Politics & Government

Costco Subsidy in Question

New council members will not support the $4 million for construction of Costco in the Wheaton mall.

With budget work sessions approaching, some members of Montgomery Council Council are questioning a $4 million subsidy to Westfield for bringing Costco to the south side of the Wheaton mall.

The Washington Examiner reported that a portion of the County Council would oppose the subsidy and quoted council members Marc Elrich (D-At Large) and Craig Rice (D-District 2) as opposed.

Council Vice President Nancy Floreen (D-At Large) continues to support the subsidy, and changing direction, she said, would be the equivalent to going back on a promise.

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"My view was the deal has been reached," Floreen said. "What we got out of it was the gas station part separated."

"It would be a shame if we reversed our commitment to move Wheaton forward," she said.

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George Leventhal, an at-large council member believes the subsidy is a neccessary, if unpopular item to support.

"I've said it before, it's a bitter pill to swallow, but ultimately the best way to get out of a long-term budget crisis is to attract jobs and businesses." Leventhal said.

Councilmember Hans Riemer (D-At Large), who, in addition to Rice, was not part of the council's discussion on the subsidy last year, told Patch he won't support it.

"I think that we should postpone," Riemer said. "I think the money isn’t needed, and we need a better deal."

Riemer is not convinced that the vote that happened last year, in a private session, is representative of the council's full support.

Councilmember Phil Andrews (D-District 3) continues to oppose the subsidy, adding he was one of four votes against last year, all four of which are still current councilmembers - including council members Elrich, Valerie Ervin (D-District 5) and Navarro (D-District 4). 

Andrews said he cannot speak for the other "no" votes, but he has not changed his mind.

"I think it’s a tough sell period to subsidize Costco, but I think it’s an especially tough sell next to a Metro," Andrews said.


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