Baltimore County said today:
Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz announced today that the County will proceed with the purchase of the 2.36 acre Radebaugh Florist property in Towson, to be converted to a community park. Pursuant to a tentative agreement reached with the property owner last September, the County has now determined that a Phase I environmental study found no issues that prevent the County from completing the purchase.
The 2.36 acre property is located just off of Aigburth Avenue across from 120 E. Burke Avenue. The County is purchasing the property with local Program Open Space funds for $1.1 million, a price determined by two independent appraisals. In addition to the purchase price, the County Executive was able to work with state legislators to secure $175,000 to assist with demolition of certain greenhouses contained on the land.
“We have been working hard to add additional open space for Towson residents, and this purchase will help us achieve that goal,” said County Executive Kamenetz. “I especially appreciate the assistance of Delegate Lafferty, as well as Speaker Pro Tem Delegate Adrienne Jones, in helping us obtain a State contribution to resolve the demolition cost issue.”
“This is great news for the community,” said Delegate Steve Lafferty. “I am pleased to partner with County Executive Kamenetz to provide community space in downtown Towson.”
The contract of sale will be forwarded to the County Council for approval at a future legislative session before the County can take title.
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Councilman David Marks said:
“I am pleased that after nearly two years of negotiation, Baltimore County has completed its negotiations with the Radebaugh family and the County Council will soon vote to approve the purchase of this property.
There were many people involved in making this a reality, and I would like to thank those who the County Executive ignored in his press release–Senator Brochin, the hardworking volunteers of the Green Towson Alliance, neighborhood leaders, and the other members of the County Council who stood with me in pushing for this deal to get finished. This was a unified, bipartisan effort that will result in Towson’s first new park in two decades.”
Great to have this project moving forward. It will be a welcome addition to Towson. Congrats and thank you to all involved who made this happen.
Now, if we could just address the continuing failure of local politicians to behave like adults. Kamenetz’ ignoring Marks and Marks’ snarky comments. Come on, guys, lets at least act like adults in public. I can’t imagine another line of work where grown ups would be allowed to act like this.
It takes two people for a relationship to fail, and these guys are showing the public just how it works with every interaction.
Progress is slow enough in Towson. These childish antics certainly don’t help and only serve to further polarize the public through absurd rhetoric and hyperbole. This is not a public service. Act like adults and work together behind closed doors.
Here is the history of events over the past few weeks: the County Executive started building a controversial part of Towsontown Boulevard with no community input; apparently postponed the already-delayed Bosley Avenue resurfacing; allowed for another delay to the landmark preservation hearing for the Presbyterian Home; failed to request any funding for Towson roads in the presentation before the state department of transportation; and sat back while his staff belittled and ignored Towson’s other elected officials.
It is very easy to criticize from a keyboard. I would invite you to join some of the community leaders who have experienced many of these problems and who want their representatives to push back and demand better from their government.
You’re correct, Councilman, it is very easy to criticize from a keyboard. It’s a shame that elected officials can opt out of working and serving the public. Arguing in public with one another, pointing fingers, name calling, ignoring, obstructing, blaming all problems on others, and polarizing supporters is certainly not written into the job description of public servants. Our national leaders don’t set good examples, but you can hope for more with local representatives. While criticizing from a keyboard is quick and easy, so to is pointing fingers and placing blame instead of being accountable and working together, even if you have differences with someone. Most Towson residents can’t bemoan their issues to a public audience. They work things out like adults. I can’t imagine living and working in such a polarizing environment, speaking with the such hyperbole, and living in such a dichotomous manner. I understand my opinion may not be popular, because rarely is challenging any type of establishment a popular move, but I hope it serves to open some eyes to these bitter, childish fights and recognize the negative impact its having on Towson. I want Towson to be a better place and reach its potential. I don’t see that happening now or anytime soon with those who wield power in this part of the county. I will go the democratic route and participate through my vote at election time. I’ll vote for individuals who can do more than point fingers and blame others. Participating in the… Read more »