Representatives of the Aldi grocery chain met with about 70 Hill District residents last night, promoting their low-cost, no-frills, limited-selection concept as a good fit for the neighborhood, which has gone decades without a grocery of any size.

Several residents said they want a full-service store, that they would still have to shop off the Hill for fresh foods. Others were disappointed that only 15 employees would be hired. The location Aldi wants -- on Centre Avenue across from the Hill House -- is a prime anchor spot for development.

Robert Rubinstein of the Urban Redevelopment Authority said it has been eight years since a grocery store showed an interest in the Hill and that Aldi is the only one now.