A plan to use state Program Open Space money to buy Belmont Manor House would still allow Howard Community College to be involved, but would help ensure the preservation of the land, a state official said.
“It?s an option for the property,” said Bernie Wentker, a program administrator for Program Open Space at the Department of Natural Resources.
Belmont, an estate built within Patapsco State Park, is owned by the Howard Community College Educational Foundation and managed by the college.
The state could form a partnership with the college or the state, Wentker said, speaking with the Howard County Council at a budget work session Friday. The historical easements on the land would dictate future developments.
The state owns “well over 400” historic properties, which are under lease arrangements for management, Wentker said. One example is the Elkridge Furnace Inn.
“We have a vested interest in it,” Wentker said, because Belmont is surrounded by state park land.
In his fiscal 2008 budget, County Executive Ken Ulman proposed giving $2.2 million to the college to help buy the Belmont property. Another $2.8 million was allocated to renovate existing structures on the property.
Using state money instead would free up funds for the college or other county needs, County Council Member Courtney Watson, D-District 1 said. This option also would not require the county to be involved in the property?s future, she said.
College President Mary Ellen Duncan said if the county decides to use the land as a park, the college would still like to use the money for another location to house the college?s hospitality program. The college planned to use Belmont for the program.
Community activists raised concerns about the future of the property and the college?s plans for the land?s development.
Cathy Hudson, chair of the activist group Save Belmont Coalition, was glad the council brought all involved parties at the table to discuss options for the property.
“We want all three to have a say,” she said, referring to the college, the Maryland Historical Trust and the Department of Natural Resources. “With the college?s plan, only the college has a say.”
