[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6545800,"mediaKeyId","3411392-d995f862a08b6a9f9330c8e9596c72c1","parentId",3411392,"title","Taneytown planning commissioners press for clearer small‑business support, downtown upgrades","audioSeconds",2438,"startMs",219000,"endMs",2657000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411392-d995f862a08b6a9f9330c8e9596c72c1&start=219&end=2657","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411392-d995f862a08b6a9f9330c8e9596c72c1/thumbnail_219000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6545800/Taneytown/Carroll-County/Maryland/Taneytown-planning-commissioners-press-for-clearer-smallbusiness-support-downtown-upgrades","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545800-e59d3b376a987b714fd69cd891253ff1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771038192&Signature=Z1bdaZXhSENaIafjDiRe7R99E7yV4IwrKUwoyzUxjmUzbXD8QTq6w58IZ90FRASYEtsxiiDJTg~cSA-E550CUkc6tNpAQKFv3DK~U75UrL8vJeGCzQ3MM8Bj7x9sCVgRTkYgy7VDm8~A1ONaHLRwNADEOAfZbOCpR-xupZzuh9gh2HFl3jipHpCL7eJyopnLM92O82B2jg1ruZ1rJdvfI3kNyXA8ot5z1DvTzr~tb3JvChXND6Q4OPBC7VLV21WxxEc~bWX1qVJHYx4YA2U1C4bR3rL9DKIBctcuomgH57bjLqTHzggiy2US-6dJirwlUHJTRVWV-GOV7YSamzXYBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Taneytown, MD","date","2025-05-21T00:00:00Z","article","Taneytown planning commissioners discussed draft economic development and downtown revitalization goals at length during a comprehensive‑plan workshop, focusing on clearer small‑business supports, downtown streetscape improvements and keeping the Antrim Boulevard extension in the plan.

Commissioners and staff questioned what ‘‘small business resources’’ the city would provide and urged the plan to clarify municipal roles. Chris, identified in the meeting as the newly designated economic development liaison, said the city could “help identify maybe some grant programs that might be available to small businesses, assisting with the permitting process ... helping navigate that,” and described the liaison’s role as connecting prospective business owners with existing local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street groups.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the downtown core’s revival depends on clearer, actionable steps for business owners and visible public‑realm improvements that make people feel safe and welcome. Several members pushed for a customer‑service approach to permitting and a simple informational handout for entrepreneurs.

Discussion highlights
- Small‑business assistance: Commissioners urged the plan to say how the city will help prospective businesses, not only list goals. Staff described the expected role of the new economic development liaison in pointing owners toward grants, permitting help and business planning resources.
- Zoning language: Commissioners debated the phrase “flexible zoning,” with some warning that the word ‘‘flexible’’ could be misleading. Jim (planning staff/expert) suggested using terms such as “adaptability” or “adaptable uses” and noted that formal changes to what is allowed in a zone still require code amendments or specific permitting paths such as special exceptions.
- Use of existing infrastructure and walkability: The group agreed the intent of concentrating housing and services in walkable areas is to rely on existing water, sewer and retail services rather than extending costly infrastructure to remote locations. One commissioner said re‑converting storefront apartments into active ground‑floor uses would be an example of reusing existing infrastructure.
- Streetscape, lighting and plantings: Commissioners favored improvements to building lighting, benches and planters to increase safety and encourage people to stay downtown. Staff and commissioners noted the city already saw more planter upkeep and added lighting work as simple ways to change downtown character.
- Antrim Boulevard extension: Commissioners agreed to keep the Antrim Boulevard extension in the plan despite uncertainty about timing. Staff explained that having the project in the plan gives the city justification for property acquisition and future grant requests tied to that corridor.
- Communications: Staff said the city will begin a short two‑page newsletter mailed to the 21787 ZIP code for the first distribution and then offered electronically; commissioners discussed distribution and potential partnerships with local papers to widen reach.

