proposed expansion


On August 29, 2004 the consultant for Howard Community College presented expansion plans for Belmont. More than 100 concerned citizens attended. Proposed plans include:

• A new road through the state park onto Landing Road
• Two new lodging buildings for overnight guests
• A "Health and Wellness Center"
• A conservatory for large indoor events and outdoor concerts
• A building for future green technology programs

A number of questions were raised that could not be answered including:

• What is the square footage increase in building proposed
• What is the current and expected future traffic burden
• What will be the use of the proposed "health and wellness center?"
• Does the college intend to follow the historic and scenic easements on the property

The consultant, Mr. Matt D'Amico from Design Collective, assured the community that there would be another meeting to answer these and other questions before the plan is finalized.

January, 2006 Update:
The followup community meeting in January showed no decrease in the proposed number or size of buildings. The Master Plan showed well over 100,000 sq ft of new buildings or additions, not to mention additional parking lots that would be required.

June, 2006 Update:
The college's master plan was never presented to the Board of Trustees in any open Board of Trustee's meeting. It has just disappeared from sight. The college's minutes do not show that it was sent to the Maryland Department of Higher Education for their review. In the meantime, in March, County Executive Robey proposed purchasing Belmont and placing the property under the ownership of Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks. However, this process is currently stalled as the eveloper/foundation/college still feel that there are development rights on the Belmont property. The status of the expansion will be dependent on the outcome of these negotiations.