La Plata, MD – Indian Head doesn’t have to worry about a Base Realignment and Closure Committee (BRAC) scaledown of military facilities for at least another two years.
“In our view, there is not a BRAC at this point in time,” Consultant John Bohanon told the Charles County Commissioners Tuesday, March 7. “There was one in 1991. The last one was in 2005. It looks like we’ll see another BRAC in 2019.”
“We think we could see a BRAC in the future,” Consultant Jennifer Dionne agreed.
“The expectation is that the Trump administration will be asking for it,” Bohanon noted. “There is going to be a serious push as to how can we cut things that save us money. Nothing is certain. Nothing is chiseled in stone on the federal level. You have a lot going on that’s going to have an impact on defense spending.
“I think it’s fair to say no matter how much elbow grease you apply, with funding it all really hinges on mobilizing the community with some sense of urgency,” he added. “Without that, your base becomes vulnerable.”
“We thought that what we had undertaken had dealt with that sense of urgency,” Commissioner Ken Robinson [D – District 1] said. “We know from experience the BRAC is unpredictable. There hasn’t been one since 2005. Given the current state of affairs, everything is unpredictable. It could all change with a tweet tomorrow morning.”
“I’ve always held up Charles County as an example of what a county can do,” Bohanon said. “The effort you have given us in terms of support, you should be proud of job you have done.”
“I don’t think you’re going to find in the state of Maryland any more than this government,” Commissioners’ President Peter Murphy [D] said. “We have an opportunity no one else has facing us.”
“It is obvious this is important to our county,” said Commissioner Debra Davis [D – District 2]. “I can’t imagine not being able to build our economic base around Indian Head. It’s a really important asset for our county. I’m glad you feel we’re doing the right stuff,” she told Bohanon.
Redevelopment Director Taylor Yewell told the board steps are being undertaken to alter the economically depressive state of the town. “We have what we refer to as the ‘action plan’ to give us some leverage, using a velocity center concept of multi-tenant space,” Yewell explained.
Energetic Tech and the town recently held a ribbon cutting for 2,000 square foot of office space above Black Box Theater, a sign things are changing.
“The velocity center presents a unique opportunity for a public-private partnership,” Yewell added. “It will be an important catalyst for future endeavors. Contractors can considering acquiring abandoned properties for future use.
“The key to success is seizing opportunities when they present themselves,” he said.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com