In an unexpected move, grocery retailer ALDI, has decided not to build in Dawson County at least not now.

The retailer, which bills itself as the nations low-price grocery leader, had planned to build near Kani House on Ga. 400.

Dawson County Planning and Zoning Commission on March 17 approved the stores request for a 25-foot reduction in frontage from the required 100 feet.

Emails and phone calls to ALDIs corporate office for comment were not returned.

Their public statement was that they didnt think the time was right for the community, said Dawson County Commission Chair Mike Berg.

Berg stated he received his information from Charlie Auvermann, the director of the Dawson County Development Authority.

The store had planned for an 18,000-square-foot space.

Auvermann did not know if ALDIs decision was related to the continuous flow intersection under construction at Ga. 400 and Highway 53 had any impact.

When they came through, if they were looking at property along 400 and 53, we made them aware of that, Auvermann said. And until I having something in hand, I dont know what the problem is.

Of course the (Dawson County) Development Authority is very disappointed if the decision made byAldi is to not construct a store here. We remain hopeful that they will reconsider Dawson County in the near future. Every firm has its specific criteria for expansion and we fully respect those internal parameters.