Woodmoore lands Wegmans

Center’s neighbors push for continued economic development

Harry Lerch, Perez’s attorney, said his client was concerned the detailed site plan did not go before the County Council, adding only the conceptual site plan for Woodmore Towne Centre went before the County Council. Lerch said for county development projects, the County Council reviews, in order, the conceptual site plan, the preliminary site plan and then the detailed site plan. Lerch said it was in the preliminary site plan where Perez saw traffic issues, including what to do about the Arena Drive Capital Beltway interchange, an exit considered crucial to entering the development. Currently the exit is only open on Washington Redskins game days.

Perez lost the appeal during a Monday District Council session held in the County Administration Building in Upper Marlboro.

Councilman David Harrington (D-Dist. 5) of Cheverly said Perez lost the appeal after the council learned traffic concerns were already addressed during both the conceptual site plan and the preliminary site plan presentations before the county’s Planning Board one year ago. The District Council comprises County Council members who rule on zoning and development cases.

Residents and officials worried Perez’s appeal would halt the arrival of the Centre’s anchor, Wegmans Food Market. Wegmans is a non-union grocer large in size and known for its knowledgeable staff and gourmet food selection.

The Woodmore Towne Centre at Glenarden is one of two major central Prince George’s County development projects facing union opposition.

Arthur Turner, a Kettering resident and president of the Coalition of Central Prince George’s Community Organizations, said individuals from Local 400 voiced concern about non-union big box stores coming to Ritchie Station Marketplace in Capitol Heights, another major retail development located on Ritchie-Marlboro Road and facing the Capital Beltway. He said both the Sam’s Club and a Sears Grand are possible additions to Ritchie Station.

The coalition represents more than 43 civic associations concerned with the county’s future economic development, education and public safety.

A crowd including Turner, District Heights Commissioner Jack Sims and various coalition members came to a zoning hearing at the County Administration Building Tuesday, pushing for a change from industrial zoning, which Ritchie Station Marketplace land is currently zoned for, to commercial shopping center or CSC zoning for commercial stores.

Stan D. Brown, legal counsel for the county’s zoning commission, said that it would take 30 days before an official decision is made on a zoning change.

E-mail Natalie McGill at nmcgill@gazette.net.