OPINION: Anne Arundel County Government – ​​Neither “Open” nor “Transparent”

Anne Arundel County offers webinars titled “Open Data, Open Government” and promotes “transparency.” However, its processes are anything but transparent. Should a citizen have to pay thousands of dollars for information? Should the county redact and/or omit some of the information?

Consider the Homeport Farm Park case. Homeport is a passive park located entirely within the Critical Area, with conservation and deed restrictions designed to protect the environment and limit use to non-intensive recreation. In July 2021, County Council member Lisa Rodvien proposed the park as a site for a rowing complex for private clubs, and in September 2021, County Executive Steuart Pittman joined the plan and soon spearheaded a “fast track” for the facility.

Recreation and Parks ordered a feasibility study for the Homeport Farm Park rowing center in late 2021 using current budget funding, although no project for this purpose was presented to council. The department worked closely with private rowing clubs to identify their needs, which were incorporated into the design. The first phase of the project (parking and docks) was allocated $3.3 million under the FY 2023 Boat Ramp Development budget line, without any public announcements or budget discussions.

When citizens discovered this was happening in early 2022 (by pure coincidence), Rec and Parks denied any plans for the park. Ms. Rodvien claimed ignorance. A Public Information Act request initially went unanswered, was launched well after the required 30 day response period, and cost the applicant (me) $1,850.00.

All emails to or from County Executive Steuart Pittman have been fully redacted. A request for a feasibility study was rejected until the state ombudsman was involved. Then it could only be viewed by one person in front of a staff babysitter – no notes or copying were permitted. The plan called for demolishing afforestation, paving meadows and building buildings in the nature reserve. After much public opposition, the district appeared to abandon its plans.

Now the engine has started again.

The county is attempting to violate deed restrictions by claiming it will only provide “storage and docks.” All public information (a public “chat”, the website, the newsletter) says this. But in a July 2024 limited Zoom meeting with adjacent community leaders, the deputy director of recreation and parks clearly outlined a much larger plan that includes “a locker area and some sort of equipment storage building.” Annapolis Junior Rowers would use the facilities daily, and “one group starts at 6:00 a.m. in the summer.” Eighty teenagers, five days a week, arrive in cars (where are they supposed to park?), displacing all other users.

Intensive use.

The county is putting pressure on the public and hiding a major project that would require millions in public funds to satisfy a private club.

This is neither “open government” nor “transparency”.

–Karen Whaley

Related