Lifting Of Store Size Limit Prompts Opposition

CHESTERTOWN, Md. (AP) -- A proposal to raise the size limit for stores near historic Chestertown has battle lines being drawn again on the Eastern Shore.

Queen Anne's County commissioners voted Tuesday to lift a 65,000-square-foot store size limit in the county's Suburban
Commercial zones. The change was sought by Peter Sheaffer, who owns 26 acres in the zone near Chestertown, The Star Democrat of Easton reported Friday.

Supporters say the limit encourages shoppers to leave the county and a big-box retail store will create jobs and tax revenues.

Opponents say it will create traffic and harm Chestertown's business district and have promised a court battle.

Opponents fought off a previous proposal for a Wal-Mart north of Chestertown.
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(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)