Opposition Mounting over New Gas Station
Developers of the proposed gas station in Bay Forest Shopping Center are already feeling push back from community members.
Last month, developers applied for a special exception from the city of Annapolis to build a Stop and Shop gas station in the parking lot of the Bay Forest Shopping Center, which is home to the Bay Ridge Giant supermarket.
In response to a request from the city, on Nov. 22 representatives of the developer’s agent, Hyatt and Weber, met with community members from the Fairwinds Condominiums, which are adjacent to the shopping center, to address concerns and to reinforce support for the project.
However, it seems opposition to the project is growing instead.
While the Fairwinds Board of Directors has not issued a statement of support or opposition, David Iams, a Fairwinds resident and vice president of the board, has serious concerns about the project.
From his perspective as a Fairwinds resident, Iams is “distressed” about the proposal for a variety of reasons.
“Fairwinds was not approached [ahead of time] regarding this project although we are directly across the street and would be most impacted,” said Iams in an e-mail.
While the Planning Commission, which has the ultimate say on whether or not the project goes forward, has focused heavily on mitigating environmental impacts of the gas station, Iams fears that increased traffic along Georgetown Road will be an even bigger issue.
Since the development plans don’t call for the creation of any additional access points into the shopping center, Iams believes the increased traffic is something the roads simply can’t handle.
“Georgetown Road is woefully inadequate to handle any increase in traffic,” said Iams.
In a personal account of what happened at the meeting, which Iams shared with Greater Annapolis Patch, residents expressed concern over an increase in traffic from area residents as far away as Edgewater. Giant, which would own and operate the gas station, offers discounts on gas prices for those who shop at their supermarket.
“It was pointed out that shoppers of Giant in Edgewater and Riva may also come to this Giant for the perceived savings,” said Iams.
At last month’s meeting, developers focused significantly on mitigating the impact of gasoline run-off, according to Iams. The proposed plans call for the construction of an oil grid filter, which would attempt to clean up and reduce the flow of liquids going from the pavement to the storm drain, which eventually leads to the Chesapeake Bay.
Iams seems to think the developer’s focus on the environmental aspect is simply posturing to turn attention away from other problems.
“I think that the developer has shifted the focus away from real issues and has tried to make the debate about runoff and traffic coming from the Bay Ridge area,” said Iams. “The real issues have to do with the increased traffic on Georgetown Road and the fact that this project is in direct conflict with the city’s comprehensive plan.”
With many questions still swirling, the Fairwinds Board has yet to decide if it will support the project. However, Fairwinds won’t be alone if they decide to oppose the new gas station.
The Mariner’s Point community has already voiced opposition to the project, and according to Iams, a representative from the Annapolis Neck Peninsula Federation attended the November meeting and is also in opposition.
While it’s unclear what role community pushback will play in the approval process, the Planning Commission is set to revisit the issue at the Planning Commission meeting on Jan. 6, 2011.
“The plans are under interagency review and will be sent to the Planning Commission for their records and review prior to the continued meeting for this application,” said Phill McGowan, public information officer for the city of Annapolis.
About the Project
The gas station would be adjacent to the existing Wachovia Bank, and will include four two-car fueling stations, as well as a 60-square-foot kiosk. The facility will be “full service and open to the public with discounts for Giant customers,” according to site information provided by Iams.
The station would be open during regular Giant store hours, and the development would take up 47 existing parking spaces in the shopping center, leaving 465 remaining spaces, according to Iams.
Nancy Bowman-Williams
9:17 am on Saturday, December 18, 2010
I am a resident of Venice Beach, a small community off of Arundel on the Bay Road. I am very much opposed to a gas station/stop n shop. This area is already highly congested by just those of us who live here, attend school and and the few who work at businesses in the area. How congested does an area have to become before people start to move away? A Stop N Shop is not the type of business that would "fit" the image of this area! Plus, how many gas stations do we need on this end of Forest Drive?!! We have 2 already and the next one is 2-3 miles away. Then the next one is less than a mile from that one. Come on people....The Giant corporate office is making enough money on us. Are we going to let them turn us into a more congested and eventually , a "depressed area", so they can continue to live in neighborhoods far from Stop n shops or any other kind of gas station?!! I bet they wouldn't want the same station at their local grocery store. They probably don't even have a grocery store in their neighborhood. No way I want another gas station in mine!!
Barbara Maginley
9:58 am on Saturday, December 18, 2010
We don't need any more shops, stores, or gas stations in this area! It's my understanding that
one side of Bay Ridge Rd. (Giant) is part of the City of Annapolis and that the other side is
Anne Arundel County. How much support, if any for this project came from AACounty residents? Was the County involved in making this decision? The Admiral Cleaners, Blockbusters, and other shops in the Hillmere strip have downsized or closed. There's
a CVS already there and more empty buildings. What about a "traffic impact study", was
one done? What's the reason for all of this "construction? NEED OR GREED!!
