For now, it?s 200 acres of fully-functioning mental hospital and government office space. But left to the imaginations of Catonsville and Arbutus residents, the Spring Grove Hospital Center becomes a five-star hotel, mini-golf course and majestic outdoor theater.
Residents suggested those among many potential uses for the site in anticipation the state may soon declare it surplus property. Suggestions favored recreational uses ? like bike paths, indoor tracks and fields, or picnic areas ? but others said they?d like to see development ranging from affordable senior housing to a restaurant park.
“There’s a strong push for recreational facilities, but we were right behind that with people expressing desire for development,” said local builder Steve Whalen, who said he would be interested in purchasing about 15 acres of the site for his massive mixed-use project known as the Promenade. “Everything at these meetings were generally very positive.”
The site?s fate has been in limbo since a 2001 state plan recommended the consolidation of all hospital services onto a 41-acre parcel, opening the remainder to development or reuse. To be declared surplus, the state?s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene must first determine the property exceeds their need.
Though that hasn?t happened, county officials said they aren?t taking any chances in light of rumors the site could be the future home of a juvenile detention center. County Executive Jim Smith called for a taskforce to brainstorm future uses in February to prevent that, said County spokesman Don Mohler.
“He certainly knew neither he nor the community thought the site was appropriate for a detention center,” Mohler said. “There?s no political agenda here, just Catonsville and Arbutus folks coming forward with their ideas.”
The taskforce will compile the suggestions submitted during two public input meetings and will prepare a report due to Smith June 1, said taskforce chairman Scott Graham. He said the group will likely meet with area police and court officials, who might also have an interest in using the property.
