From: Ken Kirby

Sent: Monday, November 01, 1999 6:27 PM

To: robert@town-eastonmd.com

Subject: big box moritorium

Gentlemen--I noticed in the newspaper this morning that today was the last day for written comments in the big box matter. These are my first public comments relative to this issue. I have heard many of the speakers address "quality of life" issues. In most cases, the speaker first had to address what "quality of life" meant to them and it meant something different for each of them. I live in the Town of Easton and am a registered voter. One of the reasons I live in town is I enjoy the convenience it affords. I like not having to drive 20 or 25 minutes in from some part of the county to go shopping, to the YMCA, see my doctor, etc. And when what I want to find locally at a reasonable cost is not available, I do not like to drive 1 hour each way to get it. I was born and raised here, and I like to stay here for my shopping.

Zoning ordinances were established for that very purpose. Do I want a big box in my backyard-you can bet not; but do I want them available in properly zoned locations? YES I DO. Will there be additional commercial development in this area? YES and I want our elected representatives to work with the developers to maximize the benefits to the community while minimizing the consequences.

Some developers may be ahead of the curve for the retailer to actually succeed in the market; but most know that the market is in the foreseeable future if it isn't already here. When Wal-mart came into our community it was going to devastate businesses and downtown Easton, particularly. It hasn't happened. True, some stores have closed. Wal-mart was not the cause.

They closed because the stores were marginal in the first place or they just did not offer a product or service that was needed and/or competitive.

If the Town of Easton doesn't work with these developers, they will find alternatives and not outside the marketplace they have determined exists. One apparently has already found that the County will accommodate them if the Town is not cooperative. So the quality of life issues are still there for the County and the Town; but the Town no longer has any control over the project nor does it receive any tax revenues to offset the cost to the community. Another proposes a store which is just slightly less than 25,000 square ft. A coincidence? I THINK NOT. They want to locate in this market and will within the zoning ordinance that exists.

Previous councils have already determined with professional help where it would be appropriate for the community to grow commercially. These determinations have been made fairly recently and absent a showing that there has been significant change to the community to require those issues be addressed again, we need to follow the guidelines previously established.

Actually, Rt. 50 is an ideal location for any additional commercial development in the community. It keeps the traffic where it belongs, on a road maintained by the state. It also would increase the very poor impression of Easton one gets from traveling that road. As I like to refer to it, it is our Glen Burnie strip. It makes travelers to the beach want to keep on going or, at most, take advantage of a business there. Certainly they would not want to live here. If they did; it would only increase those issues you are trying to deal with today.

I don't envy your job. It is a tough one. However it is one which must be addressed from the head not the heart. You have a responsibility to the people you serve and to people prior councils have served to provide for continued orderly growth in Easton within the framework of the rules and regulations. The catchy phrase "big box" has been inappropriately used by some to scare the community into believing that is necessary to stop this "evil" growth. IT IS NOT. It is necessary to provide for growth that will serve you children and grandchildren. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ken Kirby

717 Elwood Ave.