Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Nonprofit seeks state funds to open visitor center honoring Anna Murray in Denton
Summary
Terrence Bailey told commissioners his foundation has $400,000 in commitments but is $30,000 short to close on a property for a visitor center honoring Anna Murray; the project goes to the State Board of Public Works for approval.
A nonprofit representative urged commissioners Wednesday to support a proposed visitor center tied to Frederick Douglass history in Denton.
Terrence Bailey of the Bailey Grozet Family Foundation said the foundation is working to acquire a property at 24872 Meeting House Road to open an Anna Murray (Anna Marie Douglas) visitor center. Bailey said the project has $400,000 total — $150,000 toward acquisition and $250,000 for renovations — but is about $30,000 short on procurement funds needed to close.
“The $150,000 is for procurement to purchase the property… we just wish I had to get that 150,000 into the seller’s hands,” Bailey said, asking staff and commissioners for assistance and noting the project will go before the state Board of Public Works for approval the following day.
Commissioners advised Bailey to coordinate early with county permitting, the health department and Maryland Department of the Environment because the site uses well and septic rather than municipal water and sewer. Staff reminded him that state agencies such as MDE and the local health department will be the regulators for on‑site disposal systems and that some state review and approvals may be required for renovation plans.
Bailey said the foundation plans to replicate period features and create a museum and visitor‑center exhibit related to Anna Murray and local African American history; he said the board for the larger Frederick Douglass project will include county representation. Bailey also requested a county coordinator to help navigate permitting and agency contacts.
Commissioners encouraged coordination with county staff and local building/health officials and offered to connect Bailey with county permitting staff and local contacts to expedite compliance and permit review.
