Crownsville Task Force – Final Report and Notes from the Five Public Meetings

The Crownsville Task Force on the Disposition of the Crownsville Hospital Center Property held five public meetings: July 20, 2015, August 24, 2015, September 28, 2015, October 25, 2015 and November 30, 2015. All meetings were held at the Department of Budget and Management, 45 Calvert Street, Annapolis, MD 21401, in room 164.

The final report can be viewed at Crownsville 2015 Task Force Final Report

MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 30, 2015 MEETING

NELSON REICHART, Chair – Welcome, update on progress of task force.

MEMBER & STAFF ATTENDEES – Members: Delegate McConkey, Delegate Malone, Representative for Delegate Saab, Representative for Delegate Fennell, County Councilman Chris Trumbauer, Secretary Van Mitchell-DHMH, Melvin Kelly-MD Commission on African American History & Culture, Robert Brennan-Disposition of Property, Bob Hannon-AACo Economic Development, Larry Tom-AACo,  Representative for Michelle Corkadel-AACo, Brandon Wright-MDP, John Wafer-MDOT, Marty Baker-MDOT, James Carroll, MDE, Dr. Richard Falk, General’s Highway Council of Civic Associations.

Staff: Allison Taylor-DHMH, Wendy Scott-Napier-DGS, Marci Stierhoff-DGS, Ellen Robertson-DGS.

Minutes of the October 26, 2015 Meeting – Correction to page 1, Local Development Authority paragraph, replace the last two sentences with the following: Anne Arundel County and MDOT emphasized need to clarify status of easements related to tree plantings on the property. DHMH noted that there were currently no easements in this regard.  Any interagency agreements may need to be documented as part of the final site due diligence.

Review of DRAFT Task Force Recommendations – The Chair provided the members with an updated copy of the task force recommendations and asked the members to review prior to discussing. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Jim Soucy) will draft a letter to initiate the Clearinghouse process.  The Chair explained the immediate actions and suggested adding to recommendation #1, with a recommendation #1a which would provide for the issuance of an RFP if Anne Arundel County again chooses to not receive the property.   Bob Hannon asked and received confirmation that recommendations #2 and #3 would require a small amount of funding.  The task force voted and approved the inclusion of language to state that the communication towers leased to the U.S. Coast Guard and Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services will be added to the report of the task force and will state that the towers will convey to the lessees regardless of what transpires with the remaining property.  Bob Brennan asked about recommendation #4 and what the entitlements are to the property.  The Chair explained that there is a defined set of zoning with the whole parcel and the recommendations will be rewritten to reflect.  Bob Hannon asked if this should also apply to the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) spray fields.  The Chair pointed out that an easement for the MES operations can be negotiated between the developer and MES directly.  Wendy Scott-Napier pointed out that MES will require an easement during the Clearinghouse process.  County Councilman Trumbauer pointed out that if the process goes through the Clearinghouse/RFP route there would be a need for comprehensive re-zoning by Anne Arundel County.  This will be incorporated into recommendation #1a.  Secretary Mitchell expressed his concern with the zoning language and believe we should remain silent on this issue.  The task force unanimously approved the recommendations as discussed at this meeting.  A draft of said recommendations will be forwarded to the task force electronically for final review and approval.

Summary – Task Force Recommendations

Immediate Action: The State should initiate the Clearinghouse Review process which is estimated to take 90 days.  The Task Force agreed that the existing Tower sites on the Crownsville campus should be transferred to the current users which are Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems and the U.S. Coast Guard. Following the Clearinghouse review process, the property should be submitted to the Board of Public Works for surplus approval.  Once surplus approval is received from the Board of Public Works, one of the below four recommendations should be pursued.

Note:  In addition to the specific Task Force Recommendations to be approved, the following items must also be completed: a formal access easement for the Crownsville Hospital Cemetery must be granted; an easement must be granted to the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) related to the water and wastewater infrastructure they manage on the site; and any necessary re-zoning of the property is subject to local re-zoning policies and procedures.

