Some things never seem to change -- including downtown Butler.

After months of speculation about the future of the north Baltimore County hamlet where chunks of commercial property have been for sale, the fate of one key piece is decided.

Ann "Pat" Parks, owner of the Butler Store and Liquors, purchased for an undisclosed price this week the half-acre where her business and the community post office stand.

"I like things to stay just as they are in Butler," said Parks, whose family has owned the general store since 1948.

Last year, every commercial site in Butler went on the market after two major property owners decided to sell their holdings.

After a story appeared in The Sun about the land being for sale, Parks received calls from as far as Canada from readers wanting to know about the 170-year-old community on Falls Road.

Parks' decision to purchase the property ensures the continuation of two of the community's most prominent businesses and the Butler post office, which is housed behind her general store.

A 1 1/2 -acre parcel next door still is for sale.

Pub Date: 7/31/98