BALTIMORE COUNTY got into a pickle a year ago when it tried to condemn a farm in Honeygo to make a park -- against the wishes of the farmer still working the land. Now the county faces a different problem: It doesn't want to make a park out of a farm expressly given to it for that purpose.

The county looked like a bully in Honeygo and retreated. Now it looks like a cad (and may yet retreat) after misleading the donor of historic Merryman Farm about its intent for the 160 acres in the northeast part of the county.

The family of Manhattan real estate tycoon Seymour Cohn, who gave the land, and former U.S. Rep. Helen Delich Bentley, who brokered the deal, feel betrayed that the county has decided not to turn it into an equestrian center.

Yes, the county failed to alert the principles about its change of heart. But beyond that discourtesy, the government's main obligation is to taxpayers. If County Executive C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger determines that the $2.5 million needed to build a horse facility would be better spent on ball fields and hiking trails elsewhere (because pint-size soccer stars outnumber horse enthusiasts), that's his call. Apparently, his predecessor made a nonbinding agreement months before losing the '94 election.

This tangle isn't unique: Harford County's Aberdeen had so much trouble gaining support to build a minor-league ballpark on donated land, it decided to save money and trouble by buying land for it elsewhere. Likewise, the foundation restoring the Constellation warship got flak last month for auctioning a painting it was given. But the painting's proceeds -- rather than the artwork, itself -- will be of more help in returning the 1854 ship to the Inner Harbor.

Recipients of gifts should certainly inform donors if plans change. But donors must realize -- and most do -- that, ultimately, their generosity must advance the goals of the recipient.

Pub Date: 3/12/99