Recommendation 1: Request that Anne Arundel County re-consider taking ownership of the property.  Although, County Executive Steve Schuh indicated that Anne Arundel County was not interested in receiving the property per letter dated August 24, 2015, the Task Force would like to inquire if there has been any change in this position.   The County representatives have been very supportive of the Task Force process, and have offered their assistance in the areas of a feasibility study and future re-zoning efforts.   County ownership of the property is considered advantageous in achieving the identified goals for this property to avoid significant development and increased traffic, preserve green space, facilitate access to the cemetery, fulfill the General Assembly’s intended disposition of the property, pursuant to Chapter 429 of the Acts of 2004, and further the availability of County supported health and treatment programs.

Recommendation 1a: If Anne Arundel County has no change in their position on receiving the Crownsville Hospital property, the Task Force recommends that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) after the Clearinghouse review process has been completed. The RFP shall be issued for the sale and re-development of the property. The entire RFP process shall be completed within six (6) months.

Recommendation 2: Create a local development authority to dispose of the property. The Task Force recommends that a Local Development Authority (LDA) be established to dispose of the property. The Local Development Authority would be similar to LDA’s created in Cecil and Washington counties to dispose of other similar properties. The Crownsville property would be transferred to the LDA for disposition, following the Clearinghouse Review process. Prior to the transfer to an LDA, the goals for the redevelopment of the property must be agreed to by the State and County government.  After transfer to the LDA, a master development plan must be created for the property, based on State and County government input, as well as the community.  The development plan would include a re-zoning process with the County, a public participation component and would require periodic reports to the State and County government.

Recommendation 3: Establish a Commission on Crownsville Hospital Center Property and transfer the property to the Department of General Services. At the October 26, 2015 meeting, Delegate Tony McConkey distributed draft legislation that would establish a Commission on the disposition of Crownsville Hospital Center Property, to be staffed by the Department of General Services. The Commission would be charged with disposing of the property, taking into consideration the Task Force’s recommendations. The Commission would consist of the following members: one member of the Senate of Maryland who represents the district in which the hospital is located, one member of the House of Delegates who served on the Commission (should be Task Force) on the Disposition of the Crownsville Hospital Center Property, one member of the Legislative Black Caucus, the Secretary of General Services or designee, the Secretary of Planning or designee, one individual with expertise in matters relevant to the disposition of property, and one representative of the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture.  The Governor will designate the chair of the Commission.  Under this model, the property, the funds and the staffing necessary to maintain the property would be transferred from DHMH to DGS before final disposition. The Task Force recommends this option for consideration because the Department of General Services is more experienced than DHMH in the disposition of state property.

Recommendation 4: Conduct a feasibility study. The final task force recommendation is to complete a one-year feasibility study. (Please review the attached appendix for the scope of work to be used for the feasibility study.)  The purpose of the study is to determine how to best and most efficiently market the property. The study would be conducted by the Maryland Department of Planning, Anne Arundel County Department of Planning, and the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation, and must be completed by January 1, 2017.  State funding for the study would be sought.  After the study is completed, a RFP would be issued by the Department of General Services for the Crownsville property.

MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 26, 2015 MEETING

NELSON REICHART, Chair – Welcome, introduction of guests, update on progress of task force and possible future meetings.

MEMBER & STAFF ATTENDEES – Members:  Delegate McConkey, Delegate Malone, Representative for Delegate Saab, Representative for Delegate Fennell, County Councilman Chris Trumbauer, Secretary Van Mitchell-DHMH, Melvin Kelly-MD Commission on African American History & Culture, Robert Brennan-Disposition of Property, Bob Hannon-AACo Economic Development, Larry Tom-AACo,  Michelle Corkadel-AACo, Brandon Wright-MDP, John Wafer-MDOT, Marty Baker-MDOT.

