Neighbors --
Since 2010, the Town Public Works Department has had its maintenance shop (garage) in a leased building located at 4201 48th Street in Bladensburg. Earlier this year, the owners of the garage property notified us that they intended to put it up for sale. With our lease set to expire on April 30, 2021, we conducted a thorough search for alternate locations (for lease or purchase) and with Council approval chose to negotiate Town purchase of the garage. The Town also conducted a due diligence review of the property, and the garage owner agreed to hold the property off the market while the Town’s review occurred.
The reviews have been completed, and with Council support the Town has successfully negotiated for the purchase of the garage at a price of $825,000. Council actions to authorize the garage purchase are on the agenda for its meeting this Monday, July 19. The acquisition will be paid for with reserve funds in the FY22 Budget ($450,000), coupled with allocation of $375,000 from the Federal American Rescue Plan.
Thus, the Town will acquire a facility essential to its operations without incurring further debt and will no longer have a lease payment of approximately $42,000 per year. The result should enable effective continuation of Town operations and with significant savings. I congratulate Town Administrator David Deutsch and Town Attorney Suellen Ferguson for their successful negotiations on behalf of the Town and thank the Council for its stalwart support and encouragement for this effort.
With best regards,
Len Carey
Mayor, Town of University Park
Email: mayorcarey@upmd.org
Cell: (240) 338-2826 – Cellular is best, as I am teleworking
Office: (301) 927-4262, Extension 100