January 21st, 2015 by WCBC Radio
Michael Joy, the developer looking to convert the Footer Dye Works building into a commercial business complex, has a letter of intent from Barley and Hops Restaurant and Microbrewery based in Frederick to become the cornerstone of the project. A major hurdle remains however as the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority is banking on the new governor to include $1.5 million in his capital budget for critical infrastructure projects for the Footer building. Without those state dollars, a significant roadblock will be standing in the way of the project. It’s an issue that won’t linger for long as the new Governor, Larry Hogan, is expected to release his budget this week. Support for the request from the local delegation is considered key to getting it in the governor’s budget, and that could present a problem. Canal Place Authority Chair Rick Thayer says there is no question that a viable commercial entity at the Footer location would provide a tremendous economic boost to the regional economy, and create new revenue streams for the city, county and state…
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