Terrasa: ‘There’s Not a Safe Way to Walk To Wegmans’
Do you think Owen Brown pedestrians should have more access to Wegmans? Tell us in comments.
Advocates for Owen Brown, the village center that is less than two miles away from the new grocery superstore in Columbia—Wegmans—say they are concerned about finding a way for residents to be able to walk to the store.
And village leaders and residents said they don’t think Wegmans will threaten the Giant store located at the village center, one of three established in Columbia since the first opened at Wilde Lake Village Center in 1967.
The concern about Wegmans and its impact and interaction with Columbia village centers is not new. One Howard County liquor board member tearfully said at a hearing in July that he could not vote to allow Wegmans to have a second-floor liquor store because he would not “put the failure of the village centers on his shoulders.”
Do you think the appearance of Wegmans has helped or hurt Columbia Village centers? Tell us in comments or vote in our poll.
But, at least in Owen Brown–a village center that has two pizza places, a bar, a McDonald's, and three places to get a haircut–some are talking about how to embrace the new super-retailer, and find a way for residents to walk there.
"There's not a safe way to walk to Wegmans," said Howard County Councilwoman Jen Terrasa, who represents Owen Brown, along with King's Contrivance, North Laurel and Savage. "I heard from a lot of residents who are walking distance from Wegmans who would like to walk over there."
Terrasa said she was riding bikes with her family on Labor Day, and had serious problems reaching the stores with the current pedestrian and bike routes.
Wendy Webster, manager of the Wegmans in Columbia, said she has not heard any concerns from residents about a lack of access, but said they have modified the curb to be more handicapped-friendly and added bicycle racks.
"We're working hard to make sure that we're accessible," Webster said. "If there's someone from the community who wants to partner with us, if we need to do more, I'd be open to listen."
But Webster said there are currently no specific plans to change pedestrian access to the store.
Andrew Stack, the Columbia Association representative for the Owen Brown Village Board, says the village is working with the county to widen Snowden River Parkway to three lanes, in an effort to ease congestion.
Although reducing congestion won't necessarily make for a faster pedestrian commute, Stack says if cars are moving through more safely, everyone in the neigborhood is safer.
"We're following that very closely, hoping that could provide some relief," Stack said.
Stack, who has lived in Owen Brown for nearly 30 years, says, despite the addition of Wegmans, his family still uses the local Giant Food in the village center.
"I've been to Wegmans, and it has a lot of nice products," Stack said. "We still shop at Giant," Stack said.
He thinks the longterm affect of Wegmans will only be visible once the dust settles from the grand opening.
"Wegmans just opened, so give it some time to see how it affects the village center," Stack said.
Terrasa said she thinks the Owen Brown Village Center will fill a different role for locals, as other people travel out of their way to enjoy the novelty of the super-grocer Wegmans.
"I think Wegmans is certainly a concern for the villages. I don't think it has to be necessarily a problem for them," Terrasa said. "It's a different shopping experience."
Webster said the store is participating in community events and contributing to local causes as a part of building the local neighborhoods.
"It's about being a part of the community and not just being a grocery store," Webster told Patch. "It's about being intimately involved in the community we live in and serve, and we are excited to be here."
Webster pointed to the store recently buying a steer from the Howard County Fair, benefiting the local 4H club, and donating the meat to the Howard County Food Bank as an example of the store's involvement. They will also partner with Apple Ford, directly across the street, to host a blood drive later in September and give away ice cream and oil changes in exchange for blood donations.
Marilyn Newhouse, an Owen Brown resident for three decades who shopped at the Giant for her family for years, said she doesn't think the grocery store is going anywhere. She goes to her local Giant, the Trader Joe's in Elkridge or Wegmans depending on what she needs.
"The three places seem to draw different groups...Wegmans and Trader Joe's seem to draw a little higher income [customers]" says Newhouse. "But we need that Giant here, for better or worse."
And Giant isn't planning to leave anytime soon, according to store representatives.
"We’re committed to providing our customers the highest levels of quality," said Giant spokesperson Jamie Miller.
The Howard County Chamber of Commerce named Giant Food this year's Large Business of the Year, and Miller said this is evidence of the store's "commitment to the Chamber, and support of the community."
