Grocery store finally on track to start construction in Ivanhoe neighborhood

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After years of delays, a grocery store may finally be coming to the Ivanhoe neighborhood in Kansas City, Mo.

Neighborhood leaders have been seeking a store since 2004. Plans were announced in 2006, but there's still no sign of progress at 39th Street and Prospect Avenue.

Phil Klawuhn, lawyer for Aldi, said the grocery chain is nearly ready to begin construction on a $5 million, 16,000 square foot store that would employ 13 people.

Aldi was set to open this past summer, but a change in design and approval from the city slowed it down. Klawuhn said all that remains is final permission from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

"This grocery store will certainly help families in our community from having to walk miles and miles to grocery stores," City Councilman Jermaine Reed said at the initial announcement in November 2011.

Many neighborhood residents do not have a vehicle and rely on the bus to get groceries. The nearest store is currently more than a mile away.

"In regards to eating healthy in this neighborhood, you're pretty much out of luck," resident Brenda Long said.

She said corner stores do not offer most groceries, especially fresh foods. Long looks forward to being able to walk just a block to Aldi.

"I could get the fresh produce as well as get my exercise," Long said.

Klawuhn lawyer said Aldi plans to start major construction in the spring and open by late 2013.