A zoning text amendment that could place a big box retailer near the corner of 213 and 544, adjacent to the Royal Farm Store, is now in the hands of the Queen Anne’s County Attorney, who will draft the amendment and introduce it into the record for consideration by the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners. Text amendment 11-06 is an attempt by the landowner, Pete Sheaffer, to increase the maximum allowed footprint of any new building from 65,000 square feet to Unlimited, which would clear the way for a large retailer.

Studies over the last decade have blamed big box stores for a decline in local wages and the demise of smaller, locally-owned retailers, known as the Wal-Mart Effect. The earliest the amendment can be introduced is June 14, but no public comment will be allowed. The earliest date for public comment and a vote will be July 26, according to Executive Assistant to the Commissioners Margie Houck. Houck said to check periodically because the schedule can change.