The St. Paul Planning Commission voted unanimously Friday to approve the site plan for a proposed Trader Joe's grocery store.
Barring an appeal to the City Council, the project is a go. It needs to meet some conditions, including improving the landscape, turning off parking lot lights at night and getting a permit for the stormwater system. The 1.27-acre site -- bounded by Randolph and Juno Avenues, Lexington Parkway and Interstate 35E -- will include a 14,400-square-foot building for the store, another 5,500-square-foot building and an underground parking structure.
The proposed development has caused concern over traffic congestion and potential effects on the neighborhood and nearby businesses.
Supporters of the project have said it will clean up a blighted corner and bring a popular store to the city.
CHRIS HAVENS
