Washington College is soon the proud owner of the SFC John H. Newnam Armory. In executive session on Monday, Mayor Margo Bailey and the Chestertown Council approved WC’s counter proposal to an offer made to the college on Nov. 21.
Most of the council members appeared in good spirits as they emerged from the closed meeting that lasted only minutes. Councilman Jim Gatto said the session was extremely positive. He said WC’s offer addressed many of the sticking points that had shadowed months of arduous negotiations with WC President Mitchell Reiss. Councilman Marty Stetson was the only vote against the proposal.
Stetson said he voted against the deal in principle because of the poor conduct of the negotiations and losing the chance to put the Armory on the tax rolls through a private developer.
“I’m glad WC finally negotiated,” Stetson told the Spy on Tuesday, “But I still think the Armory could ultimately go to a private developer that could create jobs.” He said that future negotiations with the town could carry some mistrust as a result of the Armory negotiations.
“I for one had mixed feelings about the way all of this was handled,” Stetson said. “Why did the college create such hard feelings in the first place by going to the media–rather than negotiating with us directly? Now everything that comes from WC will be met with a feeling of suspicion, at least from this councilman, and I am sorry for that. I like things up front and done in an honest forthright manner. That was missing during these entire negotiations.”
A source with firsthand knowledge of the negotiations said that some WC board members expressed “considerable concern” over the college’s future relationship with the town as a result of the sour public discourse that nearly doomed the college’s chance to acquire the Armory. WC’s Board of Visitors and Governors wanted to show good faith and tear down any barriers that could permanently harm the two-century-old partnership with the town. WC’s counter proposal represented an olive branch that was agreed to in a meeting of the Board this past weekend, according to the source.
WC’s offer includes an additional $200,000 towards the town’s waterfront goals, which is about the amount Councilmen Gibson Anthony, Stetson, and Gatto had sought from WC to help finish construction of the town’s Rails-to-Trails project.
“The Board wanted the College to make a significant contribution to advance Chestertown’s vision for the Chester River waterfront,” Reiss explained Tuesday in acknowledging the agreement. “The $200,000 will assist the Town with master planning, infrastructure, and recreational initiatives.”
Kevin Shertz says
Very glad to see this situation was resolved amicably. As I’ve said in the past, it’s a win-win.
Hopefully, both parties learned something from this experience.
Joan Smith says
Great news! Thanks for all the terrific reporting.
Rome Oneil says
I’m glad to see that the Board had the ability to look at the broader picture and realize that the college has to live with the town. Reiss, the diplomat that he is, presented a “we/they” approach to the sale. Thank goodness the Board saw this and knew that a ‘we’ approach was the better strategy. Kudos to the wisdom of the Board.
Chris Cerino says
This is going to be a tremendous addition to the Chestertown waterfront, bringing to life a portion of the waterfront that has essentially sat dormant for decades. Couldn’t be happier with this result, and can’t wait to see this new addition to the campus, the waterfront walk, and a renovated Armory come to life in the coming years!
kevin walsh says
The Collage cannot even give a bathroom for the public !!!!
DLaMotte says
How wonderful! Congratulations to all involved.
Steve Payne says
That really is a win win.
Carla Massoni says
Great!
Janice Dickson says
This is wonderful news. Once again, the college makes Chestertown a sought after venue.
Gibson Anthony says
I am very thankful to Washington College’s leadership and look forward to the mutually beneficial legacy of this agreement.
susan newton-rhodes says
This is truly great news.
Several weeks ago I was traveling back from a client’s in New York and got to talking with an attorney and his son who were visiting the DC area and looking at colleges. He noted they were looking at Georgetown, American, James Madison and Washington College! I was taken aback given the mix of schools. When i asked about the attraction to WC, the immediate response was the waterfront campus! This was amid the acrimonious debate about the amory, which was disturbing as a parent of a WC student and spouse of an alum.
Again, what a great outcome for the town and for the college and most importantly to the future WC students. When STAY was discussing uses for the building, there was no other or better tenant identified past Washington College. I am, personally, so heartened to see this situation resolved amicably and to the benefit of all…..great work Chestertown Council AND Washington College Board!