High's Store Gets Nod from Town Center Committee
The gas station would feature seven pumps, plus a convenience store and car wash.
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The Odenton Town Center Plan Oversight Committee on Tuesday recommended approval of early plans for a High's Dairy Store near the corner of Annapolis Road and Charter Oaks Boulevard.
The committee saw rough plans for a convenience store and seven gas pumps, as well as a 1,300-square-foot car wash.
The High's plan is similar to one approved by the town center committee several years ago for a BP station at the site. The BP project fell through, but High's is the new tenant and introduced a plan that company officials said was "less intense."
The convenience store and gas station area will comprise about 3,500 square feet officials said, while most other similar plans are more than 5,000 square feet in size. High's officials said they have introduced this design at two stores in Howard County and another in St. Michael's, MD.
Committee member Don Price asked whether the community could support another gas station, given that there is a BP station, Hess and Royal Farms store nearby.
"Certainly, I think there's enough business to support it or I wouldn't be standing here," said High's representative Briana Darnell.
High's noted that aside from Royal Farms, none of the other gas stations in the area offer the same array of services.
Committee member Norman Myers said he was concerned about the gas station's proximity to a community center and pool in the nearby Seven Oaks development. In recommending approval of the plan, the committee asked that the county examine the potential for safety problems.
George
4:22 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Just what Boomtown needs, another gas station and stick-up magnet. This is only marginally better than another tattoo parlor. Idiots.
Jennifer
4:31 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
This is very good news. High's is such a great image for the community, and it will create the much needed jobs in this area.
Ted Miller
4:47 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
LOL, That was MY first thought too George, and don't forget we need more liquor stores too.
Calique
2:30 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
"High's noted that aside from Royal Farms, none of the other gas stations in the area offer the same array of services."
The Royal Farms is ONE BLOCK away!! This is so stupid!! Seriously, how about a nice lunch place? Panera, or something similar.
Nancy Green
3:54 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
A Panera would be great...even a subway, anything other than more gasoline stations of any size
Edward Charles
2:46 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
It was surprising to hear a member of the committee question High's business plan - as if he owns a C store with gas! A potential ethics violation or just bad acting?
Ronald
7:20 am on Friday, August 3, 2012
Bad acting. Just trying for face time. How much was his end of the bribe?
mark johnson
9:36 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
This is about as bad as having three banks in a one block radius. Navy Federal Credit Union and Columbia Bank are in the Weis Shopping center right next to each other and 1st Mariner bank next to the BP. It appears that they are adding things in groups of threes with the Highs being the third gas station in a half mile area to go along with the three banks.
Richard Hertz
12:01 am on Friday, August 3, 2012
You guys were all free to bid on the land and open whatever business you think could be profitable. The difference between all of you and Darnell is that he's actually putting his money on the line to support his idea.
Thomas L.
7:16 am on Friday, August 3, 2012
Couldnt agree more Richard. Everyone can complain all they want, but I bet not even half the people commenting went to the meeting. They are just throwing their beliefs out there without actually acting to represent them.
Ronald
7:25 am on Friday, August 3, 2012
I want to open an adult bookstore and massage parlor. Can I do that Richard? Obviously you don't know what you are talking about.
Attending these meetings never changed anything. The decisions are already made long before the meetings take place and long after the money passes hands.
Edward Charles
9:54 am on Friday, August 3, 2012
Ronald,
If you have proof that money changed hands for a vote one way or the other at the town center committee then go straight to the police and turn the rascals in.
Thomas L.
10:14 am on Friday, August 3, 2012
I'm Sorry Ronald, but your point is not valid unless you put forth the effort to enforce it. You can stand in the back and say your point to the community, but they aren't the ones who make the decisions. Do you think MLK had the belief that "Attending never changes anything," and "The decision is made long before?" Be a man. Quit complaining unless your going to do something about it.
Carol B
7:01 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Sorry, Ronald: there's ALREADY an adult bookstore and <ahem> massage parlor in that strip--only it's adult videos and an all-night door-banging hotel and some other questionable retail behind sealed windows and walls. How about something a little more upmarket than yet another convenience store? I've been inside the Royal Farms "convenience center" exactly once (no purchase); the 7-Elevens, never; and I won't patronize High's whatever, either. I get what I need at the various supermarkets. Now that the diner (which I visited ONCE) has closed--how about a decent family-style restaurant? Even a Burger King would be preferable!
Richard Hertz
10:44 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
"Even a Burger King would be preferable!" Maybe you've forgotten the Wendy's that Dunkin Donuts replaced. I doubt the Wendy's went away because they were making too much money.
You want a decent family-style restaurant? Go for it. Build it and see if the people come.
Tami
4:02 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
I see that most of the comments here are related to the area adjacent to Ft. Meade, but I'm curious if there are any plans to replace the SuperFresh Supermarket that was right before the roundabout on 175? People who live in that area would love to see another supermarket so we do not have to drive 15-20 minutes for a "quick" run to the store.