Severn Community Center to Get $1.9 Million From County

An Anne Arundel County council member said the county will likely restore $900,000 that was taken out of a request to fund a health and community center in Severn. 

Council member Peter Smith (D-District 1) said he expects a full $1.9 million to be directed toward the center on Reece Road, after a brief period of confusion among county officials. 

Smith said that the Local Development Council approved $1.9 million in casino funds to aid in the construction of the center. County officials then placed $1 million in the county budget, leaving out $900,000. Smith said the money was taken out because county officials believed it would allow them to request more money from the state. However, they quickly realized that the state had already previously directed funds toward the center, Smith said. 

The council will vote on the budget for fiscal year 2014 on June 4, and Smith said the $1.9 million will be included. 

Smith was on hand Tuesday as about 50 community members gathered to hear details about the Severn Health and Community Center, which could be constructed on Reece Road, near Van Bokkelen Elementary School. 

People's Communty Health Centers is spearheading fundraising for the $10.5 million project, and hopes to break ground next year. The center will feature a health center managed by People's, along with a community center offering educational and recreational programs. 

Tuesday's session featured pleas from Glenda Gathers, a community activist in Severn, who said the center is closer to becoming a reality than ever before. 

"I need people to know that this is not just a figment of my thoughts," said Gathers, who is known in the community as 'Ms. G.'

Gathers, along with officials from People's, urged the community to get involved in a number of fronts. Business owners can help raise funds by selling paper "bricks" for $1. Any business that sells 500 bricks will get a real brick installed at the center. So far, the brick campaign has netted more than $5,200. 

Officials also said they'd like to see more teen involvement, and will be creating a council comprised of young people in the community. 

"This teen group will have their voice heard," said Suzanne Bates-Crandall, a community relations director with People's. 

See also: 

• A Dream Fulfilled for 'Ms. G'