Annapolis, MD (May 2, 2007) - Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold announced he intends to submit a supplemental budget to the County Council next week requesting $6.1 million to purchase the proposed Target shopping center property at Wayson’s Corner. The funding for this acquisition will come from Program Open Space. "Even though this property is zoned commercial, I heard the clear message from the citizens that they want this land to remain undeveloped," said County Executive Leopold. "The protection of this environmentally sensitive land, adjacent to the Parris Glendening Nature Preserve at Jug Bay, is critical. As I stated in my budget address, ‘Keeping South County rural is a policy, not just a slogan’." The County Executive’s action will prevent development on the approximately 30-acre tract and avoid an adverse impact on nearby Galloway Creek, which runs through the Nature Preserve at Jug Bay. The property is located at the intersection of Southern Maryland Boulevard (Route 4) and Sands Road. The previously proposed shopping center on that site called for more than 260,000 square feet of retail space including a TARGET, other small shops, restaurants and a bank. The developer has withdrawn plans for this commercial project in response to citizen and environmental concerns. "I am pleased to join with the County Executive in support of this important initiative to preserve this parcel of land for future generations," said District 7 Councilman Edward R. Reilly. | 
