Grocery store struck down by unanimous board decision
A proposed Aldi grocery store will not become a reality after the Board of Adjustment voted unanimously Wednesday evening to deny its permit.
Windsor Heights officials shot down a permit request for the store at the old Apple Valley strip mall on 73rd Street and University Avenue.
One board member said after listening to community members, the plan ultimately did not match the community's vision for Windsor Heights.
Back in August, the City Council approved the property management's site plan for the Apple Valley Shopping Center to be renovated into Midtown Center.
Stores, such as Fitness Sports, had to move out with just a few months' notice.
"Anytime you move a business, I think it's tough," Fitness Sports owner Steve Bobenhouse said.
The first proposed store for the center was an Aldi grocery.
Sized at about 18,000 square feet, it needed city approval of a conditional use permit.
"The support for exceeding 10,000 square feet in a grocery, there was no seen community need or benefit to that," Board of Adjustment Chairman Dave Knau said.
Windsor Heights residents spoke out against the grocery, with about 100 people signing an online petition.
"The overwhelming message we received was that they would like to see some new uses come into that area," Knau said.
The Aldi would have been the fourth grocery store within less than a mile, with Hy-Vee, Walmart and Sam's Club across the street.
Aldi Vice President Matt Lilla released this statement:
"We are disappointed by the Board of Adjustment's decision, and we plan to evaluate our options in an effort to identify the best solution for our customers and our businesses."
Fitness Sports relocated to Clive and is back up and running.
Bobenhouse said he is hopeful for the future of Midtown Center.
"I hope they get what the city really wants, and I just don't think the people of the city want another grocery store," he said.
KCCI tried to call the property manager for comment, but he could not be reached.