Staff: Allison Taylor – DHMH, Wendy Scott-Napier-DGS, Marci Stierhoff-DGS, Ellen Robertson-DGS.

Subcommittee Reports – The Chair asked the subcommittees to re-submit their reports in a simplified and unified format following the style employed by the Disposition Alternatives Subcommittee and contained in the DRAFT report of the task force.

Local Development Authority – Bob Brennan provided an overview.  He provided information on projects in Maryland, who had responsibility for the maintenance and security of a property, intergovernmental transfers, and using what is already in place.  What is the role of an LDA after the core planning and economic impact is done internally?  A document would be needed for the transfer for development.  The County and State are responsible to create opportunities for a private developer to take over the property.  What historic structures are contained at Crownsville?  The Maryland Historical Trust has designated 15 buildings as historic and a few remain pending the designation.  If a building is in the historic registry then those applicable regulations must be adhered to.  A building can be repurposed for public use while adhering to the historic regulations.  Also discussed were transportation related easements (MDOT, SHA).  Both Anne Arundel County and MDOT need to identify those areas of the property now.

Review of DRAFT Task Force Recommendations – The Chair asked what approach the Task Force wants to take regarding the recommendations.  Larry Tom and Brandon Wright both said that the best approach is an LDA, following the Clearinghouse.  Delegate McConkey emphasized that we need someone to lead an LDA.  Bob Hannon pointed out that the joint effort by the State and County will create economic viability for a developer to come in while Anne Arundel County does not have the resources to do so on its own.  Michelle Corkadel pointed out that nothing new came to the table as a result of the meeting between the County Executive, the Chair and Secretary Mitchell.  Councilman Trumbauer said the process needs a leader, perhaps Anne Arundel County Economic Development.  Secretary Mitchell pointed out that DHMH is the leader and will continue to be so and will move forward with the Clearinghouse.  The Clearinghouse process would take a minimum of 90 days or more.  The last Clearinghouse recommendation was issued in December 2009, and expired in December 2012.

Summary – Task Force Recommendations

Immediate Action: The State should initiate the Clearinghouse Review process, which is estimated to take 90 days.  Following the Clearinghouse review process, the property should be submitted to the Board of Public Works for surplus approval.  Once surplus approval is received from the Board of Public Works, one of the four recommendations below should be pursued.

Note:  In addition, to the specific Task Force recommendation to be approved, a formal access easement for the Crownsville Hospital Cemetery must also be granted.

Recommendation 1: Request that Anne Arundel County re-consider taking ownership of the property.  Although, County Executive Steve Schuh indicated that Anne Arundel County was not interested in receiving the property per letter dated August 24, 2015, the Task Force would like to inquire if there has been any change in this position.   The County representatives have been very supportive of the Task Force process, and have offered their assistance in the areas of a feasibility study and future re-zoning efforts.   County ownership of the property is considered advantageous in achieving the identified goals for this property to avoid significant development and increased traffic, preserve green space, facilitate access to the cemetery, fulfill the General Assembly’s intended disposition of the property, pursuant to Chapter 429 of the Acts of 2004, and further the availability of County supported health and treatment programs.

Recommendation 2: Create a local development authority to dispose of the property. The Task Force recommends that a Local Development Authority (LDA) be established to dispose of the property. The Local Development Authority would be similar to LDA’s created in Cecil and Washington counties to dispose of other similar properties. The Crownsville property would be transferred to the LDA for disposition, following the Clearinghouse Review process.  Prior to the transfer to an LDA, the goals for the redevelopment of the property must be agreed to by the State and County government.  After transfer to the LDA, a master development plan must be created for the property, based on State and County government input, as well as the community.  The development plan would include a re-zoning process with the County, a public participation component and would require periodic reports to the State and County government.

