By BRUCE HAMILTON / Staff Writer

photo: JOE CROCETTA / staff photographer

A stadium task force Tuesday presented a detailed plan of a combined roundhouse museum and sports center to the Washington County Commissioners, asking them to contribute $3 million, $1.2 less than a previous request.

cont. from front page

Task force Chairman Dick Phoebus said no single site has been chosen for the Hagerstown Roundhouse and Sports Complex, but it would be in the city or close enough to be annexed.

He suggested changing the Hagerstown Suns team name to reflect local culture and history, such as a railroad reference.

Phoebus gave ballpark estimates of $12 to $15 million for the project and outlined its projected revenues. He said it would stimulate growth and drew comparisons to similar cities where new stadiums attracted hundreds more fans.

He turned over a stack of almost 40 letters supporting the project signed by diverse business representatives and community leaders. He urged a quick pledge of support from the county as well as the city, which will also be asked for $3 million.

"That baseball team will not be here in two years unless they have a modern facility to play in," Phoebus said. "That's not a threat. It's an economic reality."

The current proposal also calls for $6 million in state contributions and $3 million from private donors. Phoebus would not specify how much money has been raised so far but called the amount "significant."

Allegheny Power has offered $1 million for stadium naming rights but it wants the site to be highly visible and in its service area, a spokesman has said.

After the meeting, County Commissioners President Gregory I. Snook and Commissioner John L. Schnebly said they had expected to hear news of private donations. Schnebly said he needs to know how the county can afford to spend $3 million and where the projected $3 million in private gifts will come from.

The joint museum-stadium facility would have 1,500 to 1,800 parking spaces, 4,500 permanent seats and 1,500 auxiliary seats. An architect's rendering showed a facade reminiscent of the old Western Maryland Station.

"What we are trying to do is create a facility that brings the aura of railroads back to us," Phoebus said. The Roundhouse turntable would be visible beyond the right field wall, turning at night with a train on it.

Phoebus suggested financing the $3 million at 6 percent for 25 years. He said the sports complex would accommodate multiple teams and draw a fan base of about 3,500. The facility would contribute an estimated $4.6 million to the local economy annually, he said.

Commissioner Paul L. Swartz supports the county helping fund the stadium but Commissioner William J. Wivell opposes spending taxpayer funds on it.

Earlier in the meeting, two residents spoke supporting and opposing the plan. "I don't know what I'd do if the team left town," said one Hagerstown resident. "It's an integral part of community life."

Earlier in the meeting, Harry Myers of Maugansville said taxpayers should not spend more money on something if it's not necessary. "Be fair to the people. Put it on the ballot in three years," he said.