Annapolis, Md. (April 8, 2021) County Executive Steuart Pittman thanked State leaders today for helping close the funding gap for the Severn Intergenerational Center, a new multi-use facility being developed in the Severn area that will house a regional Boys & Girls Club, a County Senior Activity Center, and flexible community space to serve the surrounding communities.
"To finally have every dollar allocated for construction of this new community center is fulfillment of a dream that residents had thirty years ago.” said County Executive Pittman. “I particularly want to thank Senate President Ferguson for recognizing the importance of this project with a final-hour commitment of $2 million, bringing us to the $15.5 million threshold we needed to meet. None of it would have been possible without the passion of residents and their strong delegation of elected representatives from District 32.”
An $800,000 grant was included in the capital budget by Governor Hogan through the State’s Department of Aging to specifically support the Senior Activity Center, and the additional $2 million grant was included by the Senate.
"I am delighted to see that the entire State Senate supports the Severn Center with a $2 million contribution; my colleagues understand how important this project is to our residents in the Severn community," said Senator Pam Beidle.
To develop the approximately $15.5 million project, additional funding has been committed by the Pittman Administration through the County’s Video Lottery Terminal Fund, as recommended by the Local Development Council and the County’s Community Development Fund. The development also received a capital grant awarded through the State’s capital grant process last year.
“This building represents the commitment of our community stakeholders who have worked for years to bring quality programming for children, youth, and adults in Severn. It is great we can leverage local dollars with this State funding to make it happen,” said Delegate Mark Chang, who serves on the Local Development Council.
The Severn Intergenerational Center is one of County Executive Pittman’s key initiatives and is the result of partnerships with Severn area community stakeholders, Arundel Community Development Services (ACDS), the Department of Aging and Disabilities, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County. ACDS is serving as the project developer.
Delegate Sandy Bartlett congratulated everyone who has been a part of this project, “I am so proud of everyone who never gave up on this important community effort and am happy we are providing the resources to ensure success of the project.”
“It’s great to see $2.8 million earmarked in the capital budget for such a worthy project in District 32 that will have an impact on the Severn community for generations to come,” said Delegate Mike Rogers. “A vision more than 30 years in the making is giving the surrounding communities a better sense of greater community by listening and delivering on a space to enrich unity and gathering.”
The project, which is expected to begin construction this fall, will be developed on land adjacent to Van Bokkelen Elementary School. The County Council recently passed legislation that accepted transfer of the property from the Anne Arundel County Public Schools to the County for the use of this project.
Councilwoman Sarah Lacey, who represents the District where the Center is located, stated “It takes a village to build, grow, and sustain a village. The State's investment in this project is a very meaningful investment in our community members of all ages.”