LER
7:30 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Wegman's is an abomination
Columbia Mom
7:36 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
I agree, it does look as if it is difficult to get to Wgeman's by walking or biking, although I admit I have not tried. It is just too congested in the area around the store (and since the addition, driving on Snowden River has been a huge pain), I would be concerned for people's safety. Additionally, I am in agreement with Andrew Stack, I still shop at Giant. I have visited Wegman's a few times, and it has been a long and exhausting trip each time. I sat in a line of traffic to just get in to park, once I did it was difficult to find a parking place, it was very crowded inside, and although they have some wonderful and unique choices, I find it to be on the expensive side. So, a visit to Wegman's will be a special trip for my family in the future, and I will continue to shop at my local Giant.
Roux's Pal
8:08 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
The County and CA knew for a couple of years Wegmans was coming - they should know that you need access by ALL means - foot, bike, bus. But what did DPW do? Nothing! Put the pressure on the County to make this a livable city - dethrone King Auto! Why did the County issue building and occupancy permits without easy access? I'm HAPPY Wegmans is finally here at last - and very disappointed with County staff that did not ensure access by something other than motorized vehicles. Don't blame Wegmans - tell the County to do its work, fulfill its mission.
Matt M
11:33 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
There is a bus stop at the entrance to Wegmans and a crosswalk to help you across McGaw road.
Amy Pickwick
9:05 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
I would consider walking if a sidewalk was put in on Dobbin. I can get to the light with Dobbin via sidewalks, and then they stop.
H.R. Pufnstuf
9:13 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Are people realistically going to walk to Wegmans, and then walk home with 10 or more bags of groceries? Furthermore, even if it was practical to walk there, which it isn't, how many months of the year is the weather good for that? No on will walk there in the cold of winter or heat of summer. Columbia is a suburban community. You need a car to live get around and everyone here knew that when they moved in.
Melissa
6:26 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
People walk to and from grocery stores all the time, year round. What's ridiculous is driving half a mile to go to the store. That's why Snowden River Pkwy is such a mess. People have no other way to get to the shops there so everyone has to take cars, leading to congestion and crowded parking lots.
H.R. Pufnstuf
6:53 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Ok, how many times do you think Jen Terrasa walks to Harris Teeter (which she has to ride her bike right past on e way to Wegmans)?
Columbia Mom
9:47 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
So true, H.R. I was thinking the same thing when I read this article. It is my opinion that a trip to Wegmans is an experience, not somewhere you run to when you are out of milk and bread. How could anyone walk or bike back home with bags of groceries, to go containers of prepared food, or even a pizza? Not realistic at all.
Julia McCready
9:51 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Younger folks want walkability. They are not necessarily doing a big weekly shop on foot. They want to be able to walk over, have a bite to eat, hang with friends, pick up a few things. These are young, educated professionals. Do we want them to call Columbia home?
H.R. Pufnstuf
1:00 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
How many "young professionals" are we talking about that live within walking distance of Wegmans? Even if it was 1,000 that's only about 1% of the Columbia's population. How much money do you think we need to spend to pander to a few educated professionals who have cars?
Michaelwritescode
2:58 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
H.R. We're talking about a few hundred feet of sidewalk and/or trails to fill the random gaps in walkability on Oakland Mills and McGraw road - Not massive pedestrian bridges with gold hand rails and diamond encrusted steps. There already exists lots of sidewalks along Oakland Mills and Snowden River that could be connected rather painlessly.
Not to mention there are tons of other bars and stores up Dobbin that could potentially benefit from a walking area leading to the residential areas south.
DawnP
9:58 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Personally, I'd rather focus on sidewalks to allow our children to walk to school before we worry about walkability to Wegman's.
Matt M
11:43 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
The Columbia Association has pathways laid out for villages and village centers around Columbia. There are not really paths outside of the residential areas which happen to contain village centers.
So how do people in Owen Brown get to Taco Bell, or Nichi Bae Kai, or Home Depot, or BJ's. WHAT?!? These places are not walkable either?!? Crazy!!
