Anne Arundel County wants to preserve the 850-acre former Naval Academy Dairy Farm in Gambrills as farmland and a recreation venue in an area succumbing to development.
“We didn?t want to do anything that would attract congestion while preserving vital open space in that part of the county,” County Executive John Leopold said.
County officials will begin negotiating the long-term lease with the Navy next week.
The property in question is near Routes 3 and 32 and two miles from Fort Meade, which is expected to see an influx of 4,000 new homes in the next three years.
“There was a lot of interest in the property,” said Marian Fry, a co-partner of Maryland Sunrise Farms LLC, the farm?s operator. “I would say it is a significant link in the regional agricultural for all of the county.”
The county?s plan for the farm includes:
» Plots residents can rent to grow their own produce and an on-site farmers market. Maryland Sunrise Farm grows produce, raises livestock, and harvests eggs and hay.
» An expansive garden created by 170 volunteer master gardeners, corn maze and petting zoo.
» Using the farm as an education center, continuing the 4-H Club?s operations and focusing on the county?s agricultural history
Fry said more than 1,500 students come to the farm every year for educational opportunities.
Though Leopold said Maryland Sunrise Farm will have a presence on the property, Fry said officials have not contacted her, but she?s hopeful that her operation will remain.
It is unclear when the county will secure the lease, or when it will begin to implement its plan.
