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February 11, 1999
Hagerstown, Maryland
WORKSHOP SESSION
A workshop session of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington
County, Maryland, was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by President Gregory I.
Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz,
and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, John L. Schnebly, and William J.
Wivell.
Discussion of Stadium Issues
Al Boyer, Hagerstown City Councilman, Richard Kautz, City Planner, and Mayor
Robert Bruchey, met with the Commissioners to discuss the proposal for a new
stadium and business park in the City of Hagerstown. Mr. Kautz indicated
that the parcel of land being considered consists of 68 acres near
Interstate I-81. He presented two options for development of a business
park both of which featured a road connecting Marshall Street with Salem
Avenue. Mr. Kautz stated that Option 1 would be a traditional business park
consisting of nine lots, one of which the stadium would occupy. Option 2
would move the stadium and parking farther back in the park with three
buildings surrounding the stadium to offer amenities to those attending
games. The estimated cost of the stadium would be $10 million.
Mr. Kautz informed the Commissioners that the Convention & Visitors Bureau
(CVB) is also interested in having administrative offices at the stadium.
He indicated that the CVB has approached the State Department of Tourism to
request that the State provide 50 percent of the funding.
Mayor Bruchey stated that the Countys share of this concept plan is
estimated at $4,227,000 which would include site development costs for the
entire business park. Commissioner Iseminger stated that the Hagerstown-
Washington County Industrial Foundation (CHIEF) has indicated that they may
be interested in evaluating the land for use as a business park but needs
additional data. Commissioner Schnebly agreed that someone with expertise
in developing business parks should analyze the concept plan and the site to
determine if it is feasible. He also stated that the project needs an
organized community drive to support it. After discussion, it was the
consensus of the group to request CHIEF to analyze the feasibility of
developing a business park/stadium at this location. They agreed to send a
letter to CHIEF signed by both entities.
Tax Setoff Discussions
Mayor Bruchey informed the Commissioners that he and Rick Kautz would be
representing the City in the tax setoff discussions. He stated that the
group needs to set a date for their first meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
County Administrator
County Attorney
, Clerk