A new multimillion-dollar building in Largo, Maryland, for the Prince George’s County Executive’s office could mean a major move for part of the county government.
Details are still being worked out, but the possible move has some folks wondering about the future of Upper Marlboro, which has been the county seat since the county's founding in 1696. But Upper Marlboro is considered somewhat remote and hard to get to, which is why the county government has slowly moved to Largo since County Executive Rushern Baker took office.
Largo is right off the Beltway and in the center of the county. The county has been buying property in that area – most recently 1301 McCormick Drive, purchased for $21.7 million. Sources close to the purchase say it was bought to be the new home of the County Executive’s Office and the County Council.
A county spokesman told News4 the county seat is not moving to Largo and that was never part of the discussion. Moving the county seat would require a change of the county's charter.
The County Council withheld the $12 million needed to actually move those offices. Some council members aren’t clear on why that particular location will benefit workers and residents, sources say.
Meanwhile, Upper Marlboro’s Main Street business owners, who depend on those county workers, are concerned.
