The exact impact the federal base realignment at nearby Fort Meade will have on Howard County?s development, schools and roads is not known.
“It?s an unreal expectation to believe we are going to have solid numbers,” said Kent Menser, executive director of Howard County?s Base Realignment and Closure office and head of the county?s 27-member task force, formed in April to examine the effect of the realignment.
He just gave residents general background on and future plans for the fort Wednesday at the first in a series of monthly public meetings for Howard County residents.
In less than five years, Fort Meade, which is about a mile from the Howard County border in Anne Arundel County, will gain more than 5,000 jobs as a part of the BRAC measure, a federal military reorganization plan.
Many families expected to relocate are interested in Howard County because of its quality of life and the school system, Menser said, but it?s this interest that worries some residents.
“We?re interested in the impact and the pattern of growth,” said Ellicott City resident Pat Davis, who attended the meeting.
“You have to look at Howard County?s economic structure and whether it can afford it.”
Donna Thewes, a candidate for County Council seat in District 3 who attended the meeting, said the county should be aggressively courting businesses that may relocate to support Fort Meade.
“We are in a prime location,” she said. “The question really should be, what are we doing on the commercial end.”
Despite many unknowns, Menser encouraged residents to be involved in the process early.
He pledged to be available to speak to groups or individuals anytime about the process.
“You?re part of the action,” Menser said. “You?re influencing the process.”
BRAC AT AGLANCE
» More than 5,000 jobs from three major military organizations are moving to Fort Meade by 2011.
» Average pay is $85,000.
» Realignment includes more than $400 million in new construction on Fort Meade.
» It is expected to have an additional $1 billion economic impact on the region.
Source: Howard County?s Base Realignment and Closure Task Force
