Talbot Preservation Alliance

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

of

PROPOSED "BIG BOXMORATORIUM"

ZONING TEXTAMENDMENTS

to the

Easton Mayor & Council

"THERE IS ENOUGH COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN EASTON

AT THIS TIME."

(1997 Easton Comprehensive Plan)

Proposal 1: A specific prohibition of Big Box stores in Easton.

Proposal 2: Big Box stores will be permitted if the total (vacant and occupied) retail space within a 5 mile radius of Easton does not exceed the national standard for the amount of retail space.

NOTE: The national average for retail space is currently 20 square feet per person - in Easton, there is currently 62 square feet per person, more than three times the national average!

Proposal 3: Big Box retail stores will be permitted if there is less than 25,000 square feet of vacant retail space with the Easton town center or existing shopping centers.

Proposal 4: Big Box retail stores shall be permitted if:

A. The developer provides the Town with a "development impact analysis fee" to enable the Town to obtain independent consultants to determine the proposed impacts of the development such as traffic, environment and economic impacts; and

B. The developer must disclose and present the specific tenant, owner or occupant of the proposed big box stores to the Town.

November 8, 1999 - Presented by Philip W Hoon, Esq.