The Baltimore Sun from Baltimore, Maryland • 75

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNT SUN FRIDAY; FEBRUARY 3 1989. 5 Legislators see federal agency using Fort'Peade'iancI I III AH'' THE ANNE (left) and Representative Tom McMillan, D-4th, answer questions during of an area of Fort Meade that is scheduled to be closed on May 1 The shrinking of Ft. Meade HOWARD COUNTY ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY come into play in this case because the land at Fort Meade "has serious problems for any housing." Much of the acreage is covered by wetlands and firing ranges. A good portion of the land has been bombarded with artillery shells and other military weapons over the years. County Executive O.

James Lighthizer also said he didn't think the land would be used for shelters. "We already have a homeless shelter Sarah's House) in Fort Meade," Mr. Lighthizer said. That shelter, used regularly by 40 to 50 families, will not be affected by the plans to cut down the size of Fort Meade. Mr.

Lighthizer Is convinced a federal agency will put the land to use. "I think it's highly unlikely this land will be surplused," Mr. Lighthizer said. "In one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, I Just can't Imagine the federal government letting loose three-quarters of an acre, much less 9,000." Mr. McMillen agreed with Mr.

Lighthizer that the land would remain In federal hands. The congressman also stressed the Importance of proper environmental use for the 9,000 acres, which includes flood plains and water wells as well as wetlands. The congressman said a coordinating council of federal, state and National fAmP0RJ Security-' wuh Agency -J VJ -J FORT GEORGE V. e. meade 'jr lAREATOpJ 1 BE SOLD I rjj I XVi I Conwayy" VV PRINCE 5 GEORGE'S ViSV since 1931 I ST AHUNUEL COUNTY SUN KARL M.

FERRON CHEVROLET '6495 $7495 $6495 $9295 $1 1,495 $23,895 Some of the acreage could be used as park By Jonathan Fellner Staff writer Local developers can probably forget any dreams they had of building on 9.000 acres of land to be made available at Fort Meade. That was the consensus of Representative Tom McMillen, D-4th, several local politicians and military personnel who toured an area recommended for closure by the Pentagon Commission on Base Realignment and Closure. The commission's recommendation for Fort Meade was part of an overall proposal to close or partially close 86 military bases nationwide. The recommendations are expected to become law by May 1. The tour was designed to give legislators a close-up view of the land, which is located south of Route 198.

Under the commission's recommendations, federal agencies will have first option to acquire the land. If It remains available, the land would then be offered to state and local governments, respective- iy. Fort Meade is required to file a report with the Secretary of Defense on plans to dispose of the property by May 1 Speculation on who will grab the land has focused on the super-secret National Security Administration. Local politicians say the NSA needs additional space for its Fort Meade facility, located on land that won't be affected by the closure. The federal Housing and Urban Development office could also enter the picture.

The McKlnney Act, passed by Congress last year, requires that all surplus federal property be studied as potential shelters for the homeless. Jim Abbee, a spokesman for the closure commission, said he expects the McKlnney Act to affect some of the 86 military bases slated to close. However, he said he didn't specifically know If Fort Meade would be affected. Jerry Grant, Mr. McMillen's administrative assistant, doubted that the McKlnney Act would Business It's official: Value The Ohio-based Value City discount chain confirmed more than six weeks of rumors when the company signed a multi-year lease to replace a Hutzler's store in Glen Burnie's Harundale Mall this week.

The discount chain had been mentioned as a likely replacement since news of Hutzler's closing after four years at Harundale broke late last year. "We're very enthused and believe they will be an asset to this marketplace," Harundale manager Jim Roberts said. "I think people will find that they give good value for the dollar." Value City, owned by the Co '83 DODGE PASSENGER VAN V8, Auto, AC '83 VOLVO WAGON 5 Spd, AC, Radio, Only 60,000 Miles '87 NISSAN PICKUP AC, Cassette, Bedliner Cover '85 CHEVROLET S-10 4x4 Blazer V6, Auto, AC, Tahoe Package, Tilt, Cass, Low Miles. '86FORDF350 Cab and Chassis With 8 Foot Custom Diamond Plate Body, 5th Wheel Hitch, V8, 4 Radio, Only 11,000 Miles County Executive O. James Lighthizer a press conference following their tour local officials could help determine the best uses for the land.

County Councilman David G. Boschert, D-Odenton, wants at least part of the land to be used for a wildlife sanctuary. "I think there may be room for negotiations in certain areas," said Mr. Boschert, who stressed that discussions on use of the acreage are in the very earliest stages. "I want a regional park and wildlife sanctuary, and am looking for a minimum of 1,000 acres or better," the councilman said.

Mr. Lighthizer said he also favors a wildlife sanctuary or park. The land targeted for closure also contains 20 cemeteries, which would likely stay intact, said Col. Anthony Holtry. He said the cemeteries' presence probably rules out any chance the acreage would be sold to developers.

"You certainly can't have cemeteries sitting next to a shopping center, that would be a ridiculous combination," Colonel Holtry said. Gen. David Allen said cemeteries affected by the closing range in size from 12 headstones to 60. Some of the grave sites are older than the United States, Colonel Holtry said. said former employees and mall shoppers.

"We had a merchants meeting, and I didn't hear anything negative. Even though we had a loss of a department store, merchants are working together to have some sales events to bring people in," said Celia S. Ostrowski, president of the Harundale Mall Merchants Association and manager of the Bank of Baltimore branch at mall. This will be the third Value City In Maryland, Joining Baltimore locations at Westview and Eastpoint malls. The 30-year-old Harundale Mall is the first enclosed shopping center east of the Mississippi.

'86 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN CARRY-ALL SILVERADO nfn V-8, Auto, Air, Power Windows and 4 IIUh Locks, Cruise, Tilt Cassette. UjVVV 86 CHEVROLET 24 FOOT MOTOR HOME One Owner, Only 16,000 Miles '85 VOLVO FOUR DOOR 4 Air Cond. City store is coming to Harundale '87 CHEVROLET S-10 4x4 Blazer V6, Auto, AC, Power Wind. 4 A A A 1 3 Locks, Tilt, Only 1 6,000 Miles fc '83 DODGE PICK-UP 6 CyU Cassette, Bedliner, Vf '87 CHEVROLET S-10 PICKUP V6, 5 Alum. Cap.

lumbus, Ohio-based Schottenstein stores, should have its Harundale store open by May 1, Mr. Roberts said. "We had a merchants meeting in January and the merchants were very excited," said Sarah Elder, marketing manager at the mall. Although some merchants initially were lukewarm about the prospect of Value City as an anchor, merchants' perceptions seem to have changed somewhat. Many now view Hutzler's departure as a blessing.

The store, which closed Dec. 31, had experienced dwindling sales and a poor selection of goods..