Planning Commission Approves Old Town Harris Teeter

The Alexandria Planning Commission approved the rezoning, concept plan and special use permits for a new Harris Teeter grocery store at 735 N. St. Asaph Street in North Old Town at the end of a marathon meeting that adjourned at 2:51 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The grocery store will be part of a new development that will include 175 rental apartments and two levels of underground parking.

City staff recommended approving the proposal because it includes the grocery store provision, an “attractive architectural design” and the removal of vacant buildings as well as enhancements of the streetscape on the block.

At the hearing, some nearby residents expressed concerns over increased traffic involving both cars and delivery trucks and worries about parking and noise.

The Planning Commission's biggest concerns centered on the amount of available parking in such a "dense" complex. Kenneth Wire, a lawyer representing developer Alexandria Old Town North, LLC, said his client would look into making more spaces available. 

The development would put a Harris Teeter just few blocks between two existing grocers—a on First Street and a on N. St. Asaph Street.

One Old Town resident said the Giant was “inferior” and “not full-service.” She said she chooses not to use the Giant because it is “the site for evening crime.”

Many at the hearing considered Trader Joe’s a “specialty store” that people will continue to visit for items unavailable elsewhere.

The proposal will be presented to City Council during an open hearing scheduled for June 25.