Construction Advances on New Royal Farms Store in Montgomery Hills

News Summary

Construction is progressing on the new Royal Farms store at 9475 Georgia Ave. in Montgomery Hills, despite appeals from local residents concerned about its impact. The Montgomery County Board of Appeals approved permits allowing construction to move forward. The site, once home to a gas station, will soon feature a full-service convenience store with prominent signage indicating ongoing hiring efforts. While the new store is poised to provide better food options in the area, community members continue to voice their concerns about development in their neighborhood.

Construction Advances on New Royal Farms Store in Montgomery Hills

Construction is making significant progress on the new Royal Farms store located at 9475 Georgia Ave. in Montgomery Hills. This development is transforming a site that was previously home to the Beltway Car Care and a Sunoco gas station into a new convenience store that residents have been eagerly anticipating, despite some community opposition.

In March, it was reported that construction had officially begun, following a series of public appeals made by local residents who were concerned about the project. Despite their efforts, the Montgomery County Board of Appeals held a public hearing in January, ultimately siding with the Royal Farms company and allowing construction permits to proceed.

Construction Permits and Community Concerns

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services approved construction permits last fall, valued at over $200,000. However, a group of eleven local residents, qualifying as “persons aggrieved” under the Montgomery County Code, filed appeals against the project. They argued that they would be adversely affected by the proposed development.

The group of appellants initiated a formal appeal process, presenting a 147-page case outlining their reasons for seeking a denial of the project’s building permits. Despite their concerns, the Board of Appeals voted unanimously, with a 5-0 decision, to allow the construction to proceed, thus marking a significant win for Royal Farms.

Current Progress at the Site

As of now, the construction has made substantial strides, including the installation of the main building’s framework and canopy, along with the necessary gas tanks. Prominent signage indicating “Coming Soon!” and “Now Hiring” has been prominently displayed at the site, signaling to the community that the store is on track to open in the near future.

Although Royal Farms has not yet announced an official opening date for the store, hiring efforts are already underway. The new location is showcased on the Royal Farms “Coming Soon!” webpage, generating excitement among potential customers and employees alike.

A New Addition to the Local Convenience Store Landscape

This upcoming Royal Farms store is notable for being the first of the “big three” convenience store chains—alongside Sheetz and Wawa—to open outside of Gaithersburg in Montgomery County. Known for its delicious offerings, including fried chicken, Royal Farms has previously received recognition, being named the “Best Gas Station for Food” by USA Today in the previous year. This reputation for quality food makes the new location a much-anticipated addition to the Montgomery Hills area.

The ongoing construction at the Royal Farms site reflects the growing demand for accessible convenience options in the community. Local residents have expressed mixed feelings, balancing excitement about the new store with concerns raised during the appeal process. Future developments will be closely monitored, especially as some neighborhood residents are still considering their options for further action.

Next Steps for the Community

Following the decision by the Montgomery County Board of Appeals, the appellant group still has the chance to challenge this ruling in the Montgomery County Circuit Court, should they choose to do so. As construction proceeds, all eyes will be on the progress of the Royal Farms store, with community members keen to see how this new establishment will fit into the local landscape.

In summary, the ongoing construction of the Royal Farms store in Montgomery Hills stands as a testament to the area’s evolving retail landscape. With permits secured and construction underway, residents can expect a new convenience option on the horizon, despite the challenges posed by community appeals.

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Additional Resources

• Source of the Spring: Construction Progresses at Royal Farms
• Wikipedia: Royal Farms
• Source of the Spring: Royal Farms Construction Moves Forward
• Google Search: Royal Farms Montgomery Hills
• Community Impact: The Woodlands Hills Community Church Expansion
• Google Scholar: Montgomery County Development Issues
• Vestavia Voice: River Bank Trust Renovations
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Convenience Stores
• Dayton Daily News: City of Centerville Court Fight
• Google News: Royal Farms Community Concerns