Cook said rumors have been flying concerning the Heritage Society's "negotiations" with K. Hovnanian Companies, developers of the Four Seasons on Kent Island retirement project. The Heritage Society, said Cook, is not dealing in "any way, shape or form" with K. Hovnanian.

The Four Seasons project has sparked strong opposition from several Kent Island residents, particularly those in the communities of Castle Marina, Bayside and Queen's Landing condominiums in Chester. The development would include about 1,500 homes on 560 acres near the Castle Marina Road and Route 18 intersection, just north of U.S. Route 50.

Last year, the Kent Island Defense League collected more than 4,000 names on a petition for a countywide voter referendum on the project, but the petition was rejected by the Board of Elections in October 2001.

County Parks and Recreation Director Wes Johnson said part of K. Hovnanian's deal with the county is the building of a park. All developers, he said, are required to make a substantial contribution back to the county and a park is sorely needed in Chester. If the Four Seasons project is ever approved, said Johnson, he would like to have the park at the Kirwan location.

The next step for the Four Seasons project is a hearing on the growth allocation petition. The hearing will be held at Kent Island High School on Feb. 27.   (NOTE FROM:  THIS IS INCORRECT, THE NEXT STEP WAS TO BE APPROVAL OF THE DEVELOPERS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AGREEMENT WHICH HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL NOVEMBER 21, 2002, AFTER THE ELECTION.  A CORRECTION WAS ISSUED BY THE AUTHOR.) 

"There is a great need for a park in that area... Queen Anne's County would be paying for the land and K. Hovnanian would be reimbursing the county," said Johnson. He said he understands the Heritage Society's reluctance because of the opposition to the Four Seasons project, but selling the land would benefit everyone. 

"It's in a good location and it helps raise money for the Kirwan Foundation," said Johnson. But, he added, the county will move ahead to try and purchase another parcel if the Heritage Society refuses to sell.

"We would like to try to help them (the Heritage Society) out... and they need to make a decision," said Johnson. Although he would not disclose the amount offered for the property Johnson said the Heritage Society was offered fair market value for the land.

Cook said although the group desperately needs the money, they were not pleased with the amount offered for the property and did not feel the transaction was "above board."

"We are seeking other resources of funding... we need to be aware of our past and our heritage on Kent Island, and we have to preserve it," she said.

The Heritage Society uses the profit from land rental toward the Kirwan Foundation and hopes to open the property as a museum this fall. The house has a new roof and a new furnace, and long-term plans include renting the property for weddings, receptions and retreats.

"It gets a little bit complicated because we're getting money from a private developer instead of trying for state grants," said Johnson of the transaction. In most cases, he said, he applies for grant money in order to buy land for parks. "But I think this is the best deal for county... and the community in the end," he said.

The Kent Island Heritage Society was formed in the early 1970s. The group owns the Cray House, the Train Station and the old Post Office in Historic Stevensville, as well as the Kirwan property in Chester. 

©The Star Democrat 2002