9 Businesses Patch Readers Want To Open In Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — We asked which business you wanted to see in Bel Air, and you answered, with more than 500 responses on the Bel Air Patch Facebook page.

Here's what you and your neighbors hope will set up shop next in the heart of Harford. While there were dozens of other suggestions, this list reflects businesses that were most requested in Bel Air.

• Trader Joe’s
• Cheesecake Factory
• Hobby Lobby
• Costco
• Christmas Tree Shop
• Nalley Fresh
• Mission BBQ
• Whole Foods
• Dave & Buster’s

Far and away, the most popular request from Bel Air Patch readers was for a Trader Joe's, with nearly 90 people saying they wish this grocer would come to town. Here's how you can request a Trader Joe's in your neighborhood.

People also said they wanted places for children and teens to congregate.

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Others said there was no need for more development.

“The last thing we need is another business! Maybe a pro or wildlife preserve!” Joann Luh said.

“Nothing more. Traffic in Harford County is horrible, no more developing!" Trisha Waskey said.

“We have plenty...no chains needed,” Linda Stine Flint added.

Some advocated for more independently owned venues.

"More ma and pa shops on Main Street," Mel Machovec said.

"How about we stop building houses and apartments and the never-ending sprawl and focus on some locally owned business in walkable areas, not ones that have to be surrounded by parking lots?" Peter Nincompoop suggested.

“Revive the local businesses that made Bel Air the great local hometown it once was,” Kristin Groh Conway said.

What would you like to see in Bel Air? Tell us in the comments, and see all the responses on Facebook.

Patch file photo by Kirsten Dize.