HAGERSTOWN – City officials are considering whether a vacant parcel on South Potomac Street should be offered for redevelopment or retained for potential municipal use.
During a recent work session, the Department of Planning and Economic Development presented a proposal to add 441 South Potomac St. to the city’s Competitive Negotiated Sale program, a process used to market city-owned properties for private redevelopment.
The approximately 0.65-acre property was purchased by the city from Columbia Gas in 2024. It is located near public amenities, including parkland and gardens, and in a densely populated residential area.
Planning staff members explained that the Competitive Negotiated Sale program is intended to return city-owned properties to the private sector for redevelopment and the highest and best use. Under the process, applications are reviewed by staff before development concepts and purchase agreements are brought before the mayor and city council for approval.
Council members questioned whether the South Potomac Street property should instead be retained for city purposes, particularly for parking, given its location and surrounding development pressures.
Staff members noted that listing the property in the program does not obligate the city to sell it and that the mayor and council retain final authority over whether any proposal is accepted.
Several council members expressed support for listing the parcel while also directing staff members to evaluate possible municipal uses, including traffic, engineering and public works needs, before any sale is finalized.
No vote was taken on the matter. Staff members will continue reviewing city use options and will return with additional information as proposals or recommendations develop.
