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player ready...Officials with Aldi supermarket are looking to add on to the store the company operates on the 4800 block of Oakton Street.
The Skokie Plan Commission unanimously recommended on Nov. 3 a site plan for what is being called “a relatively minor addition” by Aldi within the existing loading dock area of the store.
According to the village, the addition would occupy about 1,380 square feet and provide for “retail-related activity.”
The Plan Commission not only recommended the site plan for the project but also a special-use permit for adjoining Market Place on Oakton, which shares the building with Aldi.
The special use permit would allow Market Place to sell outdoor seasonal and garden items outside in front of the store.
The owners of Market Place on Oakton said they have no objections to the Aldi addition.
The back room addition on the Aldi side of the building would provide more storage resulting in “a wider diversity in product,” according to store officials.
Aldi officials said the space currently is used for loading and some storage, so the store’s interior would not dramatically change because of the addition.
Some tweaks to the LaCrosse Avenue driveway leading to an Aldi entrance would provide smoother transition coming in and out of the store, according to store officials.
Village and store officials said the changes would improve pedestrian traffic and the visibility of signs. Skokie Planner Carrie Haberstich said Aldi and Market Place have also been discussing resurfacing the entire parking lot.
Haberstich said that under village code, the parking lot must provide at least 59 spaces for both store uses while 201 spaces are currently provided on the site.
“From the village’s perspective, there’s more than enough parking,” she said.
In fact, she said, some nearby downtown businesses more hard-pressed for parking have asked to be able to use some of the parking available at the two stores. Arrangements for accommodations are being discussed, she said.
“The proposed improvements will result in a new look for the building and parking lot, and a more efficient operation within the Aldi store,” said village planners in a report to the Plan Commission. “The improvements will have a positive impact on the character of the neighborhood and surrounding property values.”
The Skokie Village Board will have a final vote on the site plan and special use permit at a future meeting, officials said.
Twitter: @SKReview_Mike