Recommendation 3: Establish a Commission on Crownsville Hospital Center Property and transfer the property to the Department of General Services.  At the October 26, 2015 meeting, Delegate Tony McConkey distributed draft legislation that would establish a Commission on the disposition of Crownsville Hospital Center Property, to be staffed by the Department of General Services. The Commission would be charged with disposing of the property, taking into consideration the Task Force’s recommendations. The Commission would consist of the following members:  one member of the Senate of Maryland who represents the district in which the hospital is located, one member of the House of Delegates who served on the Commission (should be Task Force) on the Disposition of the Crownsville Hospital Center Property, one member of the Legislative Black Caucus, the Secretary of General Services or designee, the Secretary of Planning or designee, one individual with expertise in matters relevant to the disposition of property, and one representative of the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture.  The Governor will designate the chair of the Commission.  Under this model the property, the funds and the staffing necessary to maintain the property, would be transferred from DHMH to DGS before final disposition. The Task Force recommends this option for consideration because the Department of General Services is more experienced than DHMH in the disposition of state property.

Recommendation 4: Conduct a feasibility study. The final task force recommendation is to complete a one-year feasibility study. The purpose of the study is to determine how to best and most efficiently market the property. The study would be conducted by the Maryland Department of Planning, Anne Arundel County Department of Planning, and the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation, and must be completed by January 1, 2017.  State funding for the study would be sought.  After the study is completed, a Request for Proposals would be issued by the Department of General Services for the Crownsville property.

Next meeting – Monday, November 30, 2–4 p.m., 45 Calvert Street.

MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 MEETING

NELSON REICHART, Chair – Welcome, introduction of guests, update on progress of task force and possible future meetings.

MEMBER & STAFF ATTENDEES – Members: Delegate McConkey, Delegate Malone, Representative for Delegate Saab, County Councilman Chris Trumbauer, Secretary Van Mitchell-DHMH, Stuart Sirota-MDP, Melvin Kelly-MD Commission on African American History & Culture, Representative for Richard Falk, Mark Slabotti-General’s Highway Council of Civic Associations, Robert Brennan-Disposition of Property, Bob Hannon-AACo Economic Development, Larry Tom-AACo,  Michelle Corkadel-AACo, Jim Carroll-MDE, John Wafer-MDOT, Ryan Cole, SHA.

Staff: Allison Taylor-DHMH, Wendy Scott-Napier-DGS, Marci Stierhoff-DGS, Ellen Robertson-DGS.

Zoning, County Regulations & Economics Subcommittee Report, Larry Tom-Anne Arundel County Department of Planning & Zoning

The Chair asked if Mr. Tom had further comments to their subcommittee’s recommendations—the subcommittee met and sent their written comments to the committee.

SHA-Exploration of stream restoration possibilities, Ryan Cole-Water Programs Division, SHA

Must keep in mind the mandate as it relates to mitigation strategies when you discuss wetlands and streams.

Community Input Subcommittee

Councilman Trumbauer reiterated the community outreach efforts of the Community Input Subcommittee and suggested that the task force endorse the Zoning, County Regulations & Economics Subcommittee report and preserve with easements forested tracts. The Chair noted that we cannot pick and choose what to resolve and leave the problem areas unaddressed.  The issue needs to be dealt with as a whole.  Secretary Mitchell had nothing further to add to the discussion.

