Sensible Spring Grove Redevelopment

Spring Grove discussions shouldn’t overlook Whalen Properties proposed Promenade, which would require part of the campus to build a 1.4 million sq. ft. project with 250 residences, 2 hotels, 460,000 sq./ft. of retail/restaurants, 250,000 sq. ft. of office space, a national bookstore and cinema.  The developer has acquired adjoining land, had 20 acres of it up-zoned(2004, CZMP 1st District) and acquired several liquor licenses (recently referred by a County document as being for the “Promenade”).

In 2006, the county formed the Spring Grove Task Force.  It reported 83 instances where the community asked for recreational fields, more open space or to preserve historic buildings.  The Promenade registered only 18 requests.  Through statistical manipulation, (seen on page 5) this wide gap, 83 vs 18, narrowed. The group’s subsequent support for the Promenade is repeatedly cited as justification. (See attached pdf)

In 2007, former County Executive Jim Smith started lobbying (pg. 6) the State requesting an expansion of the Frederick Rd. Bridge at 695 to facilitate the Promenade citing the Task Force’s report.

2010 legislation, HB1161, created a tool providing Tax Increment Financing Bonds (TIF’s) for redeveloping a State Hospital. Repaid by deferred property taxes, the Promenade will not contribute to our tax base for 30 years. TIF’s are controversial.  Large projects require municipal support for schools, public safety and maintaining infrastructure without a supportive tax base.

In 2010, the County updated it’s master plan targeting Spring Grove as a T-5 Urban Center area designated for high density mixed use development (pg 28). Why, when it resides nowhere near mass transit (pg 59), a key component for a successful development of this nature?

In 2011, the State authorized MEDCO’s (MD Economic Development Corp.) tax payer funded study to determine the best economic uses.  It outlines the sale of 21 acres, adjoining Whalen’s property, to a “presently unidentified developer” (pg. 38) utilizing 18.4 million dollars of TIF bonds (pg. 41) for a 1.4 million square foot mixed use development nearly identical to the Promenade(pg. 29).  Again, the Task Force’s report is cited.

In 2012, Whalen Properties bought a 3,600 sq. ft. piece of property assessed at $900 for $255,000 (See attached PDF)  This sliver of land on W. Kenwood Ave is most likely for ingress and egress.  

Between, 2006-2012,  Whalen LLC’s, Mr. Whalen or a family member contributed about $170,000 to elected officials including former and current County Executives Smith/Kamenetz, Councilpersons Moxley/Quirk, Governors Ehrlich/O’Malley, Delegates Malone, Deboy, Burns, and Jones, along with Senators Kasemeyer and Kelly.  They’ve supported policies that are steering the process toward a pre-determined result favoring a major donor.  Public awareness and scrutiny certainly contributed to Steve Whalen’s decision to commit multiple counts of campaign finance violations including funneling $7,500 to Councilperson Quirk, a key decision maker in whatever happens at Spring Grove.  In the Statement of Facts, the two men discuss the MEDCO report. Whalen, subsequently, pled quilty to the charges.  Although he could've gone to jail for 5 years, he only had to pay $58,000 in fines, 34% the amount he has already given to decision makers.  Sad.

If you’re disappointed and upset, you’re not alone.  Catonsville Promenot is a group opposed to the Promenade that offers an alternative vision.  In posts, liked pages, and photos you’ll find examples of real smart growth, fantastic adaptive reuse/historic preservation projects, and other useful information related to Spring Grove’s redevelopment.  We believe, an educated and organized community is the best way to let our officials know, “We’re not buying, what they and Whalen Properties are selling.”

Put high density mixed use development where it makes sense: near mass transit.  Spring Grove’s redevelopment will create a new hospital that’s safe, secure, and efficient for it’s patients, employees, the community, and taxpayers.  Let’s, however, preserve this historic site and create a large regional park funded through reduced deferred maintenance, park land acquisition savings, and by adaptively reusing it’s historic structures for municipal and limited mixed use purposes. Let’s bring in new jobs through a well-designed and suitable sized UMBC research park expansion that fits seamlessly into the historic setting.  These actions will support redevelopment of our Main Streets in Arbutus and Catonsville, instead of supplanting them, grow our tax base, and lead to real smart growth.