NORFOLK, Va. — Aldi is pushing to move into Ghent.
The grocery store chain submitted a conditional use permit to the City of Norfolk’s Planning Commission. If approved, it would move into the former Farm Fresh location on 21st Street.
People in Ghent are hoping the grocery moves in and fills a spot that's been vacant for nearly nine months.
One shopper, Sandy Fewell lives in the Lafayette neighborhood of Norfolk. If Aldi comes to Ghent, she said she’ll make the drive to shop at the grocery store.
“I think it's a great idea, it will bring a little bit more variety to Ghent,” said Fewell.
The store has sat vacant since Farm Fresh announced closures early this year. Nearby business owners said the vacancy has gone on for too long and it's hurting their bottom line.
Damien Gardner, an employee who works across from the vacant space, said he has witnessed the losses.
“Ever since the Farm Fresh left, the shopping center kind of died off. Businesses kind of died off,” said Gardner.
Fewell said having a new grocery store in the neighborhood could only benefit her.
“There’s so many people, it's a very densely packed neighborhood,” said Fewell. “The more stores, the better. It gives you more choices.”
Choices people in the community have pushed for.
Two women have started a campaign with the hope of bringing a grocery store to Downtown Norfolk. It’s been without one for seven years.
The wish list of potential chains goes on.
“We need a Trader Joe's here. Somewhere in the area, we need a Trader Joe’s, because I have to go all the way out to the beach,” said Fewell.
Gardner said at this point, he just wants the space not to be vacant anymore.
“Hopefully Aldi coming into the neighborhood, that’ll create more traffic and more opportunity for people,” said Gardner.
The move is not yet set in stone. The City of Norfolk's planning commission still has to review the application during a public hearing on Jan. 24th, 2019.
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