German-based grocery giant coming to southern Ocean County

Lidl, pronounced (Lee-dull), plans to open one of its first U.S. locations in Lacey Township by 2018. The Township Planning Board Monday approved the application to build the 36,000 square-foot grocery store on a 6.2 acre tract west of Route 9 and south of Haines Street, with stipulations, according to the Asbury Park Press.

The developer reportedly must agree to add a buffer for nearby homes, including taller evergreens to the southwest corner of the property and a fence, as well as sidewalks and pay part of the cost for installing a future traffic light on Haines Street.

Lidl will join its German competitor Aldi in the New Jersey market. There's also a ShopRite about a mile down the road on Route 9.