Olszewski’s ‘hypocrisy’ regarding Dundalk

While Baltimore County’s acquisition of parkland in the Lutherville-Timonium community was welcome news, (“Baltimore County buys 24 acres slated for Timonium development to preserve green space,” June 3) it also “pulled back the curtain” on County Executive Olszewski’s hypocrisy in dealing with the citizens of Dundalk and their parkland/open space needs. In the case of Timonium, Mr. Olszewski touts his efforts in acquiring private land to save it from development and is quoted as stating that creating more recreational space is “a critical component” to creating “vibrant communities.” Conversely, in the case of Dundalk’s North Point Government Center Park,

Mr. Olszewski has been working intensively to consummate an unprecedented sale of existing public land that has been used as a school site and parkland for over 60 years so that it may be commercially developed. Mr. Olszewski’s desire to create “vibrant communities” apparently doesn’t extend to Dundalk.

In the case of Timonium, citizens registered fierce opposition and in relatively short order had their voices heard. In the case of Dundalk, its citizens have been “fighting Goliath” for 10 years, to save existing open space/parkland. Thousands of dollars and hours have been expended in efforts to have the courts and “powers to be” consider a simple plea, to save existing parkland. In response to their heartfelt efforts, Dundalk citizens have received only the cold shoulder

(and a smirked smile) from Mr. Olszewski. Fortunately, Gov. Larry Hogan and Comptroller Peter Franchot showed the political courage to force a “time out” to the Baltimore County’s runaway development plans. Otherwise, Dundalk would likely be enduring a few more hamburger stands, convenience store/gas stations and increasingly congested traffic on property that has been enjoyed by the public for over six decades.

Bob Staab, Dundalk

The writer is a former director of Recreation and Parks and a former state delegate.