Officials Cut Ribbon on Gazebo Reopening

The Dundalk Renaissance Corporation hosted Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, Council Chairman John Olszewski, Sr. and Yorkway project developer John Vontran at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday afternoon formally reopening the restored Heritage Park gazebo.

Other elected officials, including Del. John Olszewski, Jr., Del. Michael H. Weir, Jr. and state Sen. Norman R. Stone, Jr., also took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with Dundalk Citizen of the Year Joe Stadler and Concerts in the Park coordinator Angel Ball.

Vontran's company, Yorkway LLC, bought the site of the troubled former apartment complex from Baltimore County for $1.64 million in 2008, two years after the county had paid $21 million for it. As part of that deal, Vontran agreed to fund the renovation of the gazebo. Friday, Vontran said the renovation will cost about $75,000 by the time it is completed – metal brackets discouraging skateboarders will be added soon.

“The condition of the gazebo was among the things people regularly came into DRC's office to complain about," said Dundalk Renaissance Corporation executive director Amy Menzer, one of the community leaders who oversaw the renovation of the gazebo. "So it was a natural choice as a suggestion for the community benefit."

“It’s an honor and privilege being here and a tribute to the work being done by Amy Menzer (DRC executive director) and the Dundalk Renaissance Corporation,” Olszewski, Sr. said. “I’m so happy Mr. Vontran was able to fulfill his commitment.”

Vontran said the $75,000 renovation was more than double the amount he was required to spend as part of the agreement. He vowed to pay for maintenance on the gazebo for the next five years.

Completed improvements on the gazebo include: 

New brick inlays on the steps and center of the gazebo.

A newly lit cupola that is aglow at night.

Electrical upgrades live music and other events.

Fresh gold paint for the top of the gazebo.

Restructuring of the flower beds, with smaller plants (previous flower beds had become overgrown and unsightly).

Leveling of the center of the gazebo, making it easier for concerts and events to take place.

Stone offered “many thanks,” to Vontran for the gazebo renovation.

“It’s great to have this historic showcase here, not only for us who live here, but also for visitors,” Olszewski, Jr. said.

The price of the Yorkway property and purchase by Vontran, who filed personal bankruptcy in 2009, has been a matter of some controversy, but the 66-home project remains on course, he said, following the gazebo ribbon-cutting.

“It’s been a year and a half and the 30 homes have been sold, we’re halfway there,” Vontran said, adding that another half-dozen homes are in the process of being sold. “In these tough economic times, that’s pretty good.”

Vontran said some work remains to be done on lighting and paving in the Yorkway project. Otherwise, most of the developer’s work is done. He praised Ryan Homes as a “good builder,” who has been making payments on time. He said recent home sales have been in the mid-$300,000 range.

“In an area where townhomes sell for $150,000 and single-family homes sell for $180,000,” Vontran said, “that’s pretty good.”