Task Force Members-Open Discussion

• Bob Hannon, AACo Economic Development-suggested we advertise for future use of property in a package;
• Stuart Sirota, Assistant Secretary of Planning Services, MDP-suggested it would be worthwhile to do a feasibility study but the issue of cost for a study must be addressed; The Department of Planning sees the benefits, in principle, with the zoning suggestions; The Chair reminded the Task Force that another study is not the purpose of the task force, we need to arrive at a conclusion;
• Bob Brennan, Property Disposition-there needs to be more specifics, if a study is undertaken greater consulting with the community is needed, we need a local development authority;
• Mark Slabotti, General Highways Council-community does not want any development
• Councilman Trumbauer, AACo Council-is there any sense of what a feasibility study would cost and how long it would take?
• Stu Sirota, MDP suggested that the cost could be in the range of $50,000 – $100,000;
• Secretary Mitchell, DHMH-said that DHMH just wants to give the property to someone, no more studies. The legislature, and particularly the Senate, were very firm in saying that they do not want to spend any more money on this; there has been no change in the site from 2009 until now;
• The Chair how do we mitigate the problems in front of us? It took $5 million to clean up Henryton recently. The clean-up costs would be astronomical at the Crownsville site;
• Delegate McConkey said it will be difficult to find someone to take all of the property, he is hoping someone would go in, carve it up, many folks are not aware that a lot of the buildings are OK;
• Bob Hannon, AACo Economic Development-suggested a feasibility study that tracks an RFP to allow a developer to see the potential;
• Secretary Mitchell, DHMH-14 years ago community representatives stated they were against development and now the Task Force is asking him to start over again, this is not his role. DHMH is not looking for a return on their investment and does not want to market the property;
• Melvin Kelly-MD Commission on African American History & Culture-noted the difficulty in accessing the cemetery and the fact that notice must be provided in advance for access; the cultural heritage of the cemetery must be preserved;
• Mark Slabotti, General Highways Council-asked about the status of the non-profits at the site, Secretary Mitchell said they are all under short-term, nominal leases;
• Representative from Del Saab’s office noted other suggestions for use of the property are vocational schools and a solar farm; Michelle Corkadel reminded the Task Force that the AACo Public Schools are separate from Anne Arundel County government; she noted that cemetery access is a law and the property is maintained by Anne Arundel County;
• Secretary Mitchell emphasized again that the State will entertain any proposal, but not in pieces and the property will be disposed of, one way or another
• The Chair reminded the Task Force to be mindful of the MD Environmental Service and the constraints presented.

MINUTES FROM AUGUST 24, 2015 MEETING

NELSON REICHART, Chair – Welcome; introduction of guests: update on Ethics correspondence.

MEMBER & STAFF ATTENDEES – Members: Delegate McConkey, Delegate Malone, Representative for Delegate Saab, County Councilman Chris Trumbauer, Secretary Van Mitchell-DHMH, Brandon Wright-MDP, Melvin Kelly-MD Commission on African American History & Culture, Richard Falk-General’s Highway Council of Civic Associations, Representative for Robert Brennan-Disposition of Property, John Genakos representative for Bob Hannon-AACo Economic Development, Larry Tom-AACo, Michelle Corkadel-AACo, Jim Carroll-MDE, John Wayfer-MDOT, Marty Baker-MDOT, Michael Naylor-DNR; Guests: John Gary, Jim Harkins-MES, Ellen Frketic-MES.

Staff: Allison Taylor-DHMH, Wendy Scott-Napier-DGS, Marci Stierhoff-DGS, Ellen Robertson-DGS.

MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE (MES) REPORT: Water, Waste Water & Sewage System

Jim Harkins, MES, reported to the Task Force on the septic system at Crownsville. It is a self-contained system owned by the State and MES administers. There are numerous spray fields at the site, including where MES raises grass that is harvested by the Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services for horse feed and for their inmate training program. It was emphasized that the spray fields need to remain intact as they are critical to the wastewater treatment plant operations. Ellen Frketic, MES, Chief of the Engineering Division, reported on the water and waste water at Crownsville. There are four (4) 300-foot deep wells with a maximum 250,000 gallons/day limit. Rehabilitation work was in the planning stage on the water system for the 1990s but was put on hold due to fiscal constraints. The waste water system was constructed in 1983 and is a lagoon treatment system that is chlorinated and sent to the spray fields.

