This could be the year when dreams come true in downtown Glen Burnie. The northern Anne Arundel community has long tried to revive its lagging town center, but this year may bring some progress because of decisions pending on the extension of light rail, the Arundel Center North government tower and the undeveloped parcel known as Superblock.
Anne Arundel County Executive John G. Gary wants to turn the Arundel Center North building over to Anne Arundel Community College, which would move one or two programs there. He also wants the county to build an ice skating rink and amphitheater on part of the 5.6-acre Superblock and turn the remainder over to a private developer.
Although many details must be worked out -- including finding a developer who will agree to the new plans for the Superblock -- we are glad to see this long-neglected project gaining momentum.
If the light rail line is extended from Cromwell Station to the town center, even more business opportunities will arise. The Mass Transit Administration is considering six routes for the line, which eventually might continue on to Annapolis.
There are pros and cons to each option. Three plans under consideration would lay the line beside the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Park. The county already owns this land, but extending light rail along this route would threaten a quiet residential neighborhood and the hiker/biker trail, which nearly a million people enjoy each year. (The county may ultimately have to confront the issue of losing the popular trail if light rail gets extended to Annapolis.)
Two options bring the line down Georgia Avenue, and one would put the line down Baltimore and Annapolis Boulevard. These commercial streets may be more suited for the electric trolley, but these options would require land acquisition and more difficult engineering feats.
The MTA plans to select up to three designs for more complete study this spring. We suggest that MTA select designs that would include each of the three main route options -- the B&A; trail, Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard and Georgia Avenue -- to determine the social, environmental and financial costs of each.
A light rail line may not bring immediate revival, but it is a long-term investment in the community's future. The addition of the college annex and a light rail link have the potential to finally energize dreams long dormant in the heart of Glen Burnie.