If you want to walk to the grocery store, then walk to your local village center (assuming it has a grocery store). Otherwise, take the bus or hop in a car...or ride your bike along a roadway.
This discussion is focusing on a usage pattern that is pretty uncommon (outside of, you know, politicians families riding their bikes to Wegman's for fun).
H.R. Pufnstuf
1:03 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Totally agree, well put.
Silence Dogood
11:51 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
I question the patriotism of any so called "American" who would try to buy groceries without a gas-powered vehicle. Pedestrians and cyclists seem foreign and vaguely French to me. Clearly the founders intended that we use only our Escalades and Suburbans to get to the Wegmans.
rlp
1:09 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
We need more sidewalks everywhere, not just to Wegmans. I live off the 108/Waterloo Road area and like to walk to the grocery store, Target and other stores on the weekends but it is not always easy because of the sidewalk problem. I like being able to walk instead of getting in my car when I only need a few things. Can we get more sidewalks in all of Howard County. Dobbin Road is really bad and should really have sidewalks. And we need more crossing signals everywhere.
Tom
2:35 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
So much Hype over Wegmens... I went there and was fairly un-impressed... It is a glorified supermarket with a resteraunt / "hipster" coffee shop appeal. And what a waste of space upstairs now that they cannot even sell beer and wine.
Karen T
4:36 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
I find it funny that there is a concern on walking to Wegmans. There is the same issue for other establishments as well. Walmart or Snowden Square my issue is the Broken Land Park and Ride. I understand it is a "Park" and Ride but should you need to walk to or from there to get a commuter bus forget it... Columbia built walking paths but these days I'm not sure who wants to take those paths on their own. A lot was done to bring safety a priority when they built Wegmans by widening the roads adding traffic signals and cross walks which is more than what is in place for Snowden Square which houses more shopping and eateries and a movie theater.
LER
5:02 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
the Wegman's "experience" - what a load of crap! Every time I've been shopping there I'm pushing through all the lollygaggers treating the place like it's a damn museum - I came to buy food people not contemplate the granola
Melissa
6:49 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Adding lanes on Snowden River Pkwy does nothing to make it easier or safer to walk or bike to Wegmans. With this reasoning, we might as well replace the road with a highway! What's needed are more sidewalks, pathways to residences, and a much lower speed limit. These are proven ways to improve pedestrian safety. Not to mention, it lessens congestion when locals can take other means to run errands. The more people who walk or bike to the store, the fewer people creating traffic. And, fewer people taking up those coveted parking spots. In fact, 10 bikes can park in the same space as 1 car! It's a win-win. If more people can walk or bike, that's fewer people creating traffic jams and taking parking spaces. And, if you walk or take your bike, you don't even have to mess around with finding parking! Easy-peasy for everyone.
H.R. Pufnstuf
6:58 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
You are simply not living in the real world. Bikes are not going to happen. Americans are too lazy for that.
Greg G.
9:57 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Before we start adding sidewalks to Wegman's let's make sure the one's we have are safe. Ever read the police reports about the Tamar area and their sidewalks. It used to be called being "Mugged" when people held you up at gun point or threatened you physically for your belongings. I forget what cute euphamism they use now. We need to slow down the over development of Coumbia not increase it. Nice to know that Ken Ullman and his cronies kept their word about overdevelopment.
Flagging_Layer
2:37 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I don't understand why this is only becoming "newsworthy" now. Didn't anybody notice that Wegmans was being built far from any real population center in Columbia? Didn't the plans showing the two level parking garage tip anyone off to the fact that Wegmans was not built to be visited by people walking, biking, or even taking the bus given the state of transit in Howard County. Didn't the necessity to widen Snowden River and McGaw Rd send up the red flags that It was built to be accessible only by car?
Wegmans was not brought to Snowden River to be a walkable lively destination. It was put there to further the continuance of high vehicular traffic on the Snowden River corridor in the land of Big Box Stores.
Miss Pufnstuff: just because you are too fat and lazy to get on a bike and ride around Columbia doesn't mean that we shouldn't strive to be a place where people can park their cars and walk or bike to any destination in Columbia they chose!
H.R. Pufnstuf
4:10 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Oh you got me, sweetheart! I'm fat and lazy!
