preserving the quality of life in Olney, Maryland

July 13, 2006

Mr. Daniel Dionisio
Olney Boys and Girls Club
P.O. Box 2
Olney, Maryland 20830

Dear Mr. Dionisio:

            Following our meeting regarding the County’s Request for Proposals for disposition and use of the Bowie Mill Road site, I asked my staff and staff of the County Attorney’s Office to review the RFP process.  While the investigation did not uncover any errors, irregularities or faults in the drafting and advertising of the RFP, or in the review of the submissions in response to the RFP, the issues you raise are of sufficient gravity to lead me to take additional action. 

            In accordance with the language in the advertised RFP, I am canceling the Bowie Mill Site Request for Proposals.  I expect the County to reissue an amended RFP for use of the site for affordable housing at some time in the future.  I expect the RFP to carry out the vision of the Olney Master Plan and its recommendation that the site help meet the County’s pressing affordable housing needs.

            Additionally, you made convincing arguments about the lack of gymnasium space in the Olney area.  I am therefore instructing the Department of Recreation to commence immediate planning for additional gymnasium space in the Olney area.  I expect the Department to begin the search for an appropriate site and to prepare a funding request for submission in the County’s capital budget.  I expect the Department to work closely with the Recreation Council in this effort so that the community, the Olney Boys and Girls Club, and other recreation providers will have input into the process.

            Thank you for your longstanding service to the residents of our County and your interest in providing recreational opportunities in Olney.  We look forward to working with the Olney community on both of these important public issues.

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Bruce Romer
                                                                                    Chief Administrative Officer

BR:swr

cc:  George Leventhal, President
       Montgomery County Council