Supermarket Approved For Long Vacant Lot At Corner Of Ridge And Trooper

LOWER PROVIDENCE, PA — A grocery store has been approved for a long vacant lot at Ridge Pike and Trooper Road in Lower Providence, the township announced on Tuesday.

The township's Board of Supervisors approved a land development plan for Lidl, a grocery store chain, at the site of the former Norristown Ford dealership.

“The Board of Supervisors is excited to welcome Lidl to Lower Providence. Revitalizing and redeveloping this long-vacant parcel in our township was a top priority for the Supervisors,” Supervisor Jason Sorgini, vice chairman of the Board, said in a statement. “Lidl will provide new opportunities for our residents and serve as a wonderful gateway into Lower Providence Township.”

The site's existing buildings will be demolished to make way for the store, the township said. The grocery store will be in a new 36,000 square-foot building.

Lidl is going to subdivide a parcel on the west side of the property. It's not yet clear exactly what will go there.

The township said that Lidl listened when they requested to re-evaluate parking options, and that the reduction in parking spaces means there will be room for green spaces, landscaping, and pedestrian connections.

Lidl also is considering beautifying the corner further with a monument-style "Welcome to Lower Providence Township."

“Lidl recognizes that this is an important site, a gateway site," said Lidl representative Matthew McHugh.

An exact opening date has not been announced.

German-based Lidl operates over 10,000 stores in 27 countries across Europe. There are 37 stores currently open in the United States.

Image via Lower Providence Township