Belmont Study Period Extended Again

Howard County has been granted a second extension to conduct due diligence on the historic Elkridge property it in September. 

For months, the county has been studying the —which includes an 18th-century manor house, carriage house and barn on rolling fields next to .

The estate was built by iron industry magnate Caleb Dorsey in the 1730s.

During a meeting of the Greater Elkridge Community Association last May, the county's parks director discussed  for the estate with residents, with ideas ranging from using it as a summer camp venue to turning it into a winery.

In September, Howard County signed a with seller Howard Community College (HCC) to buy Belmont.

The county had 90 days to conduct due diligence, inspecting things like the title, property, operational feasability, and the environment, said Kevin Enright, spokesman for Howard County Government.

County officials were  until Jan. 20.

This week, the county said that it was given a second extension.

“The initial environmental study indicated that a more thorough analysis of the property needed to be completed, and the analysis has not been completed,” said Enright, in an email on Tuesday.

The new extension period lasts until Feb. 29, according to Enright. 

Under the terms of the purchase agreement, Enright said HCC and the county have 30 days after the study period to settle on the property.