Annexation will bring new Dollar General

By Richard Crumbacker

Crisfield-Somerset County Times

PRINCESS ANNE — Two lots totaling 1.5 acres on the south corner of Somerset Avenue and John Turkle Lane are being eyed for annexation by Princess Anne to accommodate construction of a new Dollar General.

If the request by Mt. Vernon Market Inc. goes through as proposed the zoning would change from Residential- 3 as designated by the county to the town’s General Commercial C-2. The plan is to construct a 10,700 sq. ft. store with three sides of brick and the back of metal panels.

It would replace the current Dollar General on Mt. Vernon Road.

The town’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the annexation last month, and the Town Commissioners on Oct. 2 moved it through first reading so it can be advertised for a public hearing on Monday, Nov. 6. Part of the process will require concurrence from the County Commissioners that the zoning be changed at the time of annexation.

Kirk Simpkins is the president of Mt. Vernon Market Inc., and Oxford Chase Development Inc. would be the developer. This is the same company that is building the Dollar General at the intersection of Crisfield Highway and Fairmount Road in Westover. Town attorney Paul Wilber quipped that Dollar Generals are becoming so popular “they’re the new Walmart.”

Commissioner Mike Hall expressed his appreciation to the planning commission for its due diligence in this request. “It’s nice to see a business that wants to be annexed and give us tax money,” he said.

The advertisements for the public hearing appear this week and in the Oct. 18 edition of this newspaper