County schedules public hearing on private activity bonds for Villages of Providence Pointe

Anne Arundel County administration notified the council on July 15 that it will seek host-jurisdiction approval for a private activity bond issuance to finance development of the Villages at Providence Pointe continuing care retirement community, and that federal rules require a public hearing that was scheduled for July 21. Deputy County Attorney Ethan Hunt explained that the Public Finance Authority, based in Madison, Wis., is issuing private activity bonds on behalf of the Villages at Providence Pointe and that “1 of the requirements when they are tax exempt is that the bond issuance be approved by a governmental unit having jurisdiction over the area.” Hunt said federal regulations require the local hearing be advertised at least seven days in a newspaper of general circulation before the hearing. The administration identified the site as in District 6 at the intersection of Forest Drive and Spa Road. The council did not take final action at the work session; the public hearing on July 21 will be the forum for host approval and public comment under federal and county rules.