Barbara Maginley
Bay Highlands
Christian Freymeyer
4:17 pm on Saturday, December 18, 2010
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for your comments! The project falls under the jurisdiction of the City of Annapolis, therefore the city's Planning Commission is the group that has say on whether or not the project goes forward. I'm not positive, but I believe the county would therefore have little (if any) say in the proposal.
In regards to your question about a traffic study, at their meeting with Fairwinds residents, the developers said they performed a traffic study and claimed no substantial increases would occur. However, I'm not sure if the city performed any sort of traffic analysis.
The planning commission will discuss the issue January 6th at 7:30 in the City Council Chambers, if you'd like to make your voice heard.
lf haines
5:48 pm on Sunday, December 19, 2010
I oppose adding a gasoline facility that will strain our already overburdened traffic route along Forest Dr.
Any business with substantial resources may purchase a favorable traffic study.
Please post more information about this request for an exception via newspaper, and local radio. I'm sure there are many folks who have an opposition about this proposal.
Giant already has an agreement with Shell Oil. There is a Shell Station two blocks away.
Lynne Haines
Zip Code 21403
David Iams
11:43 pm on Sunday, December 19, 2010
Hi Lynne and everyone else. There are many reasons why I oppose this project and this article spells out some of them. I attended a planning meeting at the end of October and the city had recommended that the planning committee approve this project. The planning committee decided to defer a decision until after the developers met with Fairwinds. I am not sure if this delay was just a formality, but it seemed clear that this project is not being looked at as the unique situation that it is. Incentive-based gas stations such as this can bring a great deal of unwanted traffic to the area. There is certainly not a need for it and perhaps the city needs to look into alternatives that are more pedestrian-friendly and can enhance the community. Perhaps a nice family-style restaurant? It's great that people are voicing their opinions in this format. However, the only way to make any impact would be to attend the January 6th meeting or at a minimum, write to the city (Ward 7 Alderman Ian Pfieffer - ianpfeiffer@yahoo.com, Mayor Josh Cohen - mayor@annapolis.gov). Hope some of you are able to help us make a difference!
Stopthe Insan It-T
8:39 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
There are at least 4 restaurants (one of which is Rocco's and is very family style) in this small area. The city did look into exactly what you are asking (1o year plan) and the city and county residents flatly rejected the idea. Probably had something to do with the City annexing property near the library, knocking down some homes and having others fall under the city (i.e. higher taxes), and lowering the speed limit to 25mph from the current 40mph. I still don't believe that people will go out of there way to get to a gas station that is near the end of a peninsula just to save a few cents (5-20 per gallon, which if getting 15 gallons would only equal a savings of approximately $3 max). It would cost at least 1/4 to possibly 1/2 of a gallon (.75 to 1.50 to drive down and back) which would cut into the potential savings, not to mention the traffic and time it would take to get to and from the station.
David Iams
10:22 am on Thursday, January 6, 2011
URGENT! Let your voice be heard and make a difference! The planning commission meeting for this special exception is at 7:30 tonight (Thursday, January 6th, 2011) at the City Council Chambers (160 Duke of Gloucester Street, 3rd floor) Annapolis Md 21401. The Chambers are adjacent to Hillman Garage and this item is currently the first agenda topic.
Meeting Agenda: http://www.cityofannapolis.org/Government/Boards/Planning/Agendas.aspx
Susan Jenkins
10:42 am on Thursday, January 6, 2011
Patch reporter Christian Freymeyer will be there!
SML
7:36 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
Those of us with families in the area do not have the time to attend a 7:30 meeting on a school night. Instead of building ANOTHER gas station and "Stop and Shop" which sounds like another source for junk food, candy and cigarettes, why doesn't Giant improve the current arrangement with the local Shell station owner? The current gas rewards program is great.
The City of Annapolis should focus its efforts elsewhere where it is needed most, such as improving city schools, working more closely with the County on a proposal which very clearly will impact COUNTY residents who will in effect be the ones patronizing the new station. Do City residents really care about this much? The impact will be on County residents. Something tells me that this proposal will succeed due to the manipulation of the demographics immediately surround the proposed site. Politics at its worst. If the City wants to make some money, they should focus on the needs of City residents. Did the City residents say they needed another gas station at the far East end of the City? Did they not find what they need at the various other gas stations, drug stores, etc.? Is this new Stop and Shop or gas station going to offer some unique product or service not already available? Lets help out the local small business owners, not a corporate entity located overseas (isn't Giant owned by a Dutch company?).
