faq
What is the Belmont Conference Center and why is it important?
Belmont Mansion was built in 1738. Its property is surrounded by Patapsco State Park and private land protected with conservation easements. Run for the last 41 years as a conference center, it holds a unique place in eastern Howard County as the cultural and aesthetic centerpiece of the last large block of protected forestland and the last county, colonial manor house with its viewshed completely intact.
In 1983 Belmont's then owner, the Smithsonian Institution, placed a permanent historic and scenic easement on the property to protect this historic home and its environs. The State participated in the easement negotiations and paid for the right to permanently prohibit construction because it wanted to prevent development on the 68 acres that were within its park. The easement was granted to a state agency, the Maryland Historical Trust, for the benefit of the public and the State.
What does the historic and scenic easement on Belmont's property cover?
The easement covers all 68 acres surrounding Belmont. It divides the property into two scenic zones and does not allow for any construction in the 28 acres of Zone I. The remaining Zone II acres only allow modest construction of facilities essential to maintain the economic viability of Belmont. Note that construction is allowed to maintain Belmont Mansion, not to support growth at Belmont. Maintaining Belmont might allow additional sleeping rooms for Belmont guests. However, a residential development or construction of another Turf Valley (to fund the purchase price) is not permitted by the easement.
Who owns Belmont Conference Center?
The Howard Community College Education Foundation (HCCEF), the fund raising support group for Howard Community College (HCC), purchased Belmont in November 2004 at a price of $4.8 million.
Concurrent with the purchase, a lease was executed between HCCEF and Howard Community College. The lease is for a term of 11 years but can be terminated if Howard County (taxpayers) does not appropriate funds for the College to make monthly payments. Monthly payments for the first two years require the interest only expense on the mortgage (est. $9,677/month). In year three the liability almost triples to an estimated $28,143/month, this according to the lease memorandum.
The distinctions between the two entities (HCCEF and HCC) are often blurred, especially in matters of public funding and private ownership of Belmont. This is especially worrisome since the lease allows these interconnected parties to agree to modify, assign or cancel the lease at any time so long as the mortgage is satisfied. This can occur without accountability to the public as to who might next control Belmont and the property. Thus, publicly funded road, utility and development projects are being contemplated for a private group with no guarantee to the public on future or uses of the property.
How will HCCEF pay for the purchase of Belmont?
A recent financial report shows that HCCEF had about $200,000 in unrestricted funds and liabilities of $500,000 before this purchase. The County Executive has also stated that the county doesn't have the funds to help buy the property.
Under these conditions, HCCEF entered into an "educational partnership" with a developer, a HCCEF Board member until October 2004. According to the Washington Post, the developer paid a $1 million down payment and the mortgage for the first 2 years.
The developer/college have already pursued:
- the swap of level, forested Patapsco State Park land for a large portion of Belmont's rolling hills that is less conducive to large-scale development.
- legislation to allow the college to bypass adequate public facilities legislation and fast-track development at Belmont.
- public funding (estimated to be at least $2 million) for sewer, water and a road through 3.5 acres of wooded Patapsco State Park, with traffic entering and exiting onto the already congested Landing Road.
The college and foundation say they are private for some purposes and public for others, depending on what they want and the easiest way to get it.
Belmont's legal owner, HCCEF, meets in private, so deals with the developer have been kept secret.
It appears that tax dollars are subsidizing a private foundation and a developer who are not accountable to the public.
How have local citizens responded?
First, there was enthusiasm and support for the college's interest in Belmont. Second, alarm followed as plans for significant development on protected land (apparently subsidized by County funds and County staff) were discovered and questions arose whether HCC had been open with the public about their plans.
What is the Rockburn Land Trust (RLT) and how can I help with its work?
Following the lead of the Smithsonian Institution placing Belmont under permanent easement, local neighbors donated their development rights by placing their land in conservation easement. They then formed RLT, whose mission is the preservation, protection and balanced use of natural resources in the lower Patapsco River Valley. Since 1989 RLT has accepted easements on 75 acres. Combined with easements co-held with the Maryland Environmental Trust, 150 acres in Eastern Howard County are protected forever.
You can help by supporting RLT and by expressing your concern to local politicians. Donations are tax deductible.
Contributions can be sent to:
Rockburn Land Trust, 6560 Belmont Woods Rd, Elkridge, MD 21075
Updates: www.SaveBelmont.org
Email: rockburnlandtrust@comcast.net