Fort Meade?s commanding officer is defending his installation?s right to lease property to private developers, who some say escape taxes and impact fees.
“We?re not creating a sweetheart deal for the developers,” said Col. Kenneth McCreedy during a meeting of business leaders at Howard Community College.
About 175 acres of fort property are slated for private development. A state law passed in 2005 exempts developer Trammell Crow from paying taxes or fees to improve roads and water systems.
But McCreedy said the fort has done a lot for Anne Arundel, including allowing seven county schools to use 183 acres of fort property, costing the school system $251 a year.
The fort and U.S. Army are expected to make other contributions, including giving up easements along Route 175 so it can expand to six lanes and extend Odenton Town Boulevard, he said.
The fort?s fire department and military police respond to calls outside the installation. The fort also houses Sara?s House Shelter for Battered Women.
“What we must remember is that the Army is still negotiating with Trammell Crow, and those negotiations could include what people are looking for,” said Julie Snyder, director of the advocacy group Fort Meade Alliance.
McCreedy said the developer?s only advantages are location and how quickly it can build, as the property can bypass county permitting processes.
He also said Trammell Crow will pay market value.
County officials are concerned Trammell Crow will get unfair advantages over public developments, such as the neighboring Odenton Town Center.
“I don?t think it is equitable for property taxpayers to foot the bill for infrastructure that the contractor will benefit it from,” County Executive John R. Leopold said.
Leopold said he has meet with McCreedy and state legislators about repealing the state law.
McCreedy said he would not release the details of the negotiations.
He also said the developer of the leased property, known as enhanced-use lease, will pay the Army fees for permits, water and public safety.
AT A GLANCE
The enhanced-use lease property of Fort Meade will be developed by a private contractor, Trammell Crow, and will house defense contractors coming to the fort via BRAC.
Features include:
» 2 million square feet of office space
» 539 acres, including 367 acres of golf courses
Source: Fort Meade
