The following article has been submitted by District 6 Delegate Bob Long about the proposed development at Fort Howard.
The proposed development of housing at Fort Howard has sparked deep concern and frustration among myself, locals, and especially veterans. An amendment to Maryland HB538, which allows housing to be built on leased VA land without regard to local zoning laws, has drawn heavy criticism.
Samuel Himmelrich, a prominent developer, is pushing to develop the land, a move I argue is more about profit than preserving the area’s history and honoring its veterans.
Fort Howard, which served as the location for a VA hospital from 1940 to 2002, holds significant historical value for military families.
Many veterans, including my own uncle, Chief Petty Officer Henry Edmunds, received care there. I, along with other concerned community members, believe the land should remain dedicated to veteran’s services and rehabilitation programs, rather than general housing.
Fort Howard is sacred ground for those who served and sacrificed for our country. It is unconscionable to use this land for anything other than to benefit our veterans.
The proposal raises concerns not only over its potential impact on veterans but also the local infrastructure.
Adding affordable housing to the area could overload the already limited resources, such as roads, schoolsand public services.
Simply, there is no way for the community to sustain a sharp increase of residents. Additionally, there are worries about the environmental impact of large-scale development on the historic site.
I have extended an invitation to President Trump to visit the site in order to witness the significance of the location firsthand and to stand in solidarity with veterans. Just last week I penned a letter to the administration in hopes of facilitating a broad conversation to reconsider the development plan, prioritizing the needs of those who have served in the military.
The controversy continues to unfold, as the community waits for further discussion and action on this critical issue.
