Questions about state land deal involving O’Malley official

The Baltimore Sun today reports on the purchase of a farm in Grasonville on the Eastern Shore belonging to the company run by David Sutherland, who served on Governor Martin O’Malley’s transition team.

The Board of Public Works voted to purchase the land, despite some initial reservations about the price by Comptroller Peter Franchot and a representative of Treasurer Nancy Kopp. According to The Sun, the $5 million sale was “nearly a” million dollars over the appraised value of the land. Queen Anne’s County officials, who will use the land for recreational uses, also were concerned about the price but supported the deal to preserve the farm as open space.

Sutherland claims he received no special treatment. The state will pay $4.6 million the the county will pick up the other $400,000. Waterfront portions of the property not included in the sale will require more money to be spent for the state to purchase easements. One appraisal places the land value at $3.6 million and the other $4.6 million.