13 April 2009 - CIM

A few (unofficial) notes from the Community Interest Meeting at the Ramada Inn this evening. The focus was the Wegmans development. See:

See: Harford County CIM Calendar

• The area to be developed is approximately a 20 acre parcel. Will include a Wegmans supermarket, 2 restaurant pads, and a bank along 924.
• The development is tentatively to be called the Boulevard.
• For development efforts that will result in 250 estimated vehicle trip, a CIM is required - hence the meeting.
• Plans are not etched in stone yet - the CIM is one of the 1st steps.
• The Wegmans would be approximately 150000 sq ft, with 720 parking spots + an overflow lot.
• Access to Wegmans would be from 924 through a road (Manner Rd) between Woodsdale and Box Hill South.
• An additional lane is being added to 924 as part of 24/924 work.
• Truck access for deliveries to the store would most likely be through Manner Rd, with the return to 924 up Woodsdale Rd.
• Store hours for Wegmans: stores are generally approved for 24/7, but in actual operations, they generally close at midnight.
• Examples of restaurants that might fit with the pads envisioned - sit down style establishments such as Longhorn Steakhouse (just an example - no commitments are in place).
• Timeframe for starting - as quickly as possible, but expect 6 to 12 months for approvals, then a late fall/early spring 2010 start for development.
• Future development below the Wegmans/restaurant area is likely to include mixed retail/stores.
• The non-Wegmans area is likely to sit idle for another 2 years.
• Lots of traffic concerns were expressed, along with concerns over water runoff and impacts on the surrounding community and streams. Erosion has proven to be an ongoing problem in the area.
• Anticipate the next meeting to occur around 20 May 2009.