Recommendation
Endorse the request described in the attached letter from The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company's Senior Director of Real Estate to the Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control, and authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the Department of Liquor Control conveying the Mayor and Council's support of the request.

Discussion
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company is seeking Montgomery County Liquor Control approval to operate a wine and beer shop, and to operate it in a section of its future SuperFresh grocery store, rather than as a separate store. Whether the shop is operated as a department within the main area of the grocery store or as a separate store has an affect on the store layout, as well as the exterior facade. Once this issue is resolved, the layout facade designs can be completed.

Mayor and Council History
This is the first time this item has been brought before the Mayor and Council.

Options Considered
Consideration of this item provides an opportunity to inform the community of significant activity finally taking place regarding the SuperFresh grocery store.

Public Notification and Engagement
The company conducted a focus group and telephone study to garner local input into the store design.

Next Steps
If the recommendation is approved, staff will prepare the letter for the Mayor's signature.

Attachments
Draft letter from The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. to the Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control

City Manager:

Scott Ullery, City Manager
Approved on: 02/05/2009