A question was raised regarding the presence of sludge in the lagoons. Ms. Frketic replied that the lagoons are lined with clay along with a fabric liner on the banks and was in good condition in 2004 when they were last examined. Delegate McConkey asked what the cost would be to upgrade the system so as to reclaim the spray fields. MES replied that the cost would be approximately $4 million. County Councilman Trumbauer asked what would need to happen with the wastewater facility if site development were to occur. MES replied that it would depend upon its use and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), not MES, would decide. A maximum development of the site would probably be above the current maximum capacity of 250,000 gallons/day. Michelle Corkadel noted that the current system does not have ample pressurization, and the remediation cost of piping to correct the low pressure would be very high. 

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY EXECTIVE’s LETTER: Crownsville Hospital, dated August 18, 2015

Chair Nelson Reichart summarized for the Task Force the content of a letter dated August 18, 2015 received from Anne Arundel County Executive Steven R. Schuh regarding the Crownsville Hospital and the County’s position on the property. The County is adamantly opposed to development of the property and sees no benefit to acquiring the property. The County suggests that the State seek other options in the disposition of the property.   The Chair will distribute the letter electronically to the task force following the meeting. County Councilman Trumbauer asked if the County is not interested in acquiring the property would they collaborate via a P3 or other means? Ms. Corkadel replied that no interest was clearly stated; she is not sure regarding P3’s. Currently, Anne Arundel County has no control over the property or its facilities. Mr. Kelly, MD Commission on African American History & Culture, stated that access to the cemetery is of upmost importance, but is almost impossible at this time. He emphasized that reasonable consideration should be given for families to access the cemetery.

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

Alternatives to Property Development

County Councilman Trumbauer reported that a Town Hall Meeting was held recently. Approximately 75 people were in attendance. The goal of the meeting was to inform the community, answer questions and get ideas. The community had many of the same concerns raised by the County Executive. Ideas that came out of that meeting included the following: enable access to the other side of 97 and a solar farm. The Chair said that the State might have to consider piecemeal disposal. Would Anne Arundel County consider a partial acquisition?

MD Commission on African American History & Culture

Mr. Kelly reported that access to the cemetery remains a problem and we should not deny relatives access to the property. The sub-committee met at the facility and toured the grounds and cemetery. The State has an obligation to ensure that the cemetery can be accessed. Delegate McConkey asked if access to the cemetery is denied or restricted. No, access is not denied, but it is a gated road and access must be approved. Additionally, MES has a requirement to limit access because of the wastewater facility. Rick Leader, Scenic Rivers Trust, said that the park property (Bacon Ridge) is open one (1) time per year and greater access is needed for more to enjoy. Delegate Malone asked about access to Bacon Ridge & the cemetery and how important are the spray fields. MES replied that the spray fields are necessary for any use of the Crownsville Property. Further, this system must stay operational for the continued use of the 100 Community Place office building, the associated day care facility and the Fairfield Nursing and Rehab Center, a private entity.

Existing Uses of the Property

Overview provided by MDOT and DHMH. Allison Taylor summarized an overview of the property which contains 11 leases, radio towers, and 63 buildings totaling 780,000 square feet. The Chair asked the Task Force to consider which of the stand-alone properties can be disposed of now. Delegate McConkey said that the 2004 report is less inaccurate than the 2007/2008 report. Anne Arundel County will share the 2004 report with the Task Force.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned; the next meeting of the Task Force is Monday, September 28, 2015 from 2-4 p.m. at the Department of Budget and Management, 45 Calvert Street, Annapolis, MD 21401, Rm 164.

MINUTES FROM JULY 20, 2015 MEETING

NELSON REICHART, Chair – Welcome, intro, legislation directive, recommendations on the sale/transfer of the property, meeting schedule

MEMBER INTROS – Delegate Diana Fennel, Allison Taylor-DHMH government affairs, Delegate McConkey, County Councilman Chris Trumbauer, Secretary Van Mitchell-DHMH, Brandon Wright-MDP, Melvin Kelly-MD Commission on African American History & Culture, Richard Falk-General’s Highway Council of Civic Associations, Robert Brennan-Disposition of Property, Derek Matthews-AACo NAACP, Bob Hannon-AACo Economic Development, Michelle Corkadel-AACo Executives Office, Jim Carroll-MDE, John Wayfer, Marty Baker for Dennis Schrader-MDOT, Judy Wilson for Delegate Malone and Debbie Yaksuk for Delegate Saab.