-SML
County resident, 3rd generation resident, taxpayer in both AA County and City of Annapolis.
Stopthe Insan It-T
7:46 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
Again, why would the city residents need to be consulted on whether a gas station can go in or not? Didn't you (if a city resident) vote for a representative to express your view as well as the views of your neighbors? So you are also willing to pay a higher price for a good/service just because it is sold by someone who lives close by? How are the demographics of the people that live close being manipulated? Are you saying that the city is taking advantage of the low-income housing (which they built and maintain) in order to allow a merchant to offer a good at cheaper price to all? Why does the station need to offer something unique? When that happens it is usually called a monopoly and is discouraged.
t.b.
8:53 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
It is a civic duty for residents to speak their minds about these issues. We don't just elect people and sit back to let them do whatever they want. It should go without saying, but politicians don't always live up to their campaign promises.
I, for one, am willing (no, I go out of my way) to support my neighbors' businesses, even if it means paying a higher price. I would hope that obtaining goods as cheaply as possible with no regard to where they come from or who made them is becoming a thing of the past. As neighbors we can hold each other accountable. We live together, we see each other around town, we have each other's interest in mind. Corporate officers residing in other states, or even overseas? Not so much accountability there.
The people in this community have every right to protest another gas station that simply isn't needed. People who use gas stations have cars. That means they can drive 2 extra blocks to fill up. Gas stations are never a pretty addition to a city, both aesthetically and environmentally, therefore it makes sense to have as few as possible to meet demand. The Shell 2 blocks away is almost never busy...
Stopthe Insan It-T
7:37 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
So Fairwinds is upset that there approval wasn't gotten ahead of time; there is one word for that and most of the comments; NIMBY. The first posts attempt at class warfare is funny considering someone who lives in Venice Beach would probably fit into the same income and socio-economic class as the the people that made this decision. And yes post #1, there are almost surely gas stations close to where they live; most places have gas stations close to where people live, work, shop. Don't find to many out in the middle of nowwhere. Also, for the poster who commented that their are closed businesses in the shopping center where Blockbuster was located; you need to become a little more informed; that is City property, as well as all the way down on Bay Ridge Rd until you get to the new fire station. Blockbuster is a dying industry, just like TV/VCR repair shops. Kind of funny a Progressive can't seem to see the progress right in front of them!
Everyone's an Expert so why are we here?
9:11 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
This is VERY well stated. THANK YOU.
t.b.
9:30 am on Friday, January 7, 2011
What is progressive about building a gas station?
Stopthe Insan It-T
8:55 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
Forgot to add, most gas stations are not owned by the corporation whose logo is on the business. Instead, they are ownered by local people who usully live, work, and pay taxes in the area.
Christian Freymeyer
10:36 pm on Friday, January 7, 2011
Hi "Stopthe Insan It-T"
Just to clarify, this gas station would be owned and operated by Giant, not a local businessperson. They would most likely be supplied by one of the large energy companies (i.e. Shell, Exxon etc), but the gas station itself would not be locally owned.
Thanks everyone for their input. A good public discourse is important.
Everyone's an Expert so why are we here?
9:09 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
It seems to me that the very same members of a community that often discusses coming together for the good of the common man and the good of your neighbor that certain community members are being awfully selfish. ALL of Annapolis, Edgewater, Riva, and everywhere in between are already overrun by traffice. Here you have an incredible opportunity in a very down economy to generate a new and effective revenue stream. Don't you understand that with a simple membership card you can sometimes knock your fuel costs down almost 10 or 12 cents PER GALLON!? Perhaps maybe local community members enjoy paying $3.10 a gallon.. but I know quite a few more tha...t would like to try to keep some money when it seems that wherever you turn, someone's trying to take it from you. This is very much a case of 'careful what you wish for'. Perhaps take the anger and ignorance tinted glasses off and look at the silver lining. At least Giant is attempting to offer a greater service to the community. I think any means by which you can decrease expenses and cost of living should be given a chance in this economy. Furthermore, the only other closer Giant food gas stations are in PASADENA or LUSBY. Lastly, installing a gas station that will offer extremely competitive gas prices or prices that undercut local competition may be better for the market as a whole. But what do I know.. I'm just a citizen.
Stopthe Insan It-T
4:56 pm on Friday, January 7, 2011
Expert: I agree completly with you.
t.b.: Progress is just what Expert wrote above; progressive; well that is just a softer word for something else.
Stopthe Insan It-T
9:10 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
The shell that is 2 blocks away is almost nevrr busy due to them generally charging a higher price than the station across the street. You also cannot pay at the pump with a CC; you have to go to the booth. If you ever look at the two stations; Exxon busy, Shell not.
