STAGG
DESIGN
GROUP, Inc.
Landscape Architecture
Land Planning
Site Design
Golf Course Design
November 1, 1999
The Honorable Robert Willey, President
Easton Town Council
14 South Harrison Street
Easton, Maryland 21601
Re: Big Box Moratorium Comments
Dear Mr. Willey:
The big box question for me breaks into two areas; first, the issue of retail competition, category killer retail issues and price competition issues; and second, location, design, and siting issues for big boxes. I can't factually respond to the first area of issues regarding retail competition, etc. My opinions are gut reactions and possibly right on track, but not credible to add as information for your review. Specific to the second area of issues, i.e., if you can get by the first issue and determine that one or some big box retail types will not negatively impact existing retail in the community, then please consider the following points specific to design opportunities:
1. Within whatever latitude you have under the moratorium, consider that Route 50 frontages are no longer required for "big box" store locations, for that matter for many types of retail uses. Significant setbacks or alternative locations should be considered.
2. Whether you agree or not with the recently discussed County site for a big box, consider that "big boxes" as stand alone structures are considerably more palatable than as part of a larger shopping center that many in the community fear. In my opinion, the County site proposed for a big box is the best of the sites considered to date.
I Please except food stores from the big box definition. "Big box" is really a poor description of the issue facing Easton.
4. Consider "big boxes" as a potential revitalization option for some of Easton's existing shopping centers. Traffic might be an issue, but lets take advantage of the big box potential to suit our future needs.
5. From what I read, the "Internet" will not adversely affect big box retailers, but may change the function of the store and building from display/warehousing to mostly warehouse- perhaps good locations for big boxes are in industrial parks, etc.
Please consider these comments in your deliberations. Thank you.
Sincerely,
William B. Stagg
29 Goldsborough Street
Easton, Maryland 21601 410-822-1793 fax 410-822-4355