Protect Open Space at Spring Grove State Hospital

We, the undersigned, believe that if any property at Spring Grove State Hospital should be deemed "excess" land, it should be held in public trust and retained in perpetuity by the State of Maryland, to be developed as a well-maintained and patrolled regional park that might include biking and hiking paths, picnic areas, historic placards, public art and gardens, orientation signage, and play grounds; and as a slightly expanded human services campus aligned with the current mission of the existing hospital.

Moreover, we believe that any development on Spring Grove surplus property should be aligned with maintaining the quiet suburban feel of the Catonsville region, to preserve open space and history, to continue the region's tradition of assisting those in need, and to create a regional gem that is compatible with supporting the existing and evolving business districts on our main streets on Frederick Road, in Arbutus, and in Paradise.

Note that it is our belief that advocating for the alternatives proposed above does not serve to stifle functional large-scale development, but instead serves to insure that such development happens on private land only, and in areas that are currently developed for such purposes, such as areas along Route 40, Security Square Mall, and Route 1.

Finally, we believe that our position is aligned with State and County efforts to increase and preserve open space.

Thank you for your attention to this letter.