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Post by bill999s on Aug 22, 2011 18:15:26 GMT -4
Not that it should matter, but I've been here my whole life. First off, I applaud our commissioners for their vote on this. Certain people talk as if this is spot zoning because Peter Shaeffer submitted the text ammendment that changes the size limitation and he owns a piece of Suburban Commercial Property just south of Chestertown. The facts are that the 65,000 sq ft limitation was put in place by Ransom/Wargotz/Fordonski to stop the Walmart from coming to the area down by Hemingways. If there ever was spot zonimg that was it. In reverse. Second. All Suburban commercial property is zoned for this type of business. The only difference is that now large retail operations can build without size limitation just like office, manufacturing, and others can do. Third. I'm sure that Walmart has a certain number of lower paying jobs. Just like about every other business I know of. But an operation that size has a large number of middle management and on up jobs that pay well and people who perform can aspire to. I've been going to the Walmart, infrequently I admit, since they opened. I see a lot of the same faces today that I saw years and years ago. If they, Walmart, are such horrible employers, why are these people still there. Fourth, The same tired arguments were heard way back when Walmart wanted to move to Easton. Low pay, Put local business out of business, environmental disaster, ad nauseum. The exact opposite happened. People went to work. Busines thrived. New business came in to the point that an entire business district has been created in Easton that wasn't there before Walmart. Fifth, certain people are trying to stir things up because I guess they hate Walmart. I've spoken to Mr. Shaeffer and from what I understand, there is no deal for a Walmart to come to Kingstown. If something does come maybe it'll be a KMart, just like the one on Kent Island. Yes, that store easily exceeds 100,000 sq ft. The world didn't come to and when it was built and it looks as if the surrounding businesses are doing well.
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Post by lainey on Aug 23, 2011 18:23:15 GMT -4
Im with Bill999s on this issue. Bring it! I want a commercial base here, we need a commercial base. We are no longer a farming rural community. That bus left QAC when our population exploded over the last 15 years with residential development. Farms are tax positive, Commercial base is tax positive. Residential base is tax negative. We cant take any more residential base without paying out the yingyang for it. One correction to Bill999s- it was Koval that brought the square footage cap in the fight against Walmart. Wargotz and Fordonski had nothing to do with it. You can blame Ransom too though = he was a commissioner then too.
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Post by bill999s on Aug 23, 2011 19:35:14 GMT -4
Thanks Lainey and I stand corrected.
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Post by kibizowner on Aug 24, 2011 15:05:20 GMT -4
Typical nonsense about commercial development... it wasn't here in 1980 so we don't need it now. Don't like it... move...
Lovely, welcoming attitude. Things change and that's the only constant. Without a significant increase in the commercial base in QAC, the property taxes that are being complained about in another thread will continue to rise. There needs to be a level of accomodation for business in QAC that goes beyond small shops and restaurants in order to increase the tax base.
Will a big box help? Yep, it will. But honestly, I doubt we have the population to support both a KMart and Walmart unless they are separated by miles (like KI and Chestertown).
To listen to some of you here, you don't get economics at all... the arguments seem to be that you want:
Low property taxes No new development New Jobs for your kids in QAC Good Schools No congestion Farms to remain the main source of commerce No bridge police supporting QAC Sheriff and State Police
That leads to low tax revenues for basics like education, roads, and parks not to mention less money for supporting an all volunteer fire department. Get rid of the bridge police support and our Sheriff department costs go up or service goes down... It's crazy to think that the costs of running this county in a way that most citizens desire is going to continue to shrink somehow... when services shrink and schools decline, home prices fall.
Your choices are 1) tolerate managed growth that includes and invites business or 2) watch your home values plummet further because no one with any money wants to live in an area without good schools and services (and that includes some shopping).
I've watched this same circular argument from the no growth, SAVE KI crowd for over 8 years. It didn't make sense back then, it still doesn't.
Now, does anyone want to discuss running sewer and water down Rt. 8? ;-)
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Post by bozeman101 on Aug 24, 2011 16:01:21 GMT -4
Hopefully, they won't put a WalMart around. I have nothing against the store, just the people that go. This site tells it all and always a brings out a good laugh. www.peopleofwalmart.com
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Post by pineapple head on Aug 24, 2011 16:20:48 GMT -4
Gotta love the NIMBY mentality in this county, especially when the business or use in question is nowhere near your personal castle. Most of the "last one in now shut the door" group of transplanted QAC locals don't even know where Kingstown is, and would not ever be impacted by a box store up there. Low paying jobs are jobs. Tax base is tax base. And local shopping options are needed (and good for competition) -- particularly if the bridge fees do start jumping! As a true native, with deeper local roots than most, I know that we can fight progress to our own ultimate detriment, or we can shape progress in ways that are most beneficial. Simmer down, NIMBYs, and save the fight for when it matters -- the sky is not always falling.
