Prince Frederick, MD –  The fiscal times are challenging but purchasing a much-needed building is being hailed by community members in Calvert County.

Following a Tuesday, Aug. 4 public hearing, the Calvert County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a $2.6 million budget adjustment to pave the way for purchasing the building formerly housing the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) regional office.

Back in June the commissioners started the process for purchasing the property on Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick. The tract is approximately 20 acres and includes a 14,000-square foot office building.

While county officials envision the building to be a solution to the long-range goal of establishing a new location for local government operations, it was the short-term plan for the old co-op headquarters that has many community members excited.

“The county has received considerable public support for a centrally located community center,” stated Calvert County Government Capital Projects Analyst Julie Paluda in a memo to the commissioners. Paluda noted that the Calvert County Planning Commission found the purchase of the SMECO building was consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which includes the goal of establishing community centers in all of the jurisdiction’s town centers.

“It’s a high priority,” said Allie Snodgrass, who identified herself as a member of a coalition seeking to establish a community center in Calvert. Noting that the Dares Beach Road location will be temporary and a permanent site for a community center should be in the planned area named Armory Square, Snodgrass urged the commissioners to “use it [SMECO building purchase] as a catalyst for the redevelopment of Prince Frederick.”

A former commissioner, Michael J. Moore, told the board mentorship programs like Concerned Black Men of Calvert “need an organized facility” for holding youth programs and pledged that many volunteers would assist in running the community center. Moore added that providing transportation was “an important component” for getting area youth to the community center to assure its success.

Olivia Cox, member of a Huntingtown Girl Scout troop, said a community center in the middle of Calvert “would give us more recreation rooms” that are otherwise unavailable at local churches and schools. She said the troop currently has to travel to either Chesapeake Beach or Lusby if it wants to conduct recreational activities.

According to Paluda, the county will finance the building’s purchase with general obligation bonds. There will be additional costs for renovating the structure plus maintenance costs once the facility is open.

“We know it’s temporary, but we are going to make it as nice as can be,” said Commissioner Pat Nutter [R – District 2]. County officials hope to have the community center open by November.

After voting unanimously to approve the budget adjustment, prompting applause from several people in the hearing room, the commissioners also agreed to exercise the purchase agreement with SMECO and proceed with the property acquisition.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com