Sylvia J. Gannon
29110 Airport Rd.
Easton, MD 21601

November 1, 1999

Mayor and Council
Town of Easton
14 S. Harrison St.
Easton, MD 21601

Gentlemen:

In regard to your questions regarding the "Big Box" (large retail) moratorium herewith are some observations.

1.) Is additional big box retailing necessary for the town's present and future needs? Yes, if the town wants to be responsive to those needs. In addition to the documented studies indicating the numbers of people who shop on a regular basis out-of-town, it is common knowledge! People have a right to spend their money where they choose, but why should the town limit additional retailing here that would eliminate some of the out-of-town trips? Not everyone can afford the luxury or have the means to regularly go out-of-town.

2.) What are the fiscal benefits and detriments to the town which will be associated with additional big box retailing? The immediate fiscal benefit is added annual tax revenue. That's a large number for both the town and the county when commercial property is added to the town's tax rolls. Commercial real estate tax rates are many multiples higher than residential. Job opportunities during the construction and continued operational payroll will be generated. Keeping payroll dollars and shopping dollars at home fuel the economic cycle positively.

3.) What economic impacts will additional big box retailing have upon the private sector economy in Easton? It will have all of the above positive impacts. The kinds of large retailers that want to operate in Easton will be filling an already existing void and that's not just home improvement. As more goods and services are available here, there's a greater opportunity for more shopping at home at existing businesses from downtown specialty shops to the already existing large retailers (of which there are nine and they are certainly a positive influence on the private sector economy). If the town thinks additional business is not important, then why is there an on-going effort to attract people to Easton? Service businesses, i.e. plumbers, electricians, landscapers, maintenance, etc. even doctors, lawyers, accountants, restaurants, gas stations, etc. are a part of the private sector as well as other retailers. The private sector is benefitted when there is a healthy, overall business climate. Unless Easton
is to become a bedroom community, it has to allow for products in today's marketplace to be more readily available here. Young families, particularly, have more need for those products on a weekly basis. When consumers are allowed to purchase them here, the public and private sector benefits not to mention added convenience. Even the hospital benefits when commerce is kept at home. When people leave town regularly for any reason it can cause other health care facilities to be utilized.

4.) What environmental efforts will additional big box retailing have upon the environment in and surrounding Easton? First of all, there are layers upon layers of regulations from the town, county, state and federal levels that address all areas of environmental concern. Secondly, the environmental question applies not just to large retailing, but large or small anything! Thirdly, Easton has only limited areas in which large retailers can locate and they have just implemented even more stringent rules by which large retailers would operate. It's impossible for very many to locate at all.

5.) Can Route 50, Md. Route 322 and the secondary road system adequately handle traffic generated by additional big box retailing? I'm not a traffic engineer, but the town and state are the ones responsible for making traffic patterns. Roads are generally improved as demand requires it. This can be an opportunity for what in many cases is overdue, anyway. The Paper Run Road plan has been on the books for almost ten years. Developers are required to financially participate in the highway infra-structure.

It's obvious to the layman, like myself, that the density of traffic at large retailers is spread over a greater period of time than at a plant or office building where there's a shift arrangement or 8-5 schedule.

6.) Will the buildings in which big box retailing is located prove to be flexible in meeting changing needs and demands? Does the town want to encourage, permit, or prohibit this particular means to connect people with goods and services? There is more flexibility to alter or re-design a large structure than a small one. It is impossible for the town to predict what changing needs or demands will be in the future. I can, however, point out many large and small businesses in Easton today that are operating where others did before. Only a few include the present town hall which was the firehouse, the historic society headquarters was a methodist church, and the present Autozone was a Lowes and Acme before that. Fortunately, the free enterprise system has the ability to adapt, if necessary. I would certainly hope that the town wants to encourage and permit means for people to connect with goods and services. Isn't that how a community should be? It should consider the needs of all
of its citizens and recognize that the marketplace of the 2000's can exist compatibly with those of the 1900's. Isn't it time to start accentuating the positives and recognize that being one of the top best towns in the country incorporates services for all of its citizens!

Respectfully,

Sylvia J.Gannon