POTSDAM - Plans to build an Aldi discount grocery store in Potsdam will likely be delayed until spring 2013 as the summer construction season draws to a close.

“It just took time to get through the process,” according to Patrick M. Donegan, spokesperson for developers Rockland Companies Inc, Watertown.

The Potsdam Town Board approved the store’s plans to build on Route 11 between Tractor Supply and Mahoney’s Auto Mall during a meeting in June. The project has been discussed since December 2011, when town officials said construction could begin as early as spring 2012.

The necessary permits have been obtained, and the project is shovel-ready.

“We thought they would be building this summer,” Potsdam Town Supervisor Marie C. Regan said.

As the summer season grows ever shorter it becomes increasingly likely the project will be pushed to next spring, although Mr. Donegan said he has yet to receive an official decision from Aldi Inc.

“Building in winter is hard up here,” Mr. Donegan said.

The inclement weather means extra time and expense for construction companies.

Aldi Inc. is already opening several stores this summer, Mr. Donegan said, which may contribute to the decision to delay the Potsdam store. The company has a limited amount of resources to devote to setting up new stores, he noted.

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