Planning board approves Aldi conversion at Hampton Shopping Plaza with safety and lighting conditions
June 18, 2026 | Hampton, Sussex County, New Jersey
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The Hampton Township Planning Board on May 21 approved site-plan and variance relief to convert the former Staples tenant space in the Hampton Shopping Plaza into an Aldi grocery store, subject to conditions aimed at addressing lighting, screening and curbside-pickup safety.
Applicant testimony (engineer Matthew Bersch and attorney Michael Selvaggi) described a reuse of the existing building footprint with façade upgrades, a proposed store of approximately 20,020 square feet, operating hours of 8 a.m.–8 p.m. seven days a week, one to two weekly deliveries, and a workforce of about 20 employees. The plan proposes four curbside-pickup spaces, widened sidewalk near the cart corral, upgraded ADA parking, minor restriping and truck-circulation improvements, and five new building-mounted light fixtures. The applicant testified no outdoor storage or sales are planned and that existing loading facilities would be used.
Board members expressed concern about the curbside-pickup location — near a busy entrance from Route 206 — noting past accidents in that area and the expectation of higher pickup volumes. Traffic Engineer Corey Chasse, who was accepted as an expert, explained the operational reasons for the chosen pickup spot and proposed mitigation including a marked pedestrian crosswalk and a portable three-foot sign; he said similar store layouts have not produced traffic issues at recently built sites and that the design supports efficient employee access. He told the board the safety of Aldi customers and employees is a priority for the applicant.
Angela Shakur, Aldi’s director of real estate, said a property-management team performs an annual walkthrough of the store to ensure upkeep. Board Engineer David Simmons supported several elements of the plan and recommended downward-facing wall packs to reduce light pollution.
The board approved the application with conditions that include installing downward-facing fixtures, screening any new HVAC equipment from view, providing an as-built plan, adding striping and signage at the employee crossing, enclosing the dumpster with a chain-link fence and privacy slats, and limiting exterior lighting so lights are off within two hours of store hours. A motion to approve was made by Mr. Dooley and seconded by Mr. Sivulich. Roll call recorded votes in favor from Mr. Daniels, Mr. Dooley, Mr. Gunderman, Mr. Gurick, Mrs. Kominiak, Mrs. McCarthy, Mr. Santora, Mr. Sivulich, Mr. Walther and Mr. Zawacki.
After the vote, Attorney Michael Selvaggi requested that Aldi be allowed to file its construction-permit application with the municipal Construction Office before the board adopts the memorializing resolution; the board granted that request by unanimous motion.
Applicant testimony (engineer Matthew Bersch and attorney Michael Selvaggi) described a reuse of the existing building footprint with façade upgrades, a proposed store of approximately 20,020 square feet, operating hours of 8 a.m.–8 p.m. seven days a week, one to two weekly deliveries, and a workforce of about 20 employees. The plan proposes four curbside-pickup spaces, widened sidewalk near the cart corral, upgraded ADA parking, minor restriping and truck-circulation improvements, and five new building-mounted light fixtures. The applicant testified no outdoor storage or sales are planned and that existing loading facilities would be used.
Board members expressed concern about the curbside-pickup location — near a busy entrance from Route 206 — noting past accidents in that area and the expectation of higher pickup volumes. Traffic Engineer Corey Chasse, who was accepted as an expert, explained the operational reasons for the chosen pickup spot and proposed mitigation including a marked pedestrian crosswalk and a portable three-foot sign; he said similar store layouts have not produced traffic issues at recently built sites and that the design supports efficient employee access. He told the board the safety of Aldi customers and employees is a priority for the applicant.
Angela Shakur, Aldi’s director of real estate, said a property-management team performs an annual walkthrough of the store to ensure upkeep. Board Engineer David Simmons supported several elements of the plan and recommended downward-facing wall packs to reduce light pollution.
The board approved the application with conditions that include installing downward-facing fixtures, screening any new HVAC equipment from view, providing an as-built plan, adding striping and signage at the employee crossing, enclosing the dumpster with a chain-link fence and privacy slats, and limiting exterior lighting so lights are off within two hours of store hours. A motion to approve was made by Mr. Dooley and seconded by Mr. Sivulich. Roll call recorded votes in favor from Mr. Daniels, Mr. Dooley, Mr. Gunderman, Mr. Gurick, Mrs. Kominiak, Mrs. McCarthy, Mr. Santora, Mr. Sivulich, Mr. Walther and Mr. Zawacki.
After the vote, Attorney Michael Selvaggi requested that Aldi be allowed to file its construction-permit application with the municipal Construction Office before the board adopts the memorializing resolution; the board granted that request by unanimous motion.
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