Annapolis, MD (April 7, 2008) - On April 11, 2008, County Executive John R. Leopold will join together with former students of the Marley Neck School Center, which has been vacant since the late 1980’s, to celebrate its grand re-opening as a Community Center. "Marley Neck School was one of the few educational resources for the African American community living in North County prior to Federal support of local education," said County Executive John R. Leopold. "The newly renovated center will provide educational, historical, and community outreach, which will improve the quality of life for the families living in the nearby communities of Solley and Freetown." Built in 1927, Marley Neck School was made possible by the Julius Rosenwald Fund, a private foundation named for the Chicago entrepreneur who directed the booming growth of Sears, Roebuck and Co. in the early 20th century. Marley Neck School is one of 24 such schools built in Anne Arundel County -- only one of eight known surviving schools in the County -- and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A ribbon cutting and open house celebration is planned for 1:00 pm on April 11, 2008, at 7780 Solley Road, Glen Burnie. County Executive John R. Leopold will be joined by former teachers and students of the historic school to celebrate the newly renovated community center and praise the community for their hard work and dedication in preserving the historic former African-American school building. The rehabilitation of the Marley Neck School Center was completed in March, after nine years of planning, and was coordinated by Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. (ACDS), the County’s nonprofit housing and community development agency. The $470,000 rehabilitation project was made possible using a combination of public and private sector funds, including $70,000 from Anne Arundel County, $200,000 of the County’s federal Community Development Block Grant funds, and a $200,000 grant from the Maryland Board of Public Works. For more information, contact Kathleen M. Koch, Executive Director, Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. at (410) 222-7600 x 110. |
