I would look to AA County on the restrictions that they placed on this business center
from the start.

As far as Batemans, # 1 the economy, over all quality and poor service led to them closing.

It would be difficult for a National chain in that development at this point regardless of what could be offered as lease incentives.

Local "destination type" of business would be an option to consider
even knowing the risk of investment in this present economy

We need an exotic dance club in there

There was at least one Italian restaurant where Batemans was--Nonno's. And I think there was another short lived one there as well--also Italian.

Before bringing in more businesses, the needs of the CENTER need to be addressed. With few exceptions, it is the center where businesses go to die.

To John Pineau, I am not sure that the County is to blame. Completely unconfirmed, but I had heard that the property is located in a South River Conservation zone and when the land was sold to South River Colony (for housing, retail, and golf course development) there were many restrictions on the deeded land. The owner of the Center should have been aware of these. But from what I understand they are unable to erect any additional signage and are limited to temporary weekend road signs. That and the standard "we are located behind K-Mart" which is a great line to use for NO ONE!

So, a destination business is what is needed--you are absolutely right. I imagine Edgewater could use a bakery.

Signage is a deed restriction issue with the South River Conservancy. That isn't going to change. The owners were well aware of these restrictions BEFORE they even broke dirt and built. They were confident that their re-creation of downtown Annapolis behind K-Mart would be a HUGE success!

A successful business in that plaza has to be a destination that ALSO appeals to local consumers.

There have been TWO Italian places in the aforementioned Bateman's space. The first was opened by the guys that successfully brought The Steakhouse to that same strip of land. In their estimation, Edgewater can not support an Italian joint by itself -- it needs to have a non-local draw from surrounding areas. The second was opened by John Bruno of Italian Market fame and partners. Since Bruno had an ownership interest in the plaza, you'd think he could have made the numbers work.

I know it's unrealistic because of the lack of a MAJOR highway but I would LOVE to see a Cracker Barrel!!!

From what I've heard from current and past tenants, the rents are just too high and the landlord isn't willing to adjust to suit this economy. Seems it would be btter to have a fully occupied center at lower rental rates than to have so many vacancies.

Bella Sera offers Italian food made and served by non-Italian people and has been there for years.

Whatever comes into this location is going to have to bring its reputation with it and that probably means a good chain restaurant. Sad for small business.

How about a maternity store for teenage mothers?

The LAST thing the Edgewater area needs is ANOTHER thrift-consignment-resale store. There are two handfuls plus in the area between Annapolis, Davidsonville, Edgewater.

Sorry but that many discount type stores in such a small area is not good for potential big anchor stores, personal housing property values and over saturates the area with that type of business.

There are just so many, even "upscale" ones in the area it is redundant.

contact the Marcos family of Bowie and open a "Real" Ledo Restaurant!!