Visions for Vacancies: Reader Feedback on Merritt Park Shopping Center

The most recent installment of Dundalk Patch’s Visions for Vacancies asked readers to share their thoughts on what they would like to see fill the nearly-vacant Merritt Park Shopping Center.

And share they did: 43 readers offered feedback in the story’s comments section, here are some of your ideas.

Many readers believed that a large more upscale department store such as Kohls or Target would be perfect for the shopping center.

The existing building structure is not big enough to house such a large store, but there have been plans to convert the North Point Government Center into a retail establishment, according to past Patch reporting,

Peggy Brzowsky wrote: “I would like to see a Kohls or Target built there.”

Cathy Simpson wrote: “Dundalk needs a Target!!! If we had one, I would never leave.”

Nine readers requested an upscale grocery story such as a Wegmans or a Trader Joe's.

Candy Richardson wrote: “Trader Joes! Healthy alternative to most grocery stores. All natural and affordable! Please bring us a Trader Joes! I have to go to Reisterstown Road to get groceries and would rather keep the money in Dundalk!”

Melissa Strasburg wrote: “I would like to see a specialty foods store and a nice coffee shop not a franchise like Starbucks in Dundalk. It would also be nice to have a Target or Kohl's. Stop bringing in "discount" stores like Big Lots and TJ Maxx. Bring in something nice.”

Other reader suggestions included Panera Bread, Chic-fil-A, Food Lion, Chili's, Longhorn, Outback Steakhouse.

Jessica Filipiak wrote: “Target, Starbucks, Panera Bread, TGIFridays, Olive Garden, AC Moore, Michaels, Harris Teeter. You have to drive all the way out to White Marsh to visit many of these places, So it would be nice if they were closer to home and I was spending my money and doing most of my shopping in my community.”

Karebear wrote: “I would love to see target come to Dundalk. Give Walmart some competition, finally.”

While its clear that Dundalk shoppers are clamoring for some national chain stores to open in the area, do you think the local economy could sustain such stores? What other vacancies in Dundalk do you have visions for? Tell us in the comments section.