A site proposed for a Target store in Anne Arundel will be preserved as rural open space after the state approved the $5.8 million purchase.
But the purchase price, which was less than the appraised value, raised questions about how counties and the state appraise land.
“I don?t think I?ve seen any purchases for less than the appraisal price,” said Comptroller Peter Franchot, referring to two appraisals that valued the 30-acre plot at $6.7 million and $7 million.
The Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved the purchase of the Wayson?s Corner property using county open-space money.
The land is zoned for commercial development, but local opposition to a department store led to Anne Arundel bidding to buy the land, county officials said.
Franchot said he was skeptical about paying more than $1 million less than the appraised value, asking if it was “too good to be true.”
“My question was, are the appraisals completely off” and the site is actually worth much less, Franchot said after the Board of Public Works meeting.
The appraisals came in much higher than the developer paid for the land a few years ago.
“It looks to me as if something is not right,” Franchot said.
Franchot, who still voted to approve the purchase, has raised questions about the amount paid for open space before.
Last summer, he questioned the state taking the higher appraised amount for the $5 million purchase of a Kent Island property.
“I continue to be concerned about the appraisal situation,” he said.
Anne Arundel officials lauded the approval, which was one of 12 local park and recreation facilities in seven counties the board approved.
Preserving the land eases the impact on nearby Galloway Creek and expands the Jug Bay Sanctuary, county officials said.
“This is a big win for the environment and land preservation,” Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold said.
Staff Writer Jason Flanagan contributed to this report.
