The La Plata Armory might be getting some new uses in the future if a land swap deal is made with the Army National Guard. The proposal, described as a “win-win”, would involve trading the armory with land off Rose Hill Road in Port Tobacco for a new National Guard base to be built. The Charles County Board of Commissioners were briefed on the proposal on Tuesday night.
The 23,230 square foot building is located on Hawthorne Road in La Plata was built in 1952. The Army National Guard says the current armory does not adequately fit their needs, citing a lack of parking, inability to expand the existing building, inadequate communications infrastructure and that it does not meet force protection requirements.
The location on Rose Hill Road is 20.01 acres, nearly five times as large as the La Plata location, at the intersection of Rose Hill Road and Hawthorne Road. The property was deeded to the county by Welch Properties LLC in 2006 under the promise that Lee Welch’s name be included or referenced in future uses of the property.
If approved by the commissioners, the old armory would be leased out for two years while the new armory is built. Then, what the old property would be used for would be left to the commissioners. Some uses could include a library or community center. However, the state has expressed interest in it being used as a Park and Ride location.
“There is a value difference,” Director of Public Works Bill Shreve said. “The existing Armory site is more valuable than the Rose Hill Road property. The Maryland Department of General Services and the National Guard will allow the cost of future improvements by the County to offset difference; this is similar to what was done in St. Mary’s County.
“The construction of a new Armory on the Rose Hill Road property will create a positive short term impact on the County’s economy through the construction process,” the presentation from Shreve notes. “The continued presence of the Guard will impact the long term economic health of the County. Maintaining the National Guard presence in Charles County will benefit the safety and security of the county and the Southern Maryland Region. The National Guard has a reputation for being a good neighbor and having a strong positive presence in and impact on the community. The La Plata Armory will be rehabilitated into a valuable commodity for Charles County. This will be a Win-Win partnership for all.”
“We’re fortunate the guard has chosen La Plata as a location in Charles County,” Commissioner Ken Robinson (D: 1st) said.
Another briefing will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 5:30pm in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Charles County Government building in La Plata. Public input will be accepted at that meeting.
