POLL: Should B.F. Saul Sign a Community Benefits Agreement?

The Coalition for the Fair Redevelopment of Wheaton has suggested that B.F. Saul, a major developer in the downtown area, negotiate a community benefits agreement, or CBA.

A CBA is a legally binding document where the developer agrees to certain requests by community organizations in exchange for the community's support.

CBA's have been a contentious topic in Montgomery County recently, as the county council deliberates a bill that would require big-box retailers to sit down with three civic associations and try to produce a CBA.

the Coalition said it wants a CBA as a precondition of the General Development Agreement with B.F. Saul.

A WRAC subcommittee has endorsed the following provisions of the Coalition's proposed CBA:

• the availability of training for low and moderate income residents
• creating a “first source” hiring system to ensure that a percentage of jobs go to Montgomery County residents, with a preference for low and moderate income Wheaton residents
• help identify and communicate a plan for customer parking during construction
• short- and long-term financial, programmatic and marketing support for small businesses
• the enhancement of public security and street maintenance
• assured continuation of community services offered by the Mid-County Services Center  
• the creation of a town square that will reflect Wheaton’s cultural diversity