Lt. Governor Brown Announces Additional BRAC Zones

Brown designates BRAC Zones in Aberdeen and Howard County

 

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 15, 2009) – At a news conference in Annapolis today, Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown, joined by Aberdeen Mayor Michael Bennett and Howard County Councilwoman Jennifer Terrasa, announced new BRAC Zones as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to prepare for the job and population growth expected to come to Maryland due to Base Realignment and Closure. Brown, the Chair of the Governor’s Subcabinet on BRAC, designated two BRAC Zones in the City of Aberdeen and Howard County.

“In Maryland, BRAC is just another four letter word for jobs. Between now and 2015, we’ll create 60,000 jobs and welcome 28,000 new families,” Lt. Governor Brown said. “This incredible opportunity also presents unique challenges – notably challenges to prepare the infrastructure and develop the workforce. Because of our strong partnerships with local and county leaders, we are exactly where we need to be on both those fronts and today’s announcement of the Howard County and Aberdeen BRAC Zones are a shining example of what we can accomplish when we work together.”

Aberdeen’s BRAC Zone includes more than 1.18 million square feet of development, including the 800,000 square foot Class A North Gate Business Park. The 782.65 acre BRAC Enhancement and Revitalization Zone project will be comprised of 938,000 square feet of office space, 168,264 square feet of residential space, 8,590 square feet of retail space, and 66,043 square feet of hotel space.

“Aberdeen is ready for BRAC because of the strong partnerships between the City, Harford County and the State of Maryland,” said Aberdeen Mayor Michael Bennett. “I applaud Lt. Governor Brown and County Executive Craig for their leadership that has helped prepare the infrastructure and the workforce for the expanded security role our community will undoubtedly play in the years ahead.”

Howard County’s BRAC Zone includes 578,164 square feet of development. The 12.73 acre project, “Savage Towne Centre,” will be comprised of 78,000 square feet of office space, 416 residential units, 2 retail buildings, 2 restaurants, and 152 hotel rooms.

“Howard County is very grateful and excited to receive a BRAC Zone award.  This funding will help prepare our community for BRAC jobs in the Route 1 redevelopment corridor with infrastructure improvements and upgrades to MARC facilities,” said Councilwoman Jennifer Terrasa, Vice Chair of the Howard County Council.

Lt. Governor Brown toured both BRAC Zones several weeks ago after receiving their applications. He toured the proposed Aberdeen BRAC Zone on May 26, joined by Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) Deputy Secretary Dominick Murray and local officials. Later that week, Lt. Governor Brown toured the proposed Howard County BRAC Zone with DBED Secretary Christian Johansson, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and local officials.

Five BRAC Zones were designated last December in Baltimore City, Laurel, Odenton, Frederick and an area in Prince George’s County near Andrews Air Force Base. DBED began accepting applications for the second round of designations earlier this Spring. BRAC Zone designations are determined by the Secretary of the Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED), in consultation with the Secretaries of the Departments of Transportation, Housing & Community Development, Environment, and Planning. 

The authorization to designate BRAC Zones was established with the Governor O’Malley’s signing of the BRAC Community Enhancement Act in 2008. All jurisdictions are eligible to apply for BRAC Zone designation, with priority given to areas that are served by public transportation and have the greatest capacity for economic growth. Local jurisdictions may use financial incentives offered through the BRAC Zone program to directly fund infrastructure improvements in the designated area or indirectly fund such improvements by repaying Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Bonds or other bonds that have been issued for such infrastructure improvements.

About Savage Towne Centre BRAC Zone (Howard County) – 12.73 acres

 

  • BRAC Zone area infrastructure needs:
    • Repayment of the debt to be issued by Howard County through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the construction of a parking garage.          
  • County Priority list of infrastructure:
    • 704 space parking structure 
  • BRAC Zone Projects include:
    • Savage Towne Centre Transit Oriented Development (TOD) mixed use development to include market rate and affordable rental housing, Petrie Ross Ventures.   The State of Maryland has agreed to sell 10.53 acres of the property to Petrie Ross Ventures in return for commitments by Petrie Ross Ventures to construct a 704 space parking garage o 2.2 acres of the site retained by the State and $3.3 million to be paid by Petrie Ross Ventures toward the costs of the garage and other commitments to develop the remaining 10.53 acres of the site.   Howard County will fund the costs of the garage through the issuance of $17,000,000 in TIF bonds.  
  • Projected Construction:           
    • Office                                                   78,000 square feet
    • Residential (416 units)               350,000 square feet
    • Retail (2 buildings & 2 restaurants)        30,164 square feet
    • Hotel (152 rooms)                                120,000 square feet
    • TOTAL                                               578,164 square feet 

 

About the Aberdeen BRAC Zone – 782.65 acres

 

  • BRAC Zone area infrastructure needs:
    • Water and wastewater improvements ($33mil)
    • Transportation improvements ($66 mil)
    • Multimodal Transportation Center to serve commuters on a regional level.
    • Redevelopment of Route 40 Commercial Corridor
    • Adequate school capacity; upgraded water and wastewater facilities; improved sidewalks, curbs, and gutters, new community parks and facilities, safe neighborhoods and commercial areas to live and shop in without burdening existing tax base.
  • City infrastructure priorities to be funded by BRAC Zone:
    • Swan Meadows development between APG Road and East Bel Air Avenue: 
      • Main water and sewer line replacements
      • Replacements of curb, gutter and storm drain
      • Road reconstruction
    • James Street storm drainage needs
    • Edmund Street and US Route 40 Booster Station water lines
    • City of Aberdeen infiltration and inflow water line upgrade and repair
    • Alternative water source for additional water capacity
    • Well suite redevelopment at Aberdeen Water Treatment Plan
  • BRAC Zone Projects include:
    • North Gate Business Park - proposed 800,000 square foot Class A Business Park located off MD 22 and Research Boulevard, developed and owned by Corporate Offices Properties Trust. The first of eight buildings will begin construction in April, 2009.  The North Gate Business Park will be the first Class A office park constructed in Aberdeen with LEED certifications. Estimated construction cost of Lot C Building - $12,100,000.
    • Winston’s Choice Development - 92 unit townhouse project located off Old Post Road and East Bel Air Avenue on 18.478 acres within walking distance of the Aberdeen Train Station and downtown area.  Project is 59% complete.
    • Winston’s Choice Addition - proposed 22 unit townhouse development within walking distance of the Aberdeen Train Station and the downtown area on 2.86 acres.
    • Greenway Business Park - 138,000 square foot business park located off US 40. The Greenway Business Park is comprised of 15.71 acres and is strategically located near APG.
    • Aberdeen XChange – proposed retail/service use development including 3,000 square foot bank, two – 100 seat restaurants and a 75 room hotel.   8.5 acres strategically located at MD Rte. 715 and Old Philadelphia Road.
    • Royal Farms Store – proposed retail convenience store to include 5,590 square feet retail space, gasoline pump islands and automobile car wash. Adjacent to Aberdeen XChange on 1.40 acres.
  • Projected Construction:
    • Office                                                   938,000 square feet
    • Residential                                            168,264 square feet
    • Retail                                                    8,590 square feet
    • Hotel                                                    66,043 square feet
    • TOTAL                                               1,180,089 square feet 

 

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