Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold wants to block an upcoming move of nearly 400 state workers from Crownsville to Prince George's County by eliminating funding to the Department of Housing and Community Development for the relocation.
Leopold, a Republican, is hoping the state legislature will consider a bill that he has proposed that would cut funding for the impending move. Leopold says the department's move would be a detriment to Anne Arundel and would cost the state millions of dollars in unnecessary lease payments. As is customary, a member of the county delegation of state legislators will introduce the bill on Leopold's behalf.
The state has agreed to a $48 million, 15-year lease at the new location, which state officials have praised an effective way to build transit-oriented development. The DHCD headquarters is scheduled to move to a public transit hub in New Carrollton by 2013.