New Calvert Middle to be ‘Smart Site'

Project one of three Md. schools selected for initiative

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

This announcement was made Sunday in Cambridge, according to a press release from the governor's office. Calvert Middle School was one of three schools chosen to be a Smart Site, which will focus public and private investment and green building practices in projects that will encourage smart growth and revitalization in existing Maryland communities, the press release said.

Calvert County Director of School Construction George Leah said that a group of individuals from both the county and the state will come up with a list of initiatives for the site, which is anticipated to open in August 2010. These initiatives, Leah said, have yet to be decided and could include anything from environmental studies areas to solar panels to hiking or bike trails leading to the school.

"I embrace this movement by the governor," said Leah, who explained that the location of the new school may have played a role in its selection.

"When you look at what's going on in Prince Frederick, [because] it's called a town center , it's considered by the state to be a Smart Growth area, and that said, it becomes a priority funded area for school construction," said Leah, who was present at O'Malley's announcement on Sunday.

Leah said that though he "had an inkling" the school, which he said is 40 percent complete, was chosen a few weeks ago, "last week was when the frenzy started."

Executive Director for Public School Construction for the state of Maryland David Lever said that it would be premature to discuss specific elements that will make the school a Smart Site.

He did explain, however, that "What we're looking for is projects that have a certain visibility … environmentally sound projects or projects that enhance the existing school as a community school, for instance improving walk-ability."

Lever said that while the changes are not likely to be drastic, "what we're looking for are enhancements to that initial project that demonstrate good community planning."

Spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Andy DeVilbiss said that because Calvert Middle is an existing school, it was an excellent choice for a Smart Site.

"It's sort of renewing the existing community resources we already have," he said, explaining the 15 sights were selected after being nominated by state agencies that participate in the smart growth subcabinet.

"We asked implementing agencies to identify really strong projects that reflect Smart Growth principles," said John Papagni, who is a special projects manager in the Division of Neighborhood Revitalization with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

" … One of the great things about these school sites is that they're connected to the community," Papagni said.

Calvert Middle School Principal Bruce Hutchison said that while he did not know many specific details about the project, he was thrilled with the recognition.

"It think it's nice to be designated from the state and it speaks to the fact that we are doing things right environmentally," he said.

The other two schools selected were Germantown Elementary School in Annapolis and Hyattsville Elementary School.

lbuck@somdnews.com