Howard County soon may make a park out of riverfront property just outside Sykesville.
The 7.4-acre commercial parcel, owned by William Tisano, a Howard County businessman, lies along the south branch of the Patapsco River a few hundred yards from Main Street and Forsythe Road in the town.
"We have an option-to-buy contract," said Kenneth M. Alban, administrative officer for the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks. "A few issues have to be ironed out, but we're in the signature process."
The contract, contingent on an environmental analysis, must be executed within 45 days, he said.
Mr. Alban, who handles land acquisitions for the Recreation and Parks Department and supervises the agency's planning and design, declined to reveal the contract price. But he did say the county expects to apply a $577,000 state grant toward the purchase.
"We are working with the Department of Natural Resources for grant support and are very optimistic," he said.
His optimism, he said, is based on the results of a state inspection of the property and "the state's interest in getting a commercial operation out of the flood plain."
Maryland's Board of Public Works must approve the grant application.
The purchase would add to the public land that covers most of the Patapsco River shoreline from Carroll to Anne Arundel County.
"The purchase would fill in the gap of public ownership on the Patapsco and protect the watershed further," said Clara Gouin, a senior park planner in Howard County. "Conservationists have long wanted the river in public protection."
In 1992, Howard officials also bought two small parcels on the west side of Forsythe Road and razed two run-down bars on the site. That land, coupled with the proposed acquisition, would complete the "greenway connection" from Patapsco Valley State Park to the Hugg-Thomas Wildlife Management Area, which adjoins the Tisano property.
Both the town and the county have been interested in acquiring the land from Mr. Tisano, who, until recently, was unwilling to sell it. He had hoped to develop the property for recreational uses.
"For years, Howard County has prevented me from doing anything on the property," said Mr. Tisano, who ran Sunlight Manufacturing from one building on the site. "I have given up."
Howard officials have expressed concerns about allowing development on a site in a flood plain. They envision a passive park with hiking trails and picnic areas.
Whatever its neighbor plans, Sykesville wants to be included.
"The town is looking for a more active recreation facility," said Mayor Jonathan S. Herman. "This property is a golden opportunity for the town, and we can't let it slip away."
He said he would like to see fishing, canoeing and possibly swimming areas on the property.
Councilman William Hall, who is leading a drive for a Sykesville recreation center, said the 70-by-150-foot building in which Mr. Tisano now makes patio enclosures would be an ideal gathering place for area youth.
Ms. Gouin said the county has not decided what it will do with the building and an adjoining unfinished structure.
"It may be saved and converted to another use," she said. "It depends on variables [such as] condition, historical value and whether it is structurally sound."
Mr. Alban said any facility in the proposed park would be available to the public.
"The people in Sykesville would be more than welcome," he said.
Howard County also is working with the Maryland Historic Trust to decide the fate of an old weighing station that faces Forsythe Road.
In the nearly six years that he has owned the property, Mr. Tisano has become frustrated in his dealings with Howard County and had asked Sykesville officials to annex the property.
Town and county officials met several times to discuss his petition, but the town government never took any formal action on the annexation.
Now, only environmental issues stand in the way of a contract, Mr. Alban said.
"We are actively negotiating with the owner and his attorney," Mr. Alban said. "We will finish our environmental analysis and then conclude or get out of the contract."
The analysis includes examination of soil on the property, which years ago was the site of an apple butter factory. Workers also will bore through concrete floors in the refurbished building to check subsurface conditions.
"If we find we have a major cleanup on our hands, it may affect the contract," Mr. Alban said. "It all depends on the cost of the cleanup."
Mr. Tisano also declined to discuss the specifics of the county's offer, but said he feels he would not get a fair price.
County officials asked for two independent appraisals from private companies before making the purchase offer, Mr. Alban said.