Funding in Howard County Executive Ken Ulman?s proposed capital budget would allow Howard Community College to purchase land and make renovations at Belmont, but concerns about the property?s future remain.
“Once they get the money, there is little incentive to tie up loose ends,” said Cathy Hudson, chair of the activist group Save Belmont Coalition, referring to questions about the use of the property, such as roads.
Belmont, an estate built within Patapsco State Park, is owned by the Howard Community College Educational Foundation and managed by the college.
Ulman?s proposed fiscal 2008 capital budget includes $2.2 million for the college to buy the Belmont property.
This would cover half the purchase price of the land, with the college covering the rest through private donors, Ulman said.
Purchasing the land allows college officials to avoid rising interest payment costs.
Another $2.8 million has been allocated to renovate existing structures on the property.
No funding was set aside for new construction on Belmont, Ulman said.
“I felt the college has been a good steward” of the land, Ulman said, adding that historical easements on the property will dictate future use of the land.
Ulman also has pledged to buy 13 acres of nearby land, known as the Dobbin property, with Open Space money. This would ensure theland is preserved, and the county is having the land appraised.
Belmont renovations have been approved by the Maryland Historical Trust, which has the final say, according to outgoing HCC President Mary Ellen Duncan.
“We are very happy to be able to move forward with this project,” she said.
The location would be used for training students for the culinary and hospitality industries.
The college has been working with the community to address residents? concerns, Duncan said, adding that before embarking on future plans, the college will continue work with neighbors to find a solution.
However, Hudson said she is concerned these issues will be swept aside if they aren?t dealt with now.
“I hope the County Council will take a close look at this because there are still many questions that have not been answered,” she said.