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Post by highlander73 on Aug 24, 2011 16:58:00 GMT -4
Gotta love the NIMBY mentality in this county, especially when the business or use in question is nowhere near your personal castle. Most of the "last one in now shut the door" group of transplanted QAC locals don't even know where Kingstown is, and would not ever be impacted by a box store up there. Low paying jobs are jobs. Tax base is tax base. And local shopping options are needed (and good for competition) -- particularly if the bridge fees do start jumping! As a true native, with deeper local roots than most, I know that we can fight progress to our own ultimate detriment, or we can shape progress in ways that are most beneficial. Simmer down, NIMBYs, and save the fight for when it matters -- the sky is not always falling. Where the h*ll were people like you when the government training facility got shot down? We needed ya, not sure if you had a dog in that fight or not. I'd like to ask the local businesses and hotels and retailers and contractors what impact the NIMBY effort cost them.
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Post by double on Aug 24, 2011 17:28:39 GMT -4
"I'd like to ask the local businesses and hotels and retailers and contractors what impact the NIMBY effort cost them."
A Lot! FASTC would have been a huge!
FASTC and 4Seasons were the 2 biggest gift horses shot dead that I've seen in my lifetime. We would not be in the situation we are in if 4 Seasons had moved forward A: when the market was good, which it was what 8 years ago now. And B. What KHov was going to do for the county per their DRRA was a total win for the county.
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Post by arnieschwartz on Sept 8, 2011 12:49:07 GMT -4
Petition gatherers are spread out across Queen Anne's County. If you see someone asking for you to sign the petition to put the big box issue on the ballot, please sign it. The petition doesn't take a position on whether or not Big Box stores is a good idea, it simply allows you to have a voice by placing the issue on the next ballot.
Currently, there are stations where you can sign the petition. This week, please visit one of the following signing stations, and add your name to the petition to put this important matter on the next ballot. Make sure you sign your full name, first, middle and last...and your signature MUST match your printed name. You must also be a QAC resident!
Sign your petition at the following locations:
Thursday, September 8: Kent Island/Rt. 8 Park & Ride 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Church Hill Elementary School 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday, September 9: Kent Island / Rt. 8 Park & Ride 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 10: Centreville ACME Parking Lot 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Monday, September 12: Kent Island / Rt 8 Park & Ride 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Church Hill Elementary School 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Centreville ACME Parking Lot 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
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Post by eileen on Sept 8, 2011 16:02:18 GMT -4
Is this an activity that is allowed on school grounds?
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Post by bill999s on Sept 8, 2011 18:52:48 GMT -4
Of course, by not signing the ballot signals that you agree with the change in the size limitation and that you're okay with choice, jobs, saving money. Plus if the ballot initiative fails we all get the added benefit of putting this thing to bed. Of not having to listen to the "sky is falling" QACA crowd with all their claims about how your taxes are going to go up and farms being lost and the environment going to hell.
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Post by RobMoore on Sept 8, 2011 20:28:18 GMT -4
So my laziness will pay off? Score.
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Post by kevin21619 on Sept 8, 2011 20:30:36 GMT -4
I hope they put up a big Wal-Mart right at the intersection of 50/301 in Queenstown. That would make my life so much easier. The groceries are so much cheaper that Safeway.
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Post by by by by on Sept 8, 2011 21:20:50 GMT -4
You're insight is amazing .......
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Post by reddevil52 on Sept 8, 2011 21:25:45 GMT -4
You guys should have been here in '57. We had Jules Grollman, Harold Legg, the Acme, and Mr. Frantum. You had the pleasure of driving to Annapolis, Easton, Dover, or Baltimore. Oh, by the way, we had two doctors, Pete Hoyt and Dr. Sattlemaier. Life was good...what the f... happened? Change! Your turn Nick.
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Post by RobMoore on Sept 9, 2011 6:42:47 GMT -4
You are insight is amazing ....... You are sentence makes sense, no?
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Post by by by by on Sept 9, 2011 7:54:43 GMT -4
huh? ooooops!
