After four hours of deliberation and multiple public statements regarding Washington College’s revised application to partially demolish the John H. Newnam Armory, the Historic District Commission approved the plan, greenlighting the future building of a hotel.
The plan calls for retaining the 93-year-old structure’s front façade and demolition of the back area. It will also include memorial applications to commemorate the servicemembers stationed there from 1931 to its decommissioning in 2005.
The HDC requires a 30-month maximum window to demolish the structure. The plans to build a hotel with 75-100 rooms by developer Jay Shah will move ahead after the demolition.
Hotel developer Jay Shaw outlined how a 75-100 room hotel would positively impact the town and county, adding revenue, employment opportunities, and resources for visitors.
Barbara Jorgenson,Thomas Kocubinski, and Steven Mitchell, along with other speakers, presented their case for saving the structure, citing that the mold infestation could be remediated and that grants available to help renovate the structure to its original condition or transform it into another usable space. Others countered that argument, saying that “remediation” of mold issues in a flood plane does not guarantee its future elimination, diminishing the likelihood of an investor undertaking any investment.
Critical to meeting the HDC guidelines for demolishing a building within the historic district is evidence of the owner’s economic hardship. Washington College President Michael Sosulski provided the Commission with that financial information.
The HDC vote was unanimous, ending a decades-long, often acrimonious debate.
“We are grateful for the thoughtful work and care given by the Historic District Commission to the Armory project as well as the overwhelming support we received. This has, at times, been a trying process for our community and we are hopeful that we can turn the page together and work toward a better future for Chestertown, Kent County, and Washington College,” writes Washington College President Michael Sosulski.
The Spy offers video highlights of the proceedings. The complete meeting may be found here.
David A Turner says
The Spy article mentioned “The plan calls for retaining the 93-year-old structure’s front façade and demolition of the back area.” That’s precisely the compromise I suggested to the HDC almost three years ago, and in subsequent compromise suggestions. It’s not a total preservation victory, per se, nor a total demolition job — which is appropriate to our historic town.
Did I mishear last night (online) that the good developer also is pondering saving the front edges of the the Armory’s two side walls if possible? That was not in my original suggestion, but it’s a darn good option if it fits.
I congratulate all parties: preservationists, entrepreneur, citizenry, but most especially Washington College. And I wish them all the best as they tackle the many sundry portions to be addressed as they proceed. Chestertown is blessed.
Richard Keaveney says
The community has spoken loudly and clearly. The appointed representatives on HDC provided a significant service by thoroughly examining the evidence. To the hundreds and citizens who supported the college application THANK YOU. Join me in hoping that this decision is not appealed to the Circuit Court, as is a right, by the handful of people in opposition. This will only prevent the college and hotel develop to begin, in earnest, to prepare the design and budget, seek investors within our community and beyond, and follow carefully all of the remaining steps required by law.
To our small business community …. hang in there.
Eric Fitch says
Will the college be claiming this has an educational purpose to avoid taxes? I have yet to see anyone ask this.
Richard Keaveney says
eric… the hotel will incur real estate taxes as the tenant.the town and county will also see a credible hotel tax contribution as well, not to mention wages, sales tax, etc. It is a significant win for our treasuries
Eric Fitch says
I am very happy to hear this. As you are aware real estate taxes are the primary source of local public school funding which we need desperately. My fear of this becoming one of the many non-taxable properties the college owns has been extinguished!
David Hoatson says
Will the College pay annual property tax?
Will the College pay income tax on the profit, or will they claim Unrelated Business Income (UBI) and avoid income tax?
Will the hotel have a marina?
Will the hotel compete with the 98 Cannon Hotel on an equal financial basis (no town-issued low-interest bonds, etc.)?
Will the hotel give free rooms to VIPs?
Thanks
emily massey says
Did WC say they were saving the front of the old elementary school? We saw how that worked.
Edward Ellis Maxcy says
Thank goodness. It is about time to build a new hotel while remembering those who served. Rollins College owns the Alford Hotel in Winter Part, Florida, and has earned some Thousands of dollars of student financial aid revenue and provided hundreds employment opportunities to the community and student body, including internships which have helped students in planning their futures in employment or graduate school. Bravo Washington College and the Town of Chestertown for the historic action.