By Pete McCarthy, Courtesy of The Frederick News-Post, Md./McClatchy-Tribune Regional News
A deal to build a "major" hotel and conference center is nearly inked for the Jefferson Technology Park, the developer confirmed Wednesday night.
During a public hearing before the Frederick County Planning Commission, the developer said negotiations are in the final stages and an announcement could be made in the coming weeks.
"We're extremely close to making this major announcement," said Board of County Commissioners President Blaine Young, the board's liaison to the planning commission. "We're on the verge of some major announcements here in a tough economy. ... That's very exciting in these times."
Brad Kline, a part-owner in Jefferson Technology Park LLC, declined to identify the hotel chain, but did confirm there will be between 250 and 300 rooms, 10,000 square feet of conference center space, and a restaurant.
Another forthcoming announcement is a deal to build a supermarket, Kline said. He again could not provide details of that arrangement until the agreement is signed.
The public hearing set the stage for the Jefferson Technology Park developer to secure a long-term deal with the county. It was up to the planning commission to vote whether to recommend approval of the deal, referred to as a development rights and responsibilities agreement.
Mostly a formality, the board voted 5-1 in favor of the deal between the county and the developer.
As a second formality, the planning commission also determined Wednesday night that the planned development is in line with what the county has in its comprehensive plan for future growth.
The project stalled for years for a number of reasons, including disagreements with the county and state, and a slow economy.
With the approvals granted by the county, there has been a recent burst in activity.
The 173-acre park, where developers also envision offices, housing and stores, is slated for a Nov. 14 groundbreaking ceremony. Preliminary work has already begun on the site, according to Kline.
"We broke ground based on the settlement agreement," Kline said after the meeting. "This just upholds it. ... We're excited."
The document signed between the county and developer gives Kline and his team assurances that the county will not change its mind along the way. In exchange, the developer agrees to make certain improvements. In this case, the deal calls for millions in road and water and sewer improvements.
In all, the developer has agreed to spend close to $40 million on various improvements, according to county officials.
On the list are projects to build an interchange at U.S. 340/U.S. 15 and add turn lanes from Md. 180 into the tech park. In addition, builders must contribute $4 million to the Maryland State Highway Administration for a project at Md. 180/351.
Opponents say it gives the developer too much power, but Jefferson Technology Park attorney Krista McGowan said Wednesday that these arrangements are a must.
"In today's financial world, this agreement ... is absolutely necessary to obtain financing," McGowan said.
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