Montgomery County Council President Valerie Ervin introduced a bill Tuesday requiring big box stores — like Home Depot, Costco and Walmart — to enter into agreements with at least three civic organizations or convince County Executive Ike Leggett that they have “made a good faith effort to negotiate” an agreement.
In addition to Ervin, D-Silver Spring, the bill is sponsored by Councilmen Craig Rice, D-Germantown, and Hans Riemer, D-at large, and Councilwoman Nancy Navarro, D-Eastern County.
Introduced on the heels of the announcement that Wal-Mart is seeking to open a store in Aspen Hill, the bill would require retailers to adhere to practices that benefit the surrounding community. It could lead to requirements for hiring practices, operating hours, noise and lighting restrictions or the type of assistance the stores give the community.
If a store does not meet these requirements, the opening might be delayed and the store would not be eligible to receive financial assistance from the county.
Wal-Mart spokesman Steve Restivo said the company — which has become a source of controversy since its employees are not unionized — has signed similar agreements in the past. However, he said, they’re not necessary given the store’s usual practices.
“The more people get to know the facts about Wal-Mart, the more they come to see that we already provide many of the things that communities want,” he said.
A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for Nov. 1.
