CASCADE, MD News (6/16/2024) – On June 18, 2024, the County will consider a proposal to submit a Community Legacy Grant application to the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD). The grant, amounting to $286,737, is aimed at the adaptive reuse of Building 521 at Fort Ritchie as a Nature Center, a key part of the ongoing redevelopment project in the area. This proposal will be presented by Jennifer Kinzer, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning & Zoning, and Nicole Phillips, Senior Grant Manager of the Office of Grant Management.
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The recommended motion seeks approval for the grant submission and, contingent upon successful funding, to accept the awarded grant and enter into a subrecipient agreement with Cascade Properties, LLC. This arrangement is intended to facilitate the rehabilitation of Building 521, transforming it into a Nature Center that will serve as an educational resource focused on the local ecosystem.
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Fort Ritchie, a former military base, has been undergoing redevelopment to revitalize the area and promote community engagement. The proposed Nature Center is set to become a pivotal element in this broader initiative. Cascade Properties, LLC plans to convert Building 521 into a space that offers educational exhibits and information about the native wildlife and plants of the Appalachian Trail region. The center will be open to school groups, host camps, conduct classes, and organize information sessions to foster environmental awareness and education.
If the grant is awarded, the County will formalize a subrecipient agreement with Cascade Properties, LLC. This agreement will delineate the responsibilities and roles of both parties concerning the project. The funding will support the building’s rehabilitation, covering a significant portion of the costs associated with this transformation.
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Financially, the grant from the DHCD would provide up to $286,737 for the rehabilitation project, with no matching funds required from the County. Any additional costs beyond the grant amount will be covered by Cascade Properties, LLC. This financial structure ensures that the project is largely supported by external funds, minimizing the fiscal impact on the County while promoting the adaptive reuse of Fort Ritchie’s infrastructure.
The proposal underscores the County’s commitment to the Fort Ritchie Redevelopment Project, aiming to enhance community resources and support local educational initiatives. The Nature Center is envisioned as a hub for learning and engagement, offering insights into the region’s natural heritage and promoting environmental stewardship among residents and visitors.
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The June 18 presentation will provide further details on the project and seek the necessary approval to move forward with the grant application process. If approved, the County will submit the application to the DHCD, anticipating a positive response that will enable the rehabilitation efforts to commence. The presentation will be at approximately 10:15 AM during the Washington County Commissioners meeting, and available in-person at the county administration building at 100 W Washington Street in Hagerstown, or on the county YouTube page.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors.
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