April 11, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Calls New Whole Foods Store a Turning Point for High Quality Development in Prince George’s County

Councilman Recalls Critical Vote to Approve High End Project

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – On Wednesday, April 12, the newest Whole Foods Grocery Store will open in Riverdale Park, the company’s first store in Prince George’s County.  In 2012, the Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council, approved the zoning change that brought the project to the County after a very long and contentious debate.  Councilman Mel Franklin, who supported the project as a signature economic destination for the region, released the following statement:

“The arrival of Whole Foods in Prince George’s County heralds a major turning point in Prince George’s County’s journey from being thought of as the region’s bedroom community to now an economic destination for the world.  In 2012, I was surprised that the Council was confronted with such a contentious zoning debate about bringing this project to life.  I am pleased to have supported the Whole Foods project and the economic momentum that its approval generated.  By encouraging development that elevates our quality of life, we will bring the kind of amenities that our residents have long clamored for and keep their dollars in Prince George’s County.  We must continue to work to foster the kind of business environment that replicates amenities like Whole Foods across the rest of the County.”

The new Whole Foods store in Riverdale Park is located at 6612-B Baltimore Ave., Riverdale Park, MD 20782 and will anchor an entire mixed-use development with residential, restaurants, hospitality, and retail.  The store will open on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 8:45AM.

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