Hagerstown, Washington County officials meeting Tuesday to discuss multiuse center

Poffenberger said “lots” of private-sector businesses have expressed interest in the project, but it’s still too early in the project timeline to anticipate significant monetary support from local companies.

Metzner brought up an interesting way that individuals could get involved in supporting the facility, which would include an adjacent parking deck on East Antietam Street.


“I would like to see us open this up to the community to sell stock shares in the stadium so people who want to show that they’re interested, like in Green Bay, have the opportunity to buy a $100 share,” he said.

The private sector remains an important piece of the puzzle if the city hopes to receive one-third of the funding from the Maryland Stadium Authority, which prefers projects to receive one-third of the capital from private investments. The city and county would be responsible for the remaining one-third.

City officials have maintained that there would be no tax increase associated with the project.

Councilman William Breichner said it is significant to note the positive working relationship between the city and county in trying to flesh out a deal that would be suitable for both parties.

Councilmen Forrest Easton and Martin Brubaker, and Councilwoman Ashley C. Haywood did not respond to calls seeking comment Monday afternoon.

Even if officials decide to move forward during today’s meeting, Bruchey said he is aware that some issues of the proposal still need to be addressed — such as making sure the parking at Potomac Towers and other nearby communities is not disturbed once the center is built — but there is still plenty of time to iron out the kinks.

“It’s not like this thing’s going to be built Wednesday,” he said.

Staff Writer Heather Keels contributed to this story.

If you go ...

What: Joint meeting of Hagerstown city and Washington County elected officials to discuss funding options for a proposed multiuse sports and events center in downtown Hagerstown

When: 3 p.m. Tuesday

Where: City Hall, 1 E. Franklin St., Hagerstown