Formal actions: The only formal vote recorded during the workshop was a motion to adjourn at the meeting’s end. According to the transcript, the motion was made by Dan, seconded by Bill, and the commission voted to adjourn.

Next steps and implementation: Commissioners asked that implementation elements include concrete, short checklists for downtown reuse and a plan to reconstitute a Main Street advisory group (the council previously passed a resolution directing staff to return with a framework). Staff said implementation sections will include a place for these concrete steps and that the plan will be treated as a living document that can be updated during its 10‑year life.

Ending: Commissioners agreed to provide additional comments on photographs and map boundaries ahead of the next workshop, set for June 30, and asked staff to circulate updated pages electronically for review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Taneytown Community Comprehensive Plan Workshop May 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Taneytown planning commissioners discussed draft economic development and downtown revitalization goals at length during a comprehensive‑plan workshop, focusing on clearer small‑business supports, downtown streetscape improvements and retaining the Antrim Boulevard extension.","taxTitle","Taneytown, Carroll County, Maryland","taxId",71667,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545790,"Planners stress ADA compliance and note volunteer fire service funding questions",212,4038000,4250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411392-d995f862a08b6a9f9330c8e9596c72c1&start=4038&end=4250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411392-d995f862a08b6a9f9330c8e9596c72c1/thumbnail_4038000.jpg","/articles/6545790/Taneytown/Carroll-County/Maryland/Planners-stress-ADA-compliance-and-note-volunteer-fire-service-funding-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545790-60d78da92eda5c30dd5f4b66deb732fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771038192&Signature=WqQ8i8wAJ8oEjADxe1BVRd3LONMNb5nyNNCEGXzBrJwZyeK9NK-A-5t8JkiWChLBSfUW137E1LOHWKY8Z8MPxNoQbu-uKhZfwvFwIwk-g5w-Abk8wY8nRCWCWxrlaq0xML4kx7EqBONk09aeZw2yH0V88RCjYomRldw-ZGAvO7DdhSeJhU5PDddtkX-aT6oN0iaDyCKrcvT7IWafRQhv8SUuuur68BFeLyL79Zv80ENkmvA0A-~74tDGoqnM8pFQwz15EbgINtPdLLamKYEFQhuDSyK3fpV1v-aaPm0v2E41EvRBCUYMhSoCVOX6wmyFNdu6-cz3x~Vg~s5UkwuFSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taneytown commissioners reviewed the public safety and community well‑being element of the draft comprehensive plan and focused on two practical concerns: ensuring Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility elements are reviewed and inspected in development projects, and communicating about the volunteer fire company’s funding status.

Staff and commission members said ADA compliance is handled through site‑plan and building permit review at the county level and through inspections. Tiffany (staff) explained that permits will not be approved without ADA‑compliant elements and gave a permitting example: when the city sought a building permit for a new gazebo, the permit reviewer required a hard‑surface accessible path to the structure because the gazebo was a new structure and needed an accessible route.

Why it matters: Commissioners said proper ADA review protects residents and reduces municipal liability because missing accessible elements can be grounds for legal action; they asked that the plan be clear that site‑plan and permit reviews include ADA checks and that inspections verify correct installation (slopes, cross slopes, ramps).

Discussion highlights
- ADA and permits: Tiffany clarified that site plans and subdivisions reviewed by Carroll County include ADA elements and that county/plan reviewers will not approve permits missing required access. She added that inspections verify installation details such as running slope and cross slope.
- Volunteer fire company: Commissioners discussed a recent solicitation response indicating the county’s expanded role in paying some costs; they said the volunteer company remains an essential, largely volunteer organization and that residents need education about the hybrid funding arrangement.

