Snow Hill’s downtown firehouse sale embroiled in drama

SNOW HILL, Md. – Tons of controversy in Snow Hill regarding the sale of a historic firehouse that sits in the town’s downtown district. In a contentious public hearing, one council member says it’s a sale that should be approved, but the other council member opposes the idea.

Town Manager, Rick Pollitt, said this has been something the town has looked at for several years.

“Several years ago, we determined the firehouse was no longer serving a public need, where it was then put as a surplus property. We didn’t aggressively try to sell property then, because it was still being used for different events associated with downtown.”

Things have since changed, the iconic firehouse was used as the fire company’s headquarters, but those days are long gone. The town is looking to make a sale, and they have found a viable offer put on the table.

Councilmember of Eastern District, Edward Lee, does not want the firehouse to be sold just yet. He spoke vehemently at the recent public hearing on the property about the need for history in the downtown area.

“What I believe is the best thing for the town is to not give the property away or sell it. We should instead use it as a piece to rally around.” Lee adds the town needs to use the firehouse as an anchor for downtown revitalization.

Another Councilmember, Aaron Lumpkins, is a whole different camp. He believes the town needs to use the property as a source for more monetary gain. He says that while the town has financial stability, they could work on making even more money.

“We may have $4 million dollars in our account that maybe a ton for a personal checking account, but for a town that’s not a lot. Federalsburg has $1 million in the bank, and they are bankrupt. We need to put ourselves in the best financial footing possible.”

With both Lee and Lumpkin on opposing sides, Councilmember Margaret Ann Fletcher will have to make the deciding vote.

As far as when that time will come, Pollitt says that’s up to the council to bring it back up for a vote.