I agree that it is every citizens right to voice an opinion. I also never said that the residents should sit back and let their elected representatives run rough shot. As far as I know, people only got involved with this issue after it had already gotten to the point it is now; if they were really interested in civic duty, why not voice there opinion well in advance of now.
As for being willing to pay more to support your neighbors, how about you buy up the houses around this area that have sat vacant for quite a while for above market price (how does twice what the market is willing to support)?
Everyone's an Expert so why are we here?
9:19 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
Bravo. Truly.
David Iams
11:42 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
This is not a "Not in My Back Yard Situation". The developer wrote to many local communities looking for support of this "speoial exception" and Fairwinds, which would be impacted the most was excluded. Was this deliberate or merely an oversight? This savings everyone talks about is merely perceived and not significant to warrant a huge, unsafe traffic issue. Giant is not doing us any favors whatsoever and if you believe that they are, then you are just being naive. Fairwinds is not low income, city housing. It was not built by the city. Regarding people not going out of their way to get the minimal savings, this is not a valid argument for many reasons. How many people who normally shop at the convenient Safeway on the right side of the Forest Drive may may opt to take a left on Georgetown Road and become Giant shoppers for the meager perceived savings? In addition, Quiet Waters Park attracts visitors from as far away as Baltimore, DC, and Virginia. Last year, there were 710,000 visitors to the park. A substantial increase from 2009. As Grocery store gas stations such as this become more prevalent and the awareness of this model increases, can you really say that there will not be an increase in traffic to this area that is only 1 intersection away? The existing road pattern on Georgetown Road is simply very difficult to maneuver, is residential in nature, has a large amount of foot traffic, and is very dangerous. That is the main issue, a few cents is not.
Everyone's an Expert so why are we here?
10:52 am on Friday, January 7, 2011
I think the frustration here really lies in the question of just what about Georgetown avenue is so unique that it warrants the complete denial of a new multi-faceted revenue stream which may drive down local market prices and even provide several new jobs? Moreover, just what about the history of pedestrian fatalities and/or serious injuries would warrant a close examination of a simple gas station, which will make no changes to the current traffic patterns and flows and MAY only slightly increase traffic by a few vehicles a day. Furthermore, a few cents IS the issue when you're dealing with 5, 10, 15 cents.. PER GALLON. Those of us who drive regular sedans are looking at an average savings of several dollars PER FILL UP. Depending on how often you buy groceries and how often you purchase fuel, that can really add up. I think the only 'mis' perception here is just how detrimental to the local community a new gas station will be. Introducing competition into a market is the best way to drive up service and drive down pricing. Also, it saddens me that it has NOT been brought up in conversation here the possibility and likelihood that a great success at this station may prompt construction of additional giant food stations at other local locations thereby decreasing this so called traffic apocalypse you are predicting all the while continuing to provide a service to the community.
Susan Jenkins
9:09 am on Friday, January 7, 2011
We've just posted a follow-up story that incorporates the information from the planning meeting last night regarding the gas station proposal. http://patch.com/A-dfm2
Everyone's an Expert so why are we here?
10:53 am on Friday, January 7, 2011
I find it offensive you would assume that the instillation of this facility adding a new service to the community is a nieve thought. It is a fact. As far as the pedestrian foot traffic is concerned, unless I'm grossly mis-informed, crosswalks, stop signs, traffic lights and sidewalks exist for a reason. If I'm to understand correctly, the image you're attempting to paint here is one of routine and horrific traffic incidents and traffic jams which is PURE, biased speculation plain and simple.
David Iams
2:52 pm on Friday, January 7, 2011
I won't go so far as to say you are grossly misinformed, but yes, I do believe you are not aware of the nature of this area. The speculation is a traffic study based on data that is old and does not address the grocery store/gas station model. See the updated article regarding this plan for more details. A lot of information was presented at the meeting and the planning commission was merely asked to consider the unique nature of this particular road and to look at potential risks and needs of this project.
SML
8:25 am on Saturday, January 22, 2011
I dare say that some of you seem to like to argue for arguments sake. At the end of the day, I ask:
1. Do we NEED another gas station on this peninsula? probably not
2. Do we need another convenience store? No, use the 7/11 and the Giant to buy those things, or the Exxon or Shell or CVS, which speaking of CVS, there's a new one under construction across the road from the giant. These needs are already being met.
3. I think people are inherently lazy; there is already a Giant program offering savings at the Shell, great! USE IT
4. I think the characteristics that attract most of us to our area include but are not limited to, the quaintness of our area here in Annapolis, both City and County. So unless there is a true NEED, do not build it. Let's maintain the little bit of charm and quaintness that is remains here.