Lidl closer to Fort Mill opening

A new grocery store, the first of its kind, is a little closer to opening in the Fort Mill area.

York County Council finalized a rezoning May 2 for a Lidl store on almost 5 acres at Pleasant and Coltharp roads. Plans for the German discount grocer include a 36,000-square-foot building with 170 parking spaces.

The approval includes $100,000 for future road improvements, two left turn lanes into the property, connections with Coltharp and RPC roads, a connection between Coltharp and Isom roads, sidewalks and timing of a nearby traffic signal.

Lidl previously announced it would begin building U.S. stores “no later than 2018.” Spokesperson Will Harwood said an opening date in Fort Mill hasn’t been set.

“We have not yet announced specific opening dates or construction timelines for our stores,” he said.

Lidl began more than 40 years ago. The company has about 10,000 stores in 26 European countries.

Other rezoning moves May 2 were minor.

▪ Council rezoned more than 4 acres on Pleasant Road from a residential to commercial listing, about 800 feet south of the Gold Hill Road intersection. Final plans haven’t been announced.

▪ Council rezoned less than 2 acres at 1940 Hwy. 160 Hwy. 160. Carolinas Land Company swapped a business zoning on the mulch and stone store for a higher density business use. Final plans could include auto service and repair.

▪ Council passed the first of three needed readings on less than an acre beside Willows at Fort Mill Apartments. The rezoning doesn’t fit land planning, but is a small property intended for an extension to the parking lot at the apartment complex.

“He’s just extending the parking lot for his apartment complex, so staff didn’t feel it was a big issue,” said planning director Audra Miller.

This story was originally published May 9, 2016 at 4:17 PM with the headline "Lidl closer to Fort Mill opening."