Melissa
6:05 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I wouldn't say it's not by any real population center. There are several hundred homes just down the street by Hopewell park. It's about a 20 minute walk or a 5-10 minute bike ride to Wegmans from that neighborhood. And for those living around Cradlerock Elementary it would take about 15 minutes to bike to Wegmans. That's a real possibility for thousands of people. In fact, playing around with Google Maps, just about everyone in East Columbia could bike to Wegmans in 20 minutes or less. There just need to be more connections and safer ways to navigate that area.
I'd also say that people were interested in expressing the need for bike racks and walkability, and Wegmans was pretty responsive during that process. The county just needs to fill in the gaps and make those connections, that's all.
Matt M
8:02 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
What's wrong with transit in Howard County? There is a bus stop on McGaw road across from the Wegman's entrance.
I still don't understand why there need to be more connections and safer ways to navigate that area. Are we still talking about a 20 minute bike ride over to Wegman's to buy a pint of pickles? Who's going to do that? Bike over to your local grocery store! You know, the one that's already connected to where you live by bike paths and sidewalks because it was part of the original plan of Columbia?
Melissa
9:34 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Matt M- I think it's a matter of the right tool for the job. For those living in west Columbia or other parts of Howard County, the bus is fine (actually, I think service in HoCo is really lacking, but that's another story). But for those living around, say, Cradlerock Elementary, to use a local landmark, it would take over a half hour to get to Wegmans by bus, and about half of that 2 mile journey is spent walking anyway. Instead, that same person could take a much zippier bike ride and be there in about 15 minutes. Most of that journey would be really nice, on quiet streets and through the woods, but it's when you get to Dobbin/Snowden that those connections and safety measures would make the entire journey very fun.
Also, I think it's great for people to visit whichever grocery store is closer to them, and for those living around Hopewell Park that IS the closest store. But even for those who live further out, Wegmans has appeal. It has a huge selection and it's really popular. Maybe for those folks they'll do most of their daily shopping at their nearby grocery store, and if Wegmans has that extra-special pint of pickles they've been pining over then they'll go out on a Saturday and enjoy a 20 minute bike ride to Wegmans.
Matt M
4:20 pm on Friday, September 21, 2012
I think you're not up on your bus routes. Walk over to the OB village center or to Cradlerock and Homespun. Should be about 1/4 mile from your local landmark. You could even ride your bike and leave it at a bike rack there.
Then take the Brown line to Snowden and the Red line back to Wegmans. Sure it would take you about 30 mins, but very little walking.
Now, I get that people want everything to be perfect for their own situations, and if you want to bike there...it's not perfect. But let's not make this about public transportation, because that is there.
Silence Dogood
10:22 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
People who walk or bike are freaks, as this video shows:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7COaTRgnVxo
Ruth Reynolds Kohl
8:58 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
Widen Snowden River Parkway? I'd like to see a bike lane added!!
Frank in Elkridge
11:50 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
Columbia and Howard County as a whole is surprisingly and disappointingly pedestrian and bicycle unfriendly. It's not just a Wegman's problem. It's actually a big "plus" for the village centers that they are better for walking and bicycling.
The problem with walking and biking is not just limited to Snowden or the "big box" stores. It's a problem even with local strip malls, public buildings, and small businesses. I remember when I worked in Columbia, near McGaw and Stanford, having to drive my car to get lunch or go shopping nearby just because it was unsafe to walk there. A lot of daytime and lunchtime traffic would go away if you could safely walk across the street to Wegman's and many other places.
Emily Bronte
1:14 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
Wegmens is overcrowded and way overrated! I too, will continue to shop at Giant and just go to Wegmens when I feel like having my heels hit by carts being driven by rude customers whom decide to pick the busiest time to allow their 5 children to run around in the store underfoot!
djp952
1:44 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
This entire debate is amusing :-) Some people here in Elkridge have been drinking from fire hydrants for more than a year and THIS is a hot topic for the rest of the county? You guys seriously need to get a grip. You wanted that stupid store and you got it. Please stop complaining about it. The walking/biking infrastructure in Columbia is far superior to what anyone else around here has. Be thankful not bitter. Geez.