Seeking More than 'Grose' Profit

I typically assume that the readers of this blog are of my generation, but for those who fall in the younger age category, the subheading for this blog refers to the famous Sinatra song “My Way.” I felt it prudent to make a comparison to another hard working individual who shares the same philosophy as seen in the song lyrics.

I met Peter Grose back in the fall of 2011. He was a guest speaker at a Norwood/Hollabird Community Association meeting. Mr. Grose spoke about his company—Regional Management, Inc.—and its plans to renovate Merritt Park on behalf of the owners, MP 63 LLC.

Cutting to the chase, Mr. Grose’s plans included a supermarket chain that would be the center’s anchor, thus attracting other businesses to Merritt Park.

As time passed and the community saw the work being done, which included a new and polished image to the shopping center, Mr. Grose took some heat when the project failed to attract the large chain supermarket that he had anticipated.

But that is just the beginning of the story…

Undaunted, Mr. Grose continued to work in bringing a major draw to the site in the hopes of generating interest from other potential stores looking to call Merritt Park home.

That work has paid off, so to speak.

The one project that I hear people refer to as gem, even prior to the announcement of the Texas Roadhouse restaurant that Mr. Grose landed, was the renovated Rite Aid. Standing amidst the newly planted trees and shrubbery, not to mention the shiny newly paved parking lot, it appears that Mr. Grose’s vision is taking shape.

Additionally, the announcement of Texas Roadhouse (mentioned by yours truly in a previous blog) coming to the center should not only corral plenty of steers (for steaks), but a lot of hungry residents from both near and far to the new and improved Merritt Park.

As the old movie saying goes, “Build it and they will come.” Judging by the current buzz (no pun intended), they indeed will come.

But “they” will not just include diners. A big part of the “they” will be workers, because the new restaurant will mean new jobs for the area. Mr. Grose has said that job opportunities will be available for people willing to work hard and succeed, and he specifically called out Texas Roadhouse’s open opportunity for good paying management positions.

When I spoke to Mr. Grose recently, I asked him about the photo-op showing some elected officials. I asked if they really contributed to the progress of Merritt Park’s renovation.

Allow me to explain my bold question. You see, I distinctly recall Mr. Grose repeatedly stating that this entire venture would be funded by the owners of the shopping center without government funds or taxpayer money. This is something you rarely see from today’s developers, who often seek more ways to increase the gross profit margin at the expense of taxpayers.

(Blogger’s note: With that last statement, the headline should make more sense now.)

Mr. Grose stated that both Councilman John Olszewski, Sr. and Delegate John Olszewski, Jr. were very supportive of Merritt Park’s venture, and Mr. Grose said he wanted that to be known.

As for this blogger I was not aware of the support of Team O because I’m on the “do not call list,”—a status that has been made very clear to me.

I have a deep respect for Mr. Grose and his business savvy. To others in the development community, I say that you should follow his lead—do it “your way with your money!”

Blogger’s note: Mr. Grose wanted it known that he was not the developer but more the face of the project. He also expressed his thanks to Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.