That is what representatives from Alpena Retail North LLC told the Alpena Township Planning Commission Monday after the board voted to accept design plans for the 22,365 square-foot store that will be built on the property between the Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union and the Meijer entrance on Bagley Street.

Marshalls is owned by TJX Companies and has more than 1,000 locations in the United States.

Once built, the store will face inward toward the Meijer parking lot and have a parking lot with enough room for 100 vehicles and several areas for bicycles.

Township Building Official Kevin Pauly said many of the needed permits have already been granted to the developer and only a building permit is needed for ground to be broken.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena Township Building Official Kevin Pauly looks over the design plans for a new Marshalls that will be built in Alpena on Bagley Street. The project is expected to break ground when the weather warms.

Board Chairman Tom Hilberg said he suspects people in the area are excited for the new store because over the last several years, retail shopping, especially for clothing, has become scarce. He said as a whole, development in the M-32 corridor has seen an increase in momentum which is exciting.

“I think this is a great thing and I think people will be thrilled to go there and shop, especially for clothes,” Hilberg said. “When you look at Starbucks, urgent care, Aldi, and Marshalls, that is something that is good for the entire area. We’re really pleased they are building this in the township and we’re excited to welcome them.”

Trustee Norm Poli, who is on the township board of trustees and represents it on the planning commission, said continued growth is always a goal of the township and many projects that have been talked about for some time are now starting to take shape.

He said residents and visitors should be excited for the new businesses and what lies ahead.

Alpena Retail North LLC is also working with Alpena Public Schools to construct an Aldi where the school bus garage is currently located on M-32, in exchange for building the school district a new garage.

“I believe the township is growing in its structure and the people are asking for more and we’re starting to see more activity in that area,” Poli said. “By the same means, the developers are saying ‘we need to take a look at this in the township.'”