Ending: The commission agreed the safety element should clearly state that ADA compliance is a permitting trigger and that staff will add clarifying language so the public understands the role of county review, onsite inspection and the city’s expectations for accessibility and volunteer emergency services.","During the comprehensive‑plan review the commission discussed public‑safety and community‑well‑being goals, emphasizing ADA compliance in development review and noting recent questions about volunteer fire company fundraising after county payment changes.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545795,"Commissioners back clearer historic‑preservation guidance and heritage tourism ideas",858,2617000,3475000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411392-d995f862a08b6a9f9330c8e9596c72c1&start=2617&end=3475","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411392-d995f862a08b6a9f9330c8e9596c72c1/thumbnail_2617000.jpg","/articles/6545795/Taneytown/Carroll-County/Maryland/Commissioners-back-clearer-historicpreservation-guidance-and-heritage-tourism-ideas","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545795-827f0ab5c56a3adbec51474ec6b0a331/orig.mp4?Expires=1771038192&Signature=MTaHpnbHj1DfGnsmvUf4hf~J3qt~1Fjhti9bobz78Q05Q-7rhtnPfsJSxZWa~PnRcEEIOELZ6N96VNrVqS2A8Aiwvd1e1ouQGE1~m5k9A2ZURWiI~cBKkGWTy5Wf-k2TOb107TkFum3-KvpupUMuJe2yGkY8fLGmkStKy4MX6gBBt1M5lMEfj1IqH5JPXUHRrzX2iOH4csVZV6m3bEZ6pWQXH52cVfqJ2lLi41ezDsWEBk5Vhiugq4JHqsGuck64jTqXjVaM8O-Igp2zaFrF4-HRuGq9AgiFgnFaaw2HcJW4kyEBHKDHFdKbMMgc-aV~vxrCcMClptnyTuk2DTYEpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taneytown planning commissioners reviewed the historic and cultural preservation section of the draft comprehensive plan and recommended clearer language on preservation triggers, outreach and heritage‑tourism initiatives.

Commissioners asked for more precision on what qualifies as a ‘‘historic’’ structure and how the city would support adaptive reuse. Staff said federal and preservation practice commonly use a 50‑year threshold for historic eligibility and noted that many buildings in the downtown core predate World War II and are likely contributing structures within the National Register district.

Why it matters: Commissioners said stronger preservation language and clearer implementation steps will help preserve downtown character and support economic development through heritage tourism. Several members urged the plan to include concrete programs (grants, façade assistance) and practical definitions so owners know when they may be eligible for technical assistance.

Discussion highlights
- Eligibility and lists: Staff explained that properties in the National Register district that are largely intact are typically contributing structures. Commissioners asked for a compiled, definitive list or map of contributing properties to avoid uneven application of assistance.
- Adaptive reuse assistance: The draft proposes support for adaptive reuse; commissioners asked what grants or assistance would be available and cautioned that owners should understand qualification criteria.
- Heritage tourism: Commissioners discussed leveraging nearby Gettysburg visitation and other regional events (including America250) to draw visitors through Taneytown. One commissioner noted the city’s location on travel routes and suggested collaborating with Destination Gettysburg or local bicycle clubs and events to increase stopover visits.
- Main Street and marketing: Some commissioners tied preservation goals to the council’s recent direction to reconstitute a Main Street advisory group; staff said reconstituting the group will help coordinate façade, plantings and events that draw visitors.

Quotes and examples: Staff noted the city already has design standards for some parts of the historic district but suggested strengthening triggers under which standards apply; staff said, in some cases, reuse of an existing building does not now trigger design review. Commissioners asked that the plan identify existing programs and also provide a mechanism to update the list as programs change.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to provide a map of downtown boundaries (historic district vs. Main Street vs. zoning) and to bring a proposed list of contributing historic properties and potential grant sources for adaptive reuse at a future meeting.","The planning commission debated language on preserving historic fabric, defining historic resources and creating or expanding heritage tourism initiatives tied to nearby Gettysburg traffic and America250 events.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Taneytown planning commissioners press for clearer small‑business support, downtown upgrades

Planners stress ADA compliance and note volunteer fire service funding questions

Commissioners back clearer historic‑preservation guidance and heritage tourism ideas