Forum addresses vacancies

As multiple new high-rise apartment complexes adorn the Route 1 corridor, about 20 vacant properties have sat in the city, untouched, for several years — an issue city officials attempted to combat once and for all in a forum Saturday morning.

About two dozen residents and city officials gathered at the "What's your vision for Route 1?" forum in City Hall to hear an update on plans for these locations and to provide input on what establishments they would like to see open in College Park. Multiple ideas for the buildings' developments were suggested, ranging from creating a brew pub, library or hospital to the demolition of three specific dilapidated properties.

"Route 1 is a topic nobody in the city ever gets tired of," said City Planning Director Terry Schum.

While comments at the forum will simply be used to foster future conversations between city officials and developers, the discussion centered around one main abandoned property city officials said was prime for redevelopment: the former Jordan Kitt's Music store, situated near Mazza Grandmarc.

Residents discussed several potential uses for the now-defunct store — located at 9520 Baltimore Ave. — but when resident Alan Hew talked about turning the site into a brew pub, many attendees clapped and cheered this idea on.

"It has a warehouse in the back portion with a loading dock, which is essential to any brew pub," he said, adding the location's proximity to the Mazza Grandmarc could prompt students to frequent the spot.

Junior biology major Daniel Bainsaid a brew pub would be a better alternative to current bars.

"A brew pub would be a nice change of pace from the run-down, sleazy bars that are here," he said. "It's a different atmosphere; it's more relaxed."

However, resident Bob Duchene said the location would be better suited for a medical facility or an assisted living home for senior citizens.

"Its something quiet for the community," he said. "Residents around here would welcome that as opposed to any retail."

Yet, the City Economic Development Coordinator Michael Stiefvater said that property's location comes with challenges.

"There's 42 property owners in one-third of a mile," he said. "It takes a lot of time, a lot of patience and a lot of money."

City officials discussed where they were in the leasing stage for the other 15 properties.

Additionally, because the city was awarded the $140,000 from the Community Legacy Program — a state program that provides funding for community revitalization projects — three abandoned buildings will be torn down, according to city officials.

bach@umdbk.com