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Abingdon Community Council

Wal-Mart Input MeetingMonday, October 8, 2012

ATTENDEES:

Cynthia Hergenhahn, Chairperson of Abingdon Community CouncilAaron Tomarchio, Chief of Staff, Harford County Executives Office

C. David Copenhaver, Abingdon Community Council

Carlin Cook, Abingdon Community Council

Joan Hamilton, Abingdon Community CouncilEarl Grey, Abingdon Community Council

Jane Walker, Office of the County Executive

Patricia Gonzalez, Office of the County Executive

Patrick Roddy, Esq., Counsel for WalmartJohn Meyer, KLNB

Wes Guckert, The Traffic GroupGabe Masa, MMA Architects

Mike Birkland, Bowman Engineering

Nina Albert, Director of Community Affairs, Wal-MartPete Gutwald, Director of Planning and Zoning

Mr. Tomarchio welcomed everyone and explained the purpose of the meeting was to facilitate anopen and honest discussion between Wal-Mart representatives and citizen representatives of the

Abingdon Community Council regarding the opposition and concerns of the relocation of the Wal-Mart from its current location at Constant Friendship to the proposed Plumtree Road site.

Ms. Hergenhahn stated the Abingdon Community strongly prefers that Wal-Mart remain in its

current location and offered possible ways to expand at that location as stated in the AbingdonCommunity Council Proposed Wal-Mart Agreement (attached).

Ms. Albert explained the conditions for expanding at the current location are not viable for several

reasons:

1. The parking lot slopes so no expansion can occur to the front.

2. A viable business is located to the rear of the property3. To expand to the west side would reduce the number of required parking spaces

4. Expansion to the side would also interfere with a storm water management buffer

Ms. Albert stated that Wal-Mart would not close a store for remodeling because jobs would be lost.

She further explained that no store is closed and relocated without a very thorough thought

process.

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Mr. Guckert stated a traffic study is being conducted and will be reviewed by the County and State

Highways to determine the needs of both the community and Wal-Mart. He also stated that

comments in the proposed agreement in reference to traffic deserve consideration and he willdiscuss these suggestions with Wal-Mart officials.

Mr. Tomarchio asked what are the plans for the current location once it is vacated.

Ms. Albert stated once the plans for the Plumtree Road location are approved and in progress Wal-

Mart will shop for new buyers of the old store.

Mr. Meyer stated that the Constant Friendship location will be a valuable piece of real estate as it is

the last piece of property zoned for such a business in Harford County and he feels sure it will be

sold or leased in a very timely manner.

Ms. Hergenhann presented Wal-Mart officials with the Abingdon Community Councils concerns

and issues as stated in their package. A series of discussions occurred on each of the issues

brought forward.

Ms. Hergenhahn asked about the Good Neighbor Agreement. Ms. Albert explained that Wal-Mart does not participate in the Good Neighbor Agreement however they do give back to the

community in two ways. One is through a Foundation that allocates money to all areas of the

State. The other is four giving pillars: Hunger, Work Force Development, Wellness andEducation. Each store has a giving budget and they partner with schools, police and fire

departments in the community. The Giving budget is based on store performance.

Mr. Masa presented renderings of the new store and explained materials to be used, lighting, etc.He also stated that the plans are to preserve as many of the existing trees as possible.

Discussion was held regarding expanding the group to include additional communityrepresentatives possibly from the Bel Air South Community.

Mr. Tomarchio thanked everyone for the positive comments and discussion and agreed a follow-upmeeting will occur after the Development Advisory Committee meeting is held.

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.