Since Patch first reported that Whole Foods signed a lease for a location in Upper St. Clair in the fall of 2015, many readers asked why it would take nearly three years for the natural and organic food store to open.

Patch did some digging and this is what we found out.

First of all, it typically takes one year to get through the planning process in Upper St. Clair. It takes about six months to get tentative approval from the planning commission and board of commissioners, and another six months for final approval, according to Director of Community Development Scott Brilhart.

Second, the site plan where Whole Foods will be located must undergo a traffic impact study and also obtain a highway occupancy permit from PennDOT. The original plans for the former Consol Energy headquarters site included adding a right-turn-only lane on Fort Couch Road.

"When you're talking widening roads, that takes time," Brilhart said.

Cipriani & Werner PC, the property owner, plans to submit the final plan for the site to the township around Jan. 1, 2013. That means the Whole Foods could open as early at mid-2014, but there are many steps to go through before a true and definite opening date can be determined.

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