POTOMAC, Md. — Executives at the Potomac Horse Center (PHC) announced April 30, the permanent closing of its facilities effective July 22. The center representatives declared that they have tried to renegotiate the 1993 lease with the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), but have not reached an agreement.
The Conditions
Potomac Horse Center staff indicated the decision was made after M-NCPPC insisted the lease renewal depended on PHC raising "three to five million dollars" to ameliorate M-NCPPS's infrastructure with no clear assurance that PHC could keep using the facilities.
In a statement, the Potomac Horse Center stated this might be a complicated move as PHC "simply cannot ask our clients to pay for and invest in a rapidly deteriorating infrastructure that PHC does not own."
The Contract
PHC emphasized the terms of the 1993 are disputable given the current economic situation. In this regard, PHC must pay monthly obligations explained in three rubrics:
1. PHC pays M-NCPPC a monthly base rate for use of the facilities.
2. PHC also pays M-NCPPC additional net and gross income percentages.
3. PHC pays for Capital Improvements, maintenance, and reparations for the M-NCPPC property.
The expenses increase as the revenue generated out of the "Lesson Program" is invested in veterinary and farrier services, hay and grain for the animals, payroll, insurance, etc.
The Decision
Based on the above considerations, PHC finds the 1993 lease conditions to be "unsuitable." to keep operations running. As the closure date - July 22 - approaches, PHC informed their assets as well as the horses are available for sale to approved homes. This will only be done by appointment.
PHC will keep its lessons running on a regular basis until June 16.
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