-The following article has been submitted by Sixth District Delegate Bob Long about the abandoned Fort Howard Veterans Hospital and plans on the future of the property-
Last Thursday there was a meeting at Dundalk High School about the rezoning of the abandoned Fort Howard Veterans Hospital. There is a proposal to rezone the area for residential housing development for approximately 500 homes. Currently the area has issues with traffic, overcrowded schools, and mail service. This will increase these problems and will also have environmental impacts.
Currently, the problems with congestion are affecting our everyday life. Daily commutes will increase. Mail services have been facing challenges with the closure of the Fort Howard Post Office. Our school systems are being overwhelmed with more students because of new development. Runoff would increase affecting our State Park. And, finally, there would be disruptions to nature that neighboring residents enjoy.
The Hospital has had a long history of serving the heroes of our country, our veterans. I believe that it would be right to rezone the area for projects that would help them with housing and other needs. Additionally, instead of more development there could be opportunities to have a park established in tribute to those who have served.
Therefore, I believe that the rezoning of the Fort Howard Veterans Hospital should be reconsidered and evaluate the impacts it would have on the community and environment. This is very important. These factors must be taken into account and addressed.
