Mason- Dixon Discovery Center Closing
January 27, 2010
Mason- Dixon Discovery Center Closing Editorial by V. Grinder
Three years ago The Mason Dixon Discovery Welcome Center made its debut in Northern Frederick County, a $5.3 million dollar debut. Many independent businesses witnessed the transformation of the Emmitsburg Welcome Center come to life, and looked forward to more visitors channeling from the new center into their nearby establishments. But just three years later, the center is closed. On December 1, 2009, the State cut the funding for the Mason Dixon Discovery Center in addition to four other centers located throughout Maryland. The recent cut saves the state $100,000 per year in their budget according to DBED in December. This closing is beyond budget cuts. Two weeks prior to their closing the State of Maryland praised the tourism industry for the great strides achieved during a time of economic demise; in addition to one of the top providers of employment. One full time and two part-time positions were eliminated at the Mason and Dixon Center. This center also had the opportunity of several volunteers who took pride in one of America’s most popular routes where history was born, the road to Gettysburg. The state perhaps saved their budget; but what about the Northern Frederick County businesses which depended on this center to send visitors their way, especially during the winter months? The center permitted local businesses to display their literature and welcome center staff would direct these visitors to local establishments. While the state cuts the center, hospitality and retail can expect to see a decrease in traffic as well in Frederick County. Gettysburg ranks the third most visited venue nationally for visitors according to a recent Michigan State statistic. State cuts budget + sales decrease in the local tourism industry + unemployment tax increase on businesses as of January 2010 equals the perfect ingredients for yet more loss of jobs in the area. The following is a quote from the FNP from Marci Ross, “The Mason-Dixon history is about freedom, conflict and resolution, faith and humility. When people think of the Mason-Dixon, they usually think North and South and Maryland, hence, the need to capitalize on that history,” “It’s a welcome center for the 21st century, designed and built to fit in with the scenery.” Ms. Ross is the assistant director for product development with the Maryland Office of Tourism Development. Needless to say, Frederick County will not be capitalizing on any of that statement. Sidling Hill Exhibit Center west of Hancock closed in July, leaving the restrooms open which recently closed January 5, 2010. SHA “spokesperson” was quoted in the Herald Mail as saying, “The restroom closure at Sideling Hill will save the state about $114,000 in water, electricity and other costs, Buck said. “For the purpose of a bathroom, you only have to go five minutes on either side (of Sideling Hill),” Buck said. “Will the amenities be the same? Probably not. But a bathroom is a bathroom.” With that said then why are the bathrooms still open at the Mason Dixon Center? After all a bathroom is a bathroom. So cut the jobs and possible revenue for local businesses, yet pay to keep the bathrooms open? If you are going to close it, then close the entire facility. Funnel the restroom “business” into local business, like Buck said, “you only have to go five minutes on either side.” Seems consistency is not in their game plan. It was also noted in the Herald Mail in December 2009; Mr. Buck said signs would be made for posting to inform motorists the center is closed. Wonder how much they will cost? Tom Riford, president and CEO of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said in an e-mail that the restroom closing at Sideling Hill would hurt tourism in Washington County because people will drive straight through without stopping. Frederick County will experience that same decline.
No plans have been made for the reopening of the Mason-Dixon Discovery Center. Spring perhaps? I left several messages and emails for the Office of Maryland Tourism, and DBED for more specific future plans of this center and to date have received no response. The state s decision to ax tourism centers throughout the region necessary? Perhaps, but when one calls the state and you are told, “Oh yes, you need to speak with [the assistant to the assistant] of that department” I think that speaks volumes of budget cuts. We all know how the trickledown effect works and have been the victims; wonder if we could reverse that and trickle up cutting those jobs?
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