge of the Taco Bell parking area, and a couple of do not enter one-way signs.
The Planning Board continued a lengthy discussion of the possible route for trucks to take to exit the plaza in order not to impede traffic, and the option for turning around in the back of the parking area before exiting.
The traffic anticipated for the store includes one 50-foot delivery truck per day off hours, and about Coca-cola trucks and other vendors during the week and during the day.
“The amount of deliveries are minimal. These are drivers that go down to New York City, and deliver to very tight spots throughout New England,” said Reuben Twersky of Brixmore SPE, property owner.
A motion to approve the permit with conditions passed 6 to 1, with John Bowen dissenting, saying he was still not satisfied with the truck routes.
Conditions included reducing the proposed wall sign according to ordinance size limitations; adding a locked fence and concrete anchor to the dumpster per a Flood Commission request; and a rail at the end of the ALDI sidewalk.
Also conditioned was signage directing customers to the pickup area in the rear, one-to-one tree replacement for seven trees slated for removal, and that any new building development will trigger a review of traffic flow in the parking area, and require a plan.
