Up the road from the boutique shops at National Harbor and the proposed gambling casino, ground was broken Thursday for an outlet mall.

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National outlet mall chain Tanger Outlets plans to open more than 80 big name stores in Prince George's County. By this time next year it will feature Brooks Brothers, The Gap, Chicos and a host of others according to developer Steven Tanger.

"The Peterson Companies has done an amazing job developing National Harbor, and we feel that the Washington, D.C. area is ready for a Tanger-style mall. And we are happy to bring it to them," said Quentin Pell, the director of public relations and communications at Tanger Outlets.

It's a location already serviced by new roads and the developer believes the harbor, casino and outlets will all bring each other business.

But not everyone in the neighborhood is pleased. A small group of protesters stood near the groundbreaking today to voice a variety of concerns.

Visiting shoppers say they're looking forward to the new, massive mall.

But talk of a potential, world-class casino in the area is still buzzing.

Deanna Ergenbright of Richmond said, "It's great, it's great...we heard the casino is coming here too! So that's even better!"

There's no doubt National Harbor's presence is growing.

Deborah Mahon lives at the harbor and says she's excited to watch the neighborhood evolve.

"I'm for it! I think it will bring a lot of business to Prince George's County. I just hope they route the traffic around here, so it's not so bad," Mahon added.