Testimony: Dundalk United Speaks Out on Proposed Government Property Sale

Greater Dundalk and Towson residents spoke out against the proposed sale of Baltimore County-owned properties in their communities at a Baltimore County Council work session Tuesday.

Baltimore County officials are proposing the sale of county-owned properties in the two communities as well as Randallstown. In Dundalk, the property for sale is that of the North Point Government Center at the corner of Wise Avenue and Merritt Boulevard.

County council members were to discuss the contracts of sale Tuesday before voting on them at their next legislative session Dec. 2.

If you attended the meeting and would like your testimony included, send a copy to marge.neal@patch.com. Include your name and specify if you spoke as an individual or as the leader of a community organization (and identify the organization and your title). Be sure to proofread your submission; no edits will be made to what you submit).

Below is one of several letters of testimony submitted by their writers for publication; the others will be published over the holiday weekend:

From Dundalk United, an organization formed last year to fight both the closure of Eastwood Elementary School and the sale of the government center property:

"After a nearly year-long process, County Executive Kevin Kamenetz recently announced the 'winning' proposal for North Point Government Center Park. The project, described as 'responsive to the community's input' was chosen behind closed doors. Since all requests for a public input meeting were denied, and important documents related to the 'plan' have not been released, these words ring hollow to many Dundalk residents. The lack of transparency in this process is troubling.

"The Council will now consider a contract to sell 15 acres of valuable parkland for a private commercial redevelopment project- a first in Baltimore County's history.

"A sale would set a new precedent in parkland use, opening the door for other 'creative' ways to repurpose our treasured public lands. The compelling public need met by this deal would beaccess to new retail. Dundalk currently has more than 140 empty stores to fill, and the rationale behind the push for more shops makes no sense to residents.

"Access to adequate local open space, parkland, and recreation areas ranks much higher on our list of public needs. Based on state goals, Dundalk does not have an adequate amount of parkland available for residents. A loss of any land included in our 27.8 acre park would have an immediate impact on the community. 

"The 'plan' to sell well-utilized recreation facilities and parkland, held in the public domain for almost 60 years, to a private developer represents a major public policy statement. It demands bonafide community input and review by all stakeholders. What studies, documents and reports exist to support the County's claims? Major improvements to the site were paid for with public funds. Is the sale of our parkland good public policy? Is it a fair and just action? How will the community be impacted? How will recreation be impacted? Will the proposed land uses be compatible? Would the proposed changes at North Point Government Center Park be good for kids?

"We need answers, and time to consider them. We respectfully request the immediate release of all bid information, appraisals, reports, and studies related to the sale of North Point Government Center parkland. It is only AFTER this information is released - and carefully reviewed - that a thoughtful and reasonable community response can be given.

"A rush to judgement is not necessary. We KNOW this administration considered the sale for well over a year before publicly announcing its intention in December, 2012. Accordingly, we feel a request to delay formal consideration is most reasonable. The democratic process demands this, and our children and grandchildren deserve no less. All members of the County Council will be accountable for their vote.

"North Point Government Center Park belongs to all the citizens of Baltimore County. We ask that you honor our most reasonable request to delay formal action on the contract submitted for the sale of our parkland."

Signed,
Karen Cruz, President, Eastfield-Stanbrook Civic Association
Bob Staab, Former Director, Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks

Editor's Note: if you were not able to attend the council work session and would like your opinion known, send a Letter to the Editor to marge.neal@patch.com.