Letter to the Editor:
It appears that the glitch holding up the Washington College, Chestertown proposal, for rehabilitation of the armory for use by the college, apparently, is in the process of resolution.
According to several sources, the State Historical Trust will cede the decision on the easement, at the armory, dealing with the potential replacement of solid cinder blocks with windows. That positive change will allow viewing of the scenic Chester River from the armory building.
However, the overriding question remains unanswered. Does the armory reside in the Chestertown Historic District? Apparently, the Chestertown Town Council will vote on this matter at one of their meetings, soon. It appears that the Chestertown City Council will vote, by resolution, to annex that armory site into the Chestertown Historic District, on August 20th.
This method of handling the easement question will place the decision making in the hands of a local body that have a better understanding of how the potential rejection of the easement will affect the entire project. Once given the authority, the Chesterton Historical Trust can act in a responsible way and agree the Washington College project proceed.
The town and the college negotiated in good faith, for a protracted period of time to reach an acceptable agreement that will serve the expanding needs of Washington College and assist Chestertown in bringing in new jobs and enhancing research capabilities for the environment, right here at home.
Let us hope the Chestertown Historic Commission will make an informed decision by considering the best interests of all parties involved in this matter.
The question still remains, until revised, does the Chestertown Historical Commission have the jurisdiction to decide where, and in which part of the town, does the armory actually reside
I guess white elephants can live anywhere, in or out of historical districts.
Hopefully the August 20 action by the town council, and the subseent vote by the Chestertown Historic Commission, will determine where our current white elephant can be housed and under what conditions it can be rehabilitated and beautified.
Fletcher R. Hall
Chestertown
eliott bruce says
Flech. does thi mean the entirer project will then have to be approved by hist. commish.
fletcher r. hall says
It is my understanding that once the Chestertown City Council passes a “resolution” accapting the easement in question from the Maryland Historical Trust,the Chetertown City Council can vote to accapt the ceeding of the easement to them and then. Should that vote pass it becom3s law in 15 days. the Chestertown Historical Commission ( Local Group) can then accept (pass)the easement regarding the rear side of the armory where it is proposed to replace cinder blocks with windows that will allow a great vista of the Chester River.
Should this plan work, the local Hosotric Commission can then make a informed decision on granting the easement propsed agreed upon by both the town of Chestertown and Washington College.
The will be a vote on the first phase of this of this paocess by the Chestertown City Council at 7 P.M. on August 20th.
I trust this explains this slightly complicated plan
All is well that ends well!!
Janet Brandon says
Hurrah for cool heads and kind hearts!
Karen Smith says
Let’s hope for a positive resolution b/c the position of the State otherwise leaves us with perhaps the ugliest building in Kent County. Why they want to preserve a blank cement wall facing the river is beyond comprehension!