To illustrate the enormity of the proposal, the structures alone would occupy eight acres of land and would require approximately ten acres of asphalt to provide the 1,750 parking spaces, internal roadways, sidewalks, loading areas and intersection and/or road improvements needed by the facility. The mega-center would generate between 5,000 to over 10,000 vehicle trips per day on PA 611, and will result in an increase of approximately 14 million gallons of stormwater per year in a watershed that is already prone to severe flooding.

A retail mega-center of this magnitude would dramatically impact not only Plumstead but every other community in the region. Traffic on PA 611 can be expected to deteriorate significantly, creating even heavier traffic flows northward to and from the Tinicum area while ensuring that the already congested Cross Keys intersection (PA 313 and PA 611) to the south will fail completely. In addition, existing businesses in Plumstead, Buckingham, Doylestown and as far north as Nockimixon will be significantly impacted and typically, many will not survive.

Fortunately, the Plumstead’s current Board of Supervisors appears to be less than enthusiastic about the prospects of having Big Box retailers as the centerpiece of their community. Unfortunately, vailed threats of legal action have been made and several candidates running for open seats on the board have made it clear that they do not believe that the township’s past willingness to defend its zoning in court against developers is a proper course of action.

Many observers believe that the main push for the mega-center will not occur until after the November elections. With pro-development candidates challenging pro-preservation candidates, hoping for a “friendlier” board would seem to be a prudent course of action on the part of the developer. If that strategy proves to be successful, Plumstead and the entire region face a very uncertain future.

More Information on Big Box Retail

It’s not about shopping. The impact of big box retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot etc. is much greater than most people imagine and the issues that their presence create go right to the very core of what makes a community. If you are concerned about big boxes then please reference the links below which will take you various sections of our Environmental Resource Center that deal with the Big Box issue in detail.

A word of warning:

If you decide to fight a big box proposal, be prepared for a real battle. The national chains are used to getting their way and they aren’t afraid to spend the money to roll over anyone that tries to get in their way. Those community groups which have successfully stopped big boxes have done so by combining knowledge and commitment with the political savvy to make sure that their elected representatives are equally knowledgeable and committed to the cause. Elect people who are absolutely dedicated to preserving your community, because if you don’t, you are going to have a big box.

An Overview of Big Box Retail

Wal-Mart may be the biggest, but they are not the only big box retailer out there. This section provides an in-depth overview to big box industry and there impact on modern lifestyles.

The Social Impact of Big Boxes

Big boxes have big impacts on a community and it is best to understand them before getting all excited about new shopping opportunities.

Defending your Community Against Big Box Retail

The best way to protect your community is to make sure your Zoning Ordinance adequately addresses the big box issue. This section contains a number of recommendations that will help ensure that community, not corporate desires, are heeded when a big box retailer decides that your town is great place for their next store.

The Environmental Impact of Big Boxes

Some of the environmental impacts of a huge shopping center are obvious. Some are not. This section addresses both.

Research on Big Box Retail

It is not enough to say that a big box retailer will have a negative impact on your community. You have to be able to back up your statement. This section will help you do that as well as provide some surprising information.

Big Box Links

A variety of links to a variety of sites offering a variety of information on big box issues.