The long battle over the future of Belmont, the historic Elkridge estate now operated by Howard Community College, could be headed for another detour as Howard County officials work to buy the 81-acre property.
Preservationists and neighbors are fighting to block approval of $2 million in county funds to renovate a carriage house and barn at the secluded 18th-century estate, claiming that legal entanglements with a local builder imperil the deal.
County Executive James N. Robey announced March 21 his plan to buy the property from the college foundation and lease it back to the college for its culinary arts program.
Mary Catherine Cochran, president of Preservation Howard County, wants the County Council to cut the funding in the capital budget for renovations because of Harry L. "Chip" Lundy's interest in up to 33 acres on the 81-acre property. Lundy has a contract with the foundation spelling out his rights.
Cochran and her allies fear that if Lundy pursues his interests under the agreement, that could involve the county in protracted legal battles - or even lead federal tax authorities to question his role as a member of the Howard Community College Educational Foundation board at a time when he was involved in a business contract to develop part of the Belmont property.
Belmont was bought by the foundation for $5.2 million in November 2004 after Lundy resigned his board membership. He provided $1 million of the purchase price and paid some closing costs and interest on the foundation's $4.2 million loan.
"The contract grants rights, some irrevocable, to the trustee [Lundy] that presents severe if not insurmountable fiscal limitations for the county and the college," Cochran said at Thursday night's County Council budget hearing. "We now know that this agreement has put the college and Belmont at risk."
Lundy said Friday that Cochran's fears are unfounded.
"There is no intention - never will be, in my view - of going to court on any issue with this," he said. "We want to cooperate fully with the foundation and the county. There will not be a cloud on the county's title."
Lundy, a prominent county builder, originally hoped to construct upscale senior housing on or next to the Belmont property, which is surrounded by state-owned parkland.
"That's all history now," he said. "There will be no conflict with me."
