Harford County residents oppose Walmart's move

BEL AIR, Md. -  

The line was literally out the door; inside a capacity crowd lining up at the microphone, each given two minutes and most in opposition of a development neighbors say pushes the limits of an already busy and dangerous intersection.

"We know there will be accidents, we know there will be traffic and as my son pointed out, pedestrian accidents.  Somebody is going to die, people will be hurt and lives will be changed," said one resident.

Because the super Walmart proposed to go in at 924 and Plumtree Road in Bel Air will drastically change the dynamic of the area these people believe.

Traffic is the biggest concern, especially with two schools just a half mile away.

Many here believe 924 just can't take the increased traffic the store would bring making it safety a concern for middle and high school students like Alex Marconi.

"There is no compelling need to establish a Walmart in our neighborhood which overrides the safety and character of our neighborhood."

Which is why some lawmakers are hoping Walmart will abandon the plan and just renovate its existing store four miles away in Abingdon.

"I would hope Walmart would decide to build on where they are now in Abingdon and not build a super Walmart in Bel Air, it's just going to cause too many problems," said Republican Delegate from Harford County Glen Glass.    

Problems that were aired out in front of Harford County's Development Advisory Committee, but for Walmart's part, it says it will meet the county's standards including any added traffic concerns brought up this morning.

The company is confident this store will move forward.

"I will tell you that we have had at least 1500 signatures that we submitted to the county from residents that do support our new store and we know that there are many others who also have that support.  We are sure their voices will be heard in the days to come," said Walmart’s Bill Wertz.

So now the ball is back in Walmart's court and is expected to respond to some of the concerns raised today by residents and county agencies.

There is no set time for when or if this store will move forward.