DHMH PRESENTATION-HISTORY – Jim Soucy, DHMH, provided a power point of an overview of the current status of the property. It was noted that the cemetery will be retained by DHMH. Maintenance of the property is more than $1 million/annually, which mainly goes to security and maintenance efforts, like cutting the grass. There are 69 buildings on the property, and the Maryland Historical Trust is still in the process of determining which buildings will be classified as historic. Information is needed from the Maryland Environmental Services regarding sewage/water capabilities.

DGS Office of Real Estate Presentation-Property Disposal Efforts – Wendy Napier, DGS Real Estate, provided a summary of the past efforts to dispose of the property. In December 2009, the Clearinghouse made recommendations; however, the downturn in the economy caused no action to be taken. A redevelopment request was issued for expressions of interest; 11 proposals were received and reviewed, and the list was reduced to 3 finalists with a retirement home proposal accepted. Again, the economy affected the proposal and the entity withdrew. Del McConkey said that it is important to arrive at a decision and requested a copy of the 2007 KCI report procured by Anne Arundel County. The Chair gave the Delegate a hard copy, and he agreed to scan and circulate it among Task Force members. Delegate Fennel stated that the cemetery must remain intact. Delegate Saab’s representative said that he is anxious to include the community in the decision, and Delegate Malone’s representative concurred with the other delegates.

Miscellaneous Comments/Discussion 

Options Presented by DHMH – Van Mitchell, Secretary, DHMH, stated that in his view, there were three options for disposal of the property: 1) property is retained by DHMH; 2) property is transferred to the County; 3) property is sold through the clearinghouse process to a master developer. The Secretary stated that he is opposed to the State holding on to the property and would like to dispose of it. He also reminded the group that when the hospital was closed, the agreement reached by all parties was to give the property to the County. Janet Owens was Anne Arundel County Executive at the time. Councilman Chris Trumbauer asked whether the County was interested in the property, and Michelle Corkadel from County Executive Schuh’s office stated that the County did not want the property. However, she indicated that the County was open to further discussion on this topic. Delegate McConkey inquired about how County Executive Owens came up with a cost estimate to justify refusing the property. Bob Hannon, Anne Arundel County Economic Development, suggested that the State get the County’s position before the Task Force moves forward.

Other Discussion

Jim Carroll, MDE, spoke of the underground steam tunnels, lead paint, underground storage tanks, rubble, incinerator and clean-up necessary. He also mentioned that it is difficult to tailor cleanup if you don’t know the specifics of development. County Councilman Trumbauer mentioned the environmental remediation and the consideration of zoning and green space. Michelle Corkadel, Anne Arundel County, said consideration must also be given to greenways, possibilities of low impact parking and securing and maintaining the capacity to develop. Bob Brennan, individual with experience in disposition of property, spoke of creating a redevelopment authority (LDA), which is an independent entity that oversees projects such as this. It was suggested by the Task Force that it would be helpful to obtain a copy of the prior Task Force recommendations for the next meeting. Councilman Chris Trumbauer suggested that Larry Tom, Director of Planning and Zoning for Anne Arundel County, give a presentation at the next meeting.

SUBCOMMITTEES

Chair reminded the Task Force that Community Place, the Day Care Center and Fairfield are not part of consideration in disposal. The Chair then asked that the pre-assigned subcommittees meet briefly to discuss how they will proceed and be prepared, if necessary, to meet again prior to the next Task Force meeting when they will present their findings.

MEETING ADJOURNED

Additional Information about the Crownsville Taskforce