For the second time in two years, Pocomoke City has been denied demolition funding for the old firehouse and armory by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
As City Manager/City Attorney Ernie Crofoot informed the council during its regular meeting last week, the denials came as no surprise.
“We knew it was coming,” he said.
The rejection letter provided to the town and signed by Carol Gilbert, assistant secretary of the department, explains that 26 projects seeking a total of $9 million applied for the available funding.
Only $3.5 million of allocated funding was available for projects. Proposals were competitively ranked, according to the letter, on factors such as economic impact, readiness to proceed, local commitment and leveraging.
The town is divided on what to do with the facilities. Council members like Diane Downing are in favor of selling the firehouse for the $2,500 top bid the town received last year. Crofoot would rather shore up the legal title to the firehouse in an effort to attract a more lucrative offer, while certain church groups are interested in using the buildings as community centers.
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In addition to the armory being a better venue as a community center because of its already existing amenities, its larger size, the considerable office and meeting spaces, and was built to last. Pocomoke should look for funds to rehab this structure instead of demolishing it.
ReplyDeleteYes, the armory was built to last and the exterior framework is extremely sturdy. Unfortunately the interior is a disaster. The heating plant is beyond repair, there is no provision for heat or A/C ductwork, there is asbestos everywhere and any attempt to bring the structure into code compliance will cost several million dollars more than a new structure.
ReplyDeleteWhy would they want to tear down the Armory(old Police Station) and the old fire station. There is a lot of history there. Why do our so called elected leaders think it is Ok to tear down our historic buildings? Bunch of Freaking idiots.
ReplyDeleteDynamite is cheap and happens at midnight.
ReplyDeleteThe armory is full of asbestos, lead pipes, and a breeding ground with mold. There is no way to rehab it without spending millions, of which the town can't afford. It would be cheaper to tear it down.
ReplyDelete