Fort Howard Letter to President Trump

Dear Trump Administration,

I am writing to you today with deep frustration and profound concern regarding the proposal to allow Samuel Himmelrich to develop housing in Fort Howard, Maryland. This decision, if allowed to proceed, will undermine the very character of this historic location and its potential to serve those who have sacrificed so much for our country. This is nothing but a cash grab by an enormous developer to profit off the backs of those who we should work to protect the most- our veterans. In 2024 Venable LLP requested an Amendment to Maryland HB538, which allows for housing to be constructed on leased VA land, without regard to local zoning. This is a clear example of the state overstepping its boundaries. This sneaky amendment comes as no surprise, as this bill was a Governor’s bill and Venable LLP has been an avid Moore supporter from the time he first announced his candidacy. 

Fort Howard is a unique area with a rich history, a quiet residential nature, and limited infrastructure to support large-scale development. The storied history of Fort Howard would not be complete without acknowledging the VA Hospital on the grounds that served veterans from 1940 to 2002. Any potential development at Fort Howard should keep veterans first in mind. Personally, I would propose all the land be set aside to create a veteran’s park, so we can properly honor those who so valiantly served our country. 

 The government must prioritize the men and women who served in our military, and that means using this property to uplift veterans. To place housing for the general population in this area would be a slap in the face to our veterans. We have a solemn duty to provide our veterans with a quality environment where they can find peace and healing. Fort Howard, with its rich military history, is an ideal location for veteran’s services, rehabilitation programs, and supportive housing specifically designed for those who have fought for our freedom. The Fort Howard Veterans Hospital served over 57,000 veterans in its time of operation. I am appalled that there is even a consideration to use this sacred space for anything other than to benefit our veterans. These are hallowed grounds that hold a truly special place in my heart. My uncle, Chief Petty Officer Henry Edmunds, who served in the Pacific theatre during WWll and in the Korean War, was a patient at this very hospital. He ultimately died there, so I want to make sure he and so many others like him are properly honored. 

Introducing substantial amounts of affordable housing is unattainable due to overcrowding.  Local infrastructure, including schools, roads, and public services would suffer from a new development. There are  also concerns about how this development will impact the environment and the historic value of the area. 

I urge the administration to carefully examine the long-term effects of developing this land without veterans in mind. Fort Howard is a place of deep significance, and it should be developed in a way that demonstrates our national commitment to those who have fought and died for our country. I would like to extend an invitation to PresidentTrump to visit this historic site alongside myself to take a stand for our veterans. I respectfully ask for your assistance in facilitating a broader discussion on this issue, with consideration of the needs and concerns of our veterans.

Delegate Bob Long

Legislative District 6

Baltimore County, Maryland