From Harford County Councilman Jim McMahan:
County Councilman Capt’n Jim McMahan (Dist. “C”) is planning to introduce legislation at the March 19th council meeting that will place restrictions on the size of box stores on B3 Zoned land.
The legislation provides that “General merchandise and shoppers merchandise structures 75,000 square feet and over shall be developed in accordance with para 267-79 [integrated community shopping center(ICSC)]and shall be subject to board approval in accordance with para 267-68B (Board approval of design standards for special developments).
“Although this change will not affect the current piece of B3 property at MD 924 and Plum Tree Road, it will preclude such outlandish development in the future at other sites,” McMahan said.
To late most likely but at least we’re working on making a necessary change. Problem is it won’t help restrict Walmart at Plumtree and that development will destroy the existing neighborhood.
so now he is trying to restrict stores. Kinda like the kid who has cookies on his face after he ate the whole bag and then complained that they shouldn’t have been left out. Gotta love all these politicians, who like to grandstand, and then make it seem they are for the people. Seems that some council members think we are fooled by, “he doth protest.” I know of only one council member, ok maybe two, that are worth anything and one of them is putting his talk with his walk. He always has a good word for voters and can be approachable and not by email!
Oh and it ain’t cap’n Jim. Still trying to figure out how he got the title. I never use my title when I am not working. The other councilman is know by his first name.
I don’t understand it either? If he retired as a COL, after 35+ years of service, wouldn’t you think he would rather be referred to as “Colonel McMahan?”
I guess maybe he thinks people may confuse him for COL Sanders?
Geesh, what a joke of a policy he just came out with.
then they will just open up a bunch of mini-shitmarts instead of one large shitmart.
excellent plan –
Just frightening to think Councilman McMahan and company are in charge of drawing the lines on the county’s master plan and sit as the zoning board of appeals and NOW there is the bright idea of changing what is allowed in the B-3 zone. This is a stupid attempt to micro-manage and selectively re-write the county’s zoning code. And we all know that when the code is redeveloped, the changes made are only to the advantage of those benefiting, as seen in the past.
We as taxpayers are getting a lousy return on our dollar for what this council has cost us!
But, they made sure they will have county jobs when outta office, aren’t we gonna be the lucky ones!!
Oh, I forgot about being able to be hired by county government after they leave the council. Just another way for them to make more money by using their influence and say, “look what I did when I was on the council.” I am sure this guy thinks he is doing us a favor, but it should have been done a long time ago. Next they will want to say that they want to regulate easter because it is becoming too commercial. Maybe we could ask him explain to us in his next article about how good he is doing and that makes him look like he is passing on news to us.
Walmart is not wanted on 924. We live in this community for a reason. Don’t be fooled by Walmart’s promises.
Walmart isn’t wanted anywhere! I think it is fine just where it is — not too close to homes, has a nice area in a commercial shopping district, not impacting traffic in a school zone…
Nope, all about the mighty dollar. Unfortunately, it seems our council members are thinking the same thing.
It might not affect a school zone, but its a zoo for anyone trying to drive through the area.
I drive through CF and Bel Air South all the time, and the traffic in Bel Air South is almost always worse, even at non peak times.
Walmart really has little impact on the problems that do exist in CF.* Problems that could nearly all be solved by some more road work inside the shopping center and that won’t go away if the Walmart disappeared.
*Note that I’m not saying a Super Walmart at Plumtree would not have a negative impact. Apples and oranges.
It already is close to homes…..you don’t want it near your home. Be Honest!
The overwhelming problem with the Walmart at Plumtree is certainly the traffic disaster it will create but in addition to that, the thousands of square feet of non-permeable surface that will be created by the parking lot will cause stormwater runoff that will stress the surrounding watershead area. Nobody has talked very much about the stormwater runoff and that may be the way to stop them. A different type of development on that property with grassy areas and tree/shrubbery plantings mixed in would be much better for the environment. Get the state involved and make a case for stress on the watershead area.
Any construction has to comply with stormwater management standards, and I’m sure Walmart’s engineering firm will propose a solution that meets all applicable laws.
Stormwater/watershed policies are part of the required review, but they are not part of the Adequate Public Facilities ordinance in the county code, which would be the only way the county can truly prevent development. In fact, adequate fire and police services are also not included in the APF code. Currently it only includes schools, water, sewer, and roads.
Now if someone wanted to raise a civil case against the project over stormwater/watershed, that’s a different matter. Good luck going up against Walmart in court.
Cap’n Jim got his name from his WAMD days. If not Walmart in that area, then another retailer would come in – crazy not too – all the customer base in that area all day, everyday.
Housing in Constant Friendship came ahead of Walmart, Target, Lowes, Etc – and the last time I looked – those residential communities in the CF area – still there – houses didn’t implode, folks didn’t lay down in the streets and die. Residents in Bel Air South – hold on – you will live also, most likely.
It’s not an objection to retail or commercial development – at least that’s my take on it. The objection is more about scale and proportion to the neighborhood and taking into account already existing retail/commercial right in that area.