Solo Cup Opponents Won't Back Up Ethics Charge

Shirley Supik has a lot to say about Councilwoman Vicki Almond's relationship to the developer of the proposed Foundry Row project Owings Mills.

But when it comes to proof, the leader of Say No to Solo Coalition is silent.

"I'm not making any comments," said Supik during a brief phone interview Friday. "I'm sorry."

In an email Friday afternoon, Supik and her group accused Almond and her staff of an inappropriate relationship with developer Greenerg Gibbons.

"Councilwoman Almond and her staff attended the International Council of Shopping Centers Conference in Las Vegas as Greenberg Gibbons employees, in order to get a discounted membership," according to the email sent out by Say No to Solo. "This type of relationship with a developer—especially one with zoning approval pending—is unethical at best.

"But Vicki doesn’t agree. She called questions about her relationship with Greenberg Gibbons 'ridiculous' This begs the question: is it even appropriate for Almond to be making a vote on this zoning issue?"

Supik declined repeated requests for information backing up the claim.

"Well, I guess we have to wait and see how it pans out," said Supik, explaining that her group was waiting for Almond and the council to respond to a they filed earlier this week.

Supik later called back and claimed to have papers backing up her allegations but declined to share them.

"There is a paper trail," said Supik. "You'll just have to trust me."

She then referred follow up questions to Almond and Greenberg Gibbons.

The coalition is urging residents all over the county to call their respective councilmembers in an effort to pressure Almond into not changing the zoning that would allow construction of the 400,000 square-foot Foundry Row project.

Almond was not immediately available for comment. In an interview earlier this week, Almond said lawyers for the council were reviewing the group's request.

Brian Gibbons, chief executive officer of Greenberg Gibbons, did not return a call seeking comment.

The council has 30 days to respond to the request. The council is scheduled vote on the rezoning of the Solo Cup property on Tuesday.

Supik implied that the proof of her group's allegations would be in those emails, texts and other requested documents. She added that she was hesitant to interview on the subject because of recent stories questioning .

"To be honest with you, a lot of things that Patch has written has made it difficult for readers to take the coalition seriously," said Supik.