The future of an abandoned state hospital in Marriottsville remains uncertain, and local politics might be to blame.

State officials want to implement a lease for Henryton Hospital signed 10 months ago with Harvest International Inc., a nonprofit organization. But local officials are cool to the idea.

Harvest International wants to turn the center into a $5.6 million international aid complex that would initially house 40 homeless men and provide job-training for recovering substance abusers.

Faced with opposition from residents and a lack of enthusiasm from Carroll's three County Commissioners, the group has delayed filing a required rezoning petition.

The commissioners -- two of whom oppose the project -- sit as the county Zoning Board and would rule on the rezoning request. Commissioners Donald I. Dell and Richard T. Yates, both seeking re-election, have said they hear frequently from constituents who oppose the project.

"They may be waiting for the election to be over to apply for rezoning," Commissioner Donald I. Dell said of Harvest International's reluctance to file the request.

Pub Date: 7/03/98