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Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

May 6, 2010

Hampstead seeks farmer’s market

Hampstead Mayor Haven N. Shoemaker, Jr., is pushing hard to begin a weekly farmer’s market at the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Department location on Main Street. “I think there’s a great opportunity to support our local farmers and gardeners and to bring people to our historic downtown,” Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker has appointed local realtor, Sharon Callahan, to coordinate the effort. “We’re very excited about what this could bring to our Main Street,” Callahan said.

According to Town officials, the idea has been discussed with the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Department. “We’ll sit down with Fire Company President Bob Rill very soon and iron the specifics,” said Ken Decker, Hampstead’s Town Manager. “Given the excellent working relationship between the Town and the Fire Company, I’m sure the agreement will be mostly a formality,” he added.

The tentative plan for the farmer’s market is to open early on Saturday mornings during the growing season and to stay open until noon or 1 p.m. “The key to a great farmer’s market is attracting local growers,” Shoemaker said. “We hope to attract some good folks by not charging for space. The focus is also on local fruits and vegetables. We’re not looking to create a flea market.”

People interested in participating in the farmer’s market can call Town Hall at 410-239-7408 or Sharon Callahan at 410-239-8110. “If folks give us their information, we’ll let them know when we get this rolling,” Shoemaker said.

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PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

April 7, 2010

Hampstead to amend well condemnation

According to Councilman Joe Zynel, attorneys representing the Town will file amendments to the Town’s condemnation of an irrigation well at the Oakmont Green Golf Course by the end of the week.

“We plan to reduce the area sought from just over 10 acres to less than two,” Zynel said. “We’re also including language granting Oakmont Green a permanent easement to continue using the well for irrigation.”

According to Town officials, the Town’s offer to allow the golf course to continue using the well for irrigation was part of the original offer, but during the December condemnation trial jury members were not allowed to see this information.

“From the very beginning, our intent has been to acquire the well without damaging the golf course,” Zynel said. “Our attorneys tried to amend the filing before the last trial, but they ran out of time. If we end up in court again, this action ensures the next jury will get the full picture.”

In March, Judge Raymond Kane granted the Town a new trial on the sole issue of the value of the well and property Hampstead seeks to acquire. The establishment of a new trial allows the Town to amend its original filing according to Town Manager, Ken Decker.

The Town also plans to leave the original cash offer of $80,000 on the table. “We’re talking over $40 thousand an acre and a permanent, legal right for the golf course to have all the water it needs from the well and a number of other provisions,” said Zynel. “It’s more than fair,” he added.

“When asked if he thought the changes would lead to a settlement, Zynel was skeptical. “It’s been three years and Oakmont has been unwilling to talk, let alone negotiate. It’s hard to see that changing.”

Zynel added that his position regarding Oakmont Green has been shaped by his experience owning a small business. “In my world, I deal with all kinds of adversarial situations. Business is business. Just because Oakmont has ill will towards us, we can’t let this become personal. We have to focus on doing the right thing for the Town and the community, including Oakmont and that’s why we’re changing the legal filing.”

The next key date for the Town and Oakmont is the April 12 status conference with Judge Dennis Sweeney. Town officials plan to post the amended legal filing on the municipal website: www.townofhamptead.us after filing.

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