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Post by arnieschwartz on Sept 9, 2011 12:41:29 GMT -4
Here is the latest list of places where you can sign the petition:
Friday September 9: - Route 8 Park & Ride 3 – 7 p.m. - Kent Island Yarn Boutique in Rainbow Plaza 11 – 5 (ask for Sue) - Romancoke on the Bay Clubhouse 6 – 8 p.m. (Pit Beef Dinner Night) - Kent Island Acme – 5 to 7 pm - Kent Island Safeway Noon – 3pm - Centreville Shipping & Services (Acme shopping center) -ask for Phil - Island Shipping & More, Thompson Creek Mall - Marine Supply next to Ledo Pizza, Kent Island – ask for Lou
Saturday September 10: - Kent Island Yarn Boutique in Rainbow Plaza 10 –3:00 (ask for Sue) - Centreville Acme: Noon – 3 - Centreville Shipping & Services (Acme shopping center) -ask for Phil - Island Shipping & More, Thompson Creek Mall - Marine Supply next to Ledo Pizza, Kent Island – ask for Lou
Monday September 12: - Route 8 Park & Ride 3 – 7 p.m. - Centreville Acme Noon – 7 p.m. - Centreville Shipping & Services (Acme shopping center) -ask for Phil - Island Shipping & More, Thompson Creek Mall - Marine Supply next to Ledo Pizza, Kent Island – ask for Lou
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Post by krabbypatty on Sept 9, 2011 20:06:10 GMT -4
We would LOVE to have a SUPER WALMART !!!! You can put it in MY back yard and I would not mind a bit. Right next to K-Mart would be fun as well.
We vote YES for WALLMART a SUPER one at that! 24hrs a day even better. They are running a special with their generic Medications $4 for a 30 day supply and $10 for a 90 day supply. Not all medications are covered but a good amount are.
This site can be informative, such as during the Hurricane, BUT it is also know by some locals as " clicky" and raciest.
Please don't BASH me, this is just our observations.
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Post by double on Sept 9, 2011 20:13:32 GMT -4
Isint this change for a zoning type that does not exist on Kent Island at all? Unless it was changed that was my understanding. Seems like a positive move to me.
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Post by island tech on Sept 9, 2011 20:36:56 GMT -4
Get rid of Kmart and make it a Super Walmart! Or make it a Khols! Put public sewage down rt 8 also!
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Post by bchevy on Sept 9, 2011 21:38:41 GMT -4
We would LOVE to have a SUPER WALMART !!!! You can put it in MY back yard and I would not mind a bit. Right next to K-Mart would be fun as well. We vote YES for WALLMART a SUPER one at that! 24hrs a day even better. They are running a special with their generic Medications $4 for a 30 day supply and $10 for a 90 day supply. Not all medications are covered but a good amount are. This site can be informative, such as during the Hurricane, BUT it is also know by some locals as " clicky" and raciest. Please don't BASH me, this is just our observations. so.. you can call board members names, and we can't bash you.... Got it. NOT How about you own your comment, or better yet post YOUR feelings about the board. Please don't blame "other locals", or spread gossip that you may or may not have heard. thanks
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Post by krabbypatty on Sept 9, 2011 22:43:09 GMT -4
bchevy Cool down tiger! I did NOT call anyone names, not a single one.
I did say the board is very informative for events such as the Hurricane.
Perhaps your less then friendly response is what some see.
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Post by Tommy on Sept 9, 2011 22:55:58 GMT -4
We would LOVE to have a SUPER WALMART !!!! You can put it in MY back yard and I would not mind a bit. Right next to K-Mart would be fun as well. We vote YES for WALLMART a SUPER one at that! 24hrs a day even better. They are running a special with their generic Medications $4 for a 30 day supply and $10 for a 90 day supply. Not all medications are covered but a good amount are. This site can be informative, such as during the Hurricane, BUT it is also know by some locals as " clicky" and raciest. Please don't BASH me, this is just our observations. so.. you can call board members names, and we can't bash you.... Got it. NOT How about you own your comment, or better yet post YOUR feelings about the board. Please don't blame "other locals", or spread gossip that you may or may not have heard. thanks Huh? I must have missed something here before an edit. I was busy having dinner at Annie's followed by a drink at Red Eye's den of decadence. Actually, I don't support additional growth on KI but QA county is very large and a bit remote for some people to head to Annap. or DE to fullfill shopping needs. Some form of centralized big box commercial developemnt, both soft side and Lowe's home improvement type may be very benificial to both the tax base and citizens of our county. Oh, the sheriff was doing his job at the Narrows this evening, never saw him but he came out of nowhere, activated his lights and stopped the vehicle behind us before the ramp to 50.
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Post by bchevy on Sept 10, 2011 5:46:24 GMT -4
bchevy Cool down tiger! I did NOT call anyone names, not a single one. I did say the board is very informative for events such as the Hurricane. Perhaps your less then friendly response is what some see. I'm always cool, and I've never been called tiger, thanks. I respond to "clicky and raciest." and I'm less than friendly? Do you see what I mean here? There's a difference between calling you out on what you posted, and being " clicky and raciest" or "less than friendly".
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