The Fresh Market May Soon Come to Washington Road

The Fresh Market could soon be coming to the South Hills.

The gourmet supermarket chain is seeking approval from Mt. Lebanon commissioners to demolish the Roth Carpet building on the corner of Washington and Connor roads, and build the new grocery store.

The Fresh Market received a recommendation for final approval from the Mt. Lebanon Planning Board on April 24. Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the plan on June 12.

If The Fresh Market receives final approval in June, representatives said construction would begin as soon as possible. It would be the first store in the Pittsburgh area and the third in Pennsylvania.

The Fresh Market's application has been under consideration since last summer. There have been concerns about traffic.

Representatives have since received approval from and Trans Associates to have two access points to the store from Connor Road. One would serve as the main entrance and the other, closer to JoS. A Banks, would serve as an exit-only access point. Traffic would not be allowed to make a left turn from the main entrance point from 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends.

The Fresh Market must also receive approval from the commissioners in June to reconfigure the parking lot to allow 98 parking spaces to share with JoS. A. Banks. The Mt. Lebanon zoning ordinance limits parking to 55 spaces.

According to The Fresh Market website, the store would convey an atmosphere of an old world European market with an old-style butcher shop and fish market, bakery, produce and floral stands, and delicatessen.

According to representatives, there would also be an outdoor dining area for customers in front of the store at the Mt. Lebanon location.

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