The news announced today of the Cincinnati-based Kroger grocery chain to acquire all Harris Teeter operations came with assurances from Kroger and Harris Teeter officials that nothing will change in Harris Teeter’s plans for development of new stores in the Washington, D.C. area, including one now approved for construction downtown in the City of Falls Church.

The following is a statement from the City of Falls Church issues today by Susan Finarelli, City of Falls Church spokesperson:

“The City of Falls Church has been aware of a potential sale of Harris Teeter for many months. The City is confident that plans will move forward as scheduled, and today Harris Teeter’s CEO confirmed publicly that Harris Teeter’s ‘new store growth plan’ will remain on track and that the Harris Teeter brand will remain unchanged.”