10-04-2022 4:34am

HEREFORD LAND BOUGHT

Baltimore County to Purchase Land for New Hereford Senior Center

The Baltimore County Council yesterday approved a contract to acquire 3.4 acres of land for a new senior center in the Parkton area of northern Baltimore County. The unimproved property, located on Mt. Carmel Road, will be purchased by Baltimore County for $1 million and serve as home to a new Hereford Senior Center.

The new facility, which is envisioned to include multipurpose spaces to accommodate large gatherings and physical activities as well as craft and lecture spaces, will serve as a much-needed replacement of the area’s current senior center, which operates from a meeting room two-days-per-week at the Hereford Volunteer Fire Department.

"Our senior centers are vital community anchors for so many of Baltimore County’s older adults,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “This timely investment will help seniors in Baltimore County stay active, connected, and age in place in the communities where they have lived and raised their families.”

A feasibility study to determine the full scope of the project will begin soon, and the County will work with a design company that specializes in multipurpose buildings. The project will feature a community engagement component and its estimated timeline is as follows:

Design: September 2022 through October 2023
Bid process: Nov 2023 thru January 2024
Construction: Early spring 2024

As part of the planning process, County agencies will meet to discuss programming and partnerships for the new property.

“What a great day for northern Baltimore County,” said Baltimore County Councilman Wade Kach. “I know how popular the existing Hereford Senior Center is, and I am so happy that they will have their own permanent building with expanded offerings, hours, and space. My sincere appreciation goes to County Executive Olszewski for his partnership in this effort.”