Baltimore County Provides $2 Million In Funding For New Grocery Store, Shopping Center Revitalization

MILFORD MILL - Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced Tuesday that a bargain grocery store chain will open a new location in Milford Mill.

West Coast-based Grocery Outlet Bargain Market plans to open its second Maryland location along the Liberty Road Corridor in Milford Mill. The addition of the new grocery store is part of Baltimore County's efforts to revitalize the western I-695 area.

This community project will partially demolish a vacant store at the Milford Mill Shopping Center at 360 Milford Mill Road. The demolition and construction of the new store are being paid for with $1.4 million from Baltimore County's Revolving Loan Fund and $600,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

"This critical investment is fulfilling a longstanding commitment to bring fresh grocery options to this community," Olszewskiski said. "We look forward to the continued revitalization of the Liberty Road corridor and beyond."

Founded in 1946, Grocery Outlet is a quickly growing retailer. They use a unique business model where independent contractors from each community run their location semi-autonomously. The company prides itself on offering brand-name products at a significant discount. Grocery Outlet currently operates in California, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Washington, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

The redevelopment of the Milford Mill Shopping Center is planned to include more than a new grocery store. Landscaping, redesigned entrances, updated utilities, and removing old and broken pavement have all been planned for the shopping center.

ARLS Properties LLC Managing Member Justin Rosemore, who manages the Milford Mill Shopping Center, said he has been working for years to bring a new grocery location to Milford Mill.

"After pursuing grocers for several years in order to address the need expressed by the community, we are exceedingly happy to be a part of bringing a grocery store to the Milford Mill community," Rosemore said. "However, this could not have worked without the perseverance, creativity, support, and cooperation of Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., Councilman Julian E. Jones, Jr., Baltimore County's Economic Development team, and the entire Grocery Outlet team."

Several county officials celebrated the new store, including Baltimore County Councilmen Julian Jones and Izzy Patoka.

"I have worked alongside the County Executive on efforts to bring a new grocery store to the Liberty Road corridor and could not be more excited about this new shopping option for residents," Jones said. "Grocery Outlet is sure to be a beloved community asset for years to come."

"I am really pleased that together, working with County Executive Johnny Olszewski, that we were able to attract a quality grocer like Grocery Outlet to enhance a prominent corner along the Liberty Road commercial corridor," Patoka said. "Families that live in the neighborhoods along Liberty Road and beyond are eager and excited about having a new shopping venue that provides fresh fruit, groceries, and more to the area."

"We are pleased to welcome Grocery Outlet to the Liberty Road Corridor," said Leonard Howie, Baltimore County Director of Economic and Workforce Development. "This major investment will not only give our residents access to fresh food but will also provide numerous jobs to our local workforce."

The Milford Mill Grocery Outlet location is set to open in the spring of 2024 and is expected to create up to 40 new jobs across the region.