(March 10, 2016) Restored funding for Program Open Space was among the promises Gov. Larry Hogan made Marylanders during his campaign.
In Berlin, that funding source could help transform the former Tyson’s Chicken plant, now called Berlin Falls, expand the tot lot at Stephen Decatur Park, and develop a new neighborhood park named after a former mayor.
During a parks commission meeting in town hall on March 1, Administrative Services Director Mary Bohlen distributed a “wish list” for fiscal year 2017, which included $99,000 in new funding from Program Open Space.
To start, the town is asking for $40,500 to buy such things as benches, picnic tables and trashcans for Berlin Falls.
An attached memo read, “This property was purchased specifically for the purpose of development into a new park for our residents and visitors, and the town has worked with a consultant to develop several concepts for its ultimate design.”
The memo went on to say two environmental studies were conducted, identifying several environmental issues, none of which would likely impede development.
In order to transform the property from industrial to recreation use, Berlin applied to the Voluntary Clean-Up program management by the Maryland Department of the Environment, and contacted Thriving Earth Exchange, a collective of scientists who provide pro-bono assistance.
By the end of spring, the town hopes the property will be ready for passive park use, including walking, dog walking and bicycling.
Another significant project, John Howard Burbage Park, would be located near the municipal power plant and public works facility on Williams Street. Berlin is asking for $4,500 for the planning of the “small ‘aesthetic’ park,” and another $45,000 to develop it.
To expand the tot lot at the playground at Stephen Decatur Park, Berlin is seeking $9,000 from Program Open Space.
“More than rumor [has it], they’re trying very hard to get Program Open Space funding, if not up to previous levels, at least higher than it has been,” Bohlen said during the meeting. “That means that, possibly, the county may see clear to start allocating some of those funds back to the municipalities the way they used to.”
Bohlen said she originally contacted Program Open Space to ask about funding for the environmental remediation of Berlin Falls.
“Their answer was, only if it is directly applied to a development project,” she said. “Trying to make that tie would be very difficult to pull together.”
Bohlen said the full transformation of the property into a recreational use park would “not happen for a while.”
“It’s what we call a passive use,” she said. “It’s just going to be there for people to walk.”
The two other requests, Bohlen said, “have been on this list for quite some time.” All three will go before the mayor and council during a public meeting on March 28. Approved requests must be sent to the county by April 1.
Committee member Patricia Dufendach said she was happy to see more concrete proof, as evidenced by a formal request from the town, that Berlin Falls was becoming a reality.
“I’m just thrilled that they’re actually calling it a park,” she said. “It’s really a park, which means our responsibilities have increased a little. But the opportunities – it’s exciting.”
In Berlin, that funding source could help transform the former Tyson’s Chicken plant, now called Berlin Falls, expand the tot lot at Stephen Decatur Park, and develop a new neighborhood park named after a former mayor.
During a parks commission meeting in town hall on March 1, Administrative Services Director Mary Bohlen distributed a “wish list” for fiscal year 2017, which included $99,000 in new funding from Program Open Space.
To start, the town is asking for $40,500 to buy such things as benches, picnic tables and trashcans for Berlin Falls.
An attached memo read, “This property was purchased specifically for the purpose of development into a new park for our residents and visitors, and the town has worked with a consultant to develop several concepts for its ultimate design.”
The memo went on to say two environmental studies were conducted, identifying several environmental issues, none of which would likely impede development.
In order to transform the property from industrial to recreation use, Berlin applied to the Voluntary Clean-Up program management by the Maryland Department of the Environment, and contacted Thriving Earth Exchange, a collective of scientists who provide pro-bono assistance.
By the end of spring, the town hopes the property will be ready for passive park use, including walking, dog walking and bicycling.
Another significant project, John Howard Burbage Park, would be located near the municipal power plant and public works facility on Williams Street. Berlin is asking for $4,500 for the planning of the “small ‘aesthetic’ park,” and another $45,000 to develop it.
To expand the tot lot at the playground at Stephen Decatur Park, Berlin is seeking $9,000 from Program Open Space.
“More than rumor [has it], they’re trying very hard to get Program Open Space funding, if not up to previous levels, at least higher than it has been,” Bohlen said during the meeting. “That means that, possibly, the county may see clear to start allocating some of those funds back to the municipalities the way they used to.”
Bohlen said she originally contacted Program Open Space to ask about funding for the environmental remediation of Berlin Falls.
“Their answer was, only if it is directly applied to a development project,” she said. “Trying to make that tie would be very difficult to pull together.”
Bohlen said the full transformation of the property into a recreational use park would “not happen for a while.”
“It’s what we call a passive use,” she said. “It’s just going to be there for people to walk.”
The two other requests, Bohlen said, “have been on this list for quite some time.” All three will go before the mayor and council during a public meeting on March 28. Approved requests must be sent to the county by April 1.
Committee member Patricia Dufendach said she was happy to see more concrete proof, as evidenced by a formal request from the town, that Berlin Falls was becoming a reality.
“I’m just thrilled that they’re actually calling it a park,” she said. “It’s really a park, which means our responsibilities have increased a little. But the opportunities – it’s exciting.”