Owings Mills May Get Wegmans, Mall Revamp
Baltimore County Councilwoman Vicki Almond discussed potential plans to revamp the Owings Mills area.
Although the Reisterstown Improvement Association focuses on Main Street, Owings Mills was the hot topic Tuesday night, thanks to Baltimore County Councilwoman Vicki Almond addressing potential plans for revamping the Owings Mills mall and the fate of the Solo Cup plant.
While nothing is set in stone, Kimco Realty may take over the mall and turn it into an open air shopping center with ‘medium box’ stores, keeping Macy’s and JCPenney, Almond said. There is also discussion about bringing a Wegmans to town, either at the Solo Cup plant or somewhere at the mall or Metro Centre, she said.
“This is our shot,” Almond said.
The Solo Cup plant was recently sold to Greenberg Gibbons Commercial and Vanguard Commercial Property Development, according to the Baltimore Business Journal. Greenberg Gibbons, based in Owings Mills, developed the Hunt Valley Towne Centre as well as the Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole. CEO Brian Gibbons said Wegmans is a possibility for the Solo site, Almond said.
“Everybody feels if we had a Wegmans somewhere in the area…it would be a good attraction,” Almond said.
Greenberg Gibbons would be responsible for improvements to Painters Mill Road as well as the intersection of Painters Mill and Reisterstown Road.
Almond has partnered with Councilman Ken Oliver to stay abreast of the development at the Solo Cup plant, Owings Mills Mall and Owings Mills Metro Centre.
“Owings Mills is going to be the hub,” Almond said. “There is going to be a Main Street in Owings Mills.”
While Owings Mills development has been in the works for more than a decade, Almond said Stevenson University’s recent expansions have accelerated the process.
She said she is urging and helping developers meet with all the community groups in the Owings Mills area, and aims to keep the community involved in the entire process.
“Everybody is looking at the quality of life in Owings Mills,” she said.
Vicki Goodman
7:47 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Hooray! This is great news! I hope all of it comes to fruition. Just those 2 changes would make a world of difference to a thriving town that needs to be reviatalized.
Donna B.
8:13 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
What a wonderful thing to work on revamping Owings Mills. But the idea of a Wegman's at the Solo Plant site, in my opinion, is not such a wonderful thing. The traffic is scary enough in that area. Is there a reason why bringing stores like Wegman's closer to Reisterstown isn't considered? Both towns could use all the help they can get.
Jay
9:22 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Traffic is horrible there...bad choice...and Owings Mills needs a lot more than a Wegmans to help it out....how about closing the Metro!!!!
Daniel Hoffman
9:23 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
YES PLEASE
Marc Shapiro
9:45 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
I made a small update to the story that may address some of the traffic concerns. The developer at Solo Cup would be responsible for improving Painters Mill Road as well as the intersection at Painters Mill and Reisterstown Road. Vicki Almond is well aware of the traffic concerns at the site.
Irvin R Zeigenfuse
11:47 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The metro is vital to Carroll and NW Baltimore County Workers. Closing it would be extremely foolish. It is a myth that it brings a lot of crime to the area.
Donna B.
11:52 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
I agree with Irvin. And that is good news that they plan on improving the roads there. Still would love to see more developments like that here in Reisterstown. Fast food and gas stations.. what's not to like? ;-)
Pamela F
5:35 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
I would love to see Wegman's come to Owings Mills! Sure there would be more traffic and that's something the developers would have to work on--but I'd rather see more traffic than more empty, run down and abandoned buildings. I'm glad revamping the mall is being talked about also.
Donna B.
6:32 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Pamela, you are right (and I like your attitude.) I just hope that they do revamp the mall too.
Norma Bosley
11:43 pm on Thursday, September 22, 2011
I've watched Owings Mills go through many changes for the past 47 years, and we are finally approaching a good place to be. Businesses are thriving here, the convenience of shopping is a plus, and Stevenson University has been the jewel OM has been needing. Now that the library and college are under construction, the area will continue to improve. Thanks to Councilwoman Almond for taking an interest in our little town. It is much appreciated!
Ed
8:43 am on Monday, September 26, 2011
Unless the Devoloper and the county government provides better security at the mall, people will stay away. I do not want to be another muder victim there, I don't care what stores are there; It's not worth my life. Also, it's not a myth about the crime associated with the Metro. I was victimized several times.
whataday
12:46 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
We are all potiential victims no matter where we go.. Take percautions,simple..
Great Idea to revamp the mall and add Wegmans and bring other stores in as well... Really Great idea.. Just do something!! ghee whiz,already..
oh, closing the subway ,ahhh NO!! .. I am sure the local college kids would have an issue as well as many county workers..