From: The Metcalfs

Sent: Monday, November01, 1999 10:16PM

To: robert.karge@eastonmd.com

Subject: Big Box Moritoruim

Mr. Karge,

Unlike some of those who have moved to Talbot County recently, I am not concerned with future growth in the county. It will occur whether we like it or not. It is strange that as soon as someone moves to the county, they often want to pull up the ladder to keep others from moving in. They don't want to allow any changes; no doubt the indians felt the same way, as indeed some more modem natives have been concerned about the "cross the bridgers" moving here.

The part that puzzles me is how Easton with a straight face can set a new retail store policy after companies have applied for permits. Let those in that have applied and then pass a zoning law that excludes more from coming here.

It's likely that many of those Eastoners opposing "big box" stores probably are among those who crowd into Walmart.

Another consideration is the possibility that these same stores might decide to seille on places just outside the Easton city limits in Talbot County, then what could the city do, except loose tax revenues.

I suggest that, if the Easton Council decides that they want to pull up the growth drawbridge, they ought to pass restrictive zoning laws and stick with them.

Just one voice, but mine says that a Home Depot would be great for the community.

By the way, Chestertown, up the road in income poor Kent County, decided years ago that they didn't want a nasty plant in their area, in spite of the revenue and employment that would come with it, so it moved to Easton- Black and Decker. Now, it's a good neighbor in Talbot County, and now Chestertown is fighting Walmart.

I wish you all luck with all this.

Cheers,

Jim Metcalf, Wittman