By Autumn Scully
Elm Staff Writer
While those in the Chestertown community may have grown used to passing the vacant Rita’s Italian Ice building at 504 Washington Ave. since its permanent closure in 2016, Helm Property Group, who purchased the property, has finally demolished the structure.
According to Chestertown residents and the Chestertown Happenings Facebook page, conversations about a Starbucks replacing the vacant Rita’s building started around the summer of 2023.
“I saw it on Facebook, but that was just rumor,” Center Coordinator at the Center for Environment and Society and Chestertown resident April Lucas said.
Minutes from a Chestertown Planning Commission meeting on Feb. 14, 2023 confirmed this speculation.
At this meeting, engineer Kevin Shearon of Davis, Moore, Shearon, and Associates and Ross Cohen, the principal of Helm Property Group, proposed a concept plan review for Starbucks to the Chestertown Planning Commission. They discussed the potential layout of the 2600 square foot building and associated parking lot and approved a line adjustment. The Commission arranged additional times to discuss the work plan.
Little more of the details and process behind the town’s approval of the Starbucks plans were revealed to the public. Until, on Feb. 21, 2024, Helm Property Group posted on LinkedIn to officially announce their acquisition of the property and the lease-up to the Starbucks Corporation. The post included a digital model of what the building would look like, which was still 2500 square feet and included a drive-thru. They pledged to begin construction on the property “shortly.”
As promised, the Chestertown community observed the demolition of the building that previously hosted Rita’s starting the week of March 4.
However, Chestertown residents and WC students, alike voiced some reservations about a Starbucks coming into the space.
Firstly, residents anticipate the location causing additional traffic issues on busy Washington Ave., or state Route 213, especially with the Starbucks including a drive-thru. Residents lament about having difficulty making left turns in that section of Route 213, and how Starbucks traffic could make the issue even worse.
“It’s such a small spot. I can’t imagine there being a drive-thru,” Lucas said. “People would have to come in, loop behind and go straight back out into traffic.”
While some members of the community express support and excitement for the company coming to town, others point out that there are multiple small coffee shops and a larger drive-thru Dunkin’ Donuts that fulfill their coffee needs at a better quality and lower price.
“What is it that people are so excited for about Starbucks in comparison to say Evergrain or Play it Again Sam?” Facebook user Tee Hatfield said on Chestertown Happenings.
Additionally, WC students have access to Starbucks products on campus and can pay for coffee at Java George as part of their meal plans, so some do not anticipate having a use for another Starbucks so close to the College.
Chestertown residents on Facebook emphasize how they miss there being a Rita’s at the location and offer alternatives for the use of the lot, including a walk-up ice cream stand to avoid traffic issues or additional parking, both of which they could see potentially being affiliated with the College if they were to purchase it, as the lot is so close to campus.
There is currently no timeline available to the public about when construction might conclude and the Starbucks will open.
Model courtesy of Helm Property Group
Photo Caption: On LinkedIn, Helm included a digital model of the proposed location.