What You're Saying About the Proposed Royal Farms in Eldersburg

A recent article about a proposed Royal Farms location in Eldersburg met with a variety of responses from readers.

Here's a sampling of what people said on Facebook and in the comments section. You're welcome to add your own thoughts below.

The original article can be read here.

A follow up on the issue from a meeting with the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission can be read here.

David Polikoff:

"If it brings revenue and jobs to the county then I say yes. A vacant lot brings nothing to our town."

Tracy Beck:

"As a business owner located right behind the empty lot, I am not thrilled. I was really hoping for a nice restaurant to open there. I think a restaurant would be more welcome and look better on the corner since there is already a gas station across the street."

Lauren McRobie:

"There was a Crown where Walgreens stands and they got rid of that, why put a gas station right acrossed the street? Let's try to fill that empty new monster complex they built at the old golf range before building more...hey and what about Carrolltown Mall? I think the planning committee needs to work on filling empty buildings."

Alissa:

"Great! That is exactly what Eldersburg needed! Another gas station! Maybe they can squeeze in a dry cleaner, nail salon and a bank, too. Eldersburg sure could use more of those, too."

Scott Runkles:

"Can't there be a better choice rather than a convience store and gas station. We already have them and if I remember correctly there are gas stations boarded up in Eburg. All I can say is what a waste of land. Honestly the jobs that a Royal Farm would provide would be very low salary, I would rather see something that would bring higher pay."

Karen Crouse Linton:

"No! I have only lived in the area 3 years and I think it's a bad bad idea. Traffic will be crazy. And there are 3 places to get gas right near there already."

Patrick Komiske:

"Maybe that's the best we can do....BUT I don’t think so! For many this intersection says "Welcome to Eldersburg or even Welcome to Carroll County". If it must go in I hope it will have superior construction and quality street presence but it’s difficult to hide the glaring lights of 16 pumps and neon fast food!"

Cindy:

"The logic eludes me as to how, as one of the top 100 places in America to live, Eldersburg continues to attract and allow the same types of businesses over and over again. There is no need for yet another convenience store/gas station combo."

Mitch:

"It is unfortunate that the lot has been vacant for so long, but lets not rush just to build anything. Is this really what the residents of Eldersburg desire for their most prominent intersection (right behind their Welcome sign)."

Kathi Roach:

"This is the last thing Eldersburg needs. We already have plenty of gas stations, banks, liquor stores, & nail salons. I am a fan of Royal Farms, but not there. Bring the community something new & different, please!! Why is zoning the only approval needed? Eldersburg needs to become incorporated or there will never be any sort of plan for our community. What a disappointment."

Rick:

"Perhaps FACC should spend more time addressing the urban sprawl, lack of sidewalks, absence of bike paths and gridlock that the 'burg' has turned into over the years. How did the 'best place to live' turn into 'traffic choked chaos?' County bureaucrats have never given a fig about any other town besides Westminster. Perhaps incorporation would give the Burg the teeth it needs to stand up to the bureaucrats and developers to stop the insanity."

Nancy Ervin:

"Another gas station is NOT what Eburg needs. Glory Days has been a good addition and appears to be very busy. I feel we could use more options for nice restaurants."

Ross Dangel:

"The blame lies with our county, who refuses to do as other counties do and seek development that fulfills community needs rather than waiting for developer proposals to review. They could also do a better job of advertising the development plans and making Planning and Zoning Commission meetings at night to accommodate citizen input."

Lisanne Forsberg:

"We already have plenty of Gas stations and Convience stores in the Eldersburg/ Sykesville area. How about putting in a decent resturaunt in the area with good food?"