(10/25) At a special October 24 workshop, preliminary discussions regarding the potential annexation and development of the Frailey Farm property where begun.

The information only workshop presented ideas to the Town Council to mull over with no decisions or public comment. Engineer Jeff Ott of the Frailey Farm Team presented preliminary concept plans for the farm property and development of a residential community on it.

Frailey Farm is a 118-acre farm on the western border of the town currently identified by the town of Emmitsburg’s 2015 comprehensive plan to be annexed for residential housing growth. 15 of these acres are within the town limits and the developers propose annexing the remainder.

According to Comprehensive Plan, the farm is designated as a low-density residential community development. The R-1 range, or four units to the acre, will result in a total 300 houses, attorney Bruce Dean said.

The developer looks to provide a range of housing types and affordability including townhomes, first time homebuyers, small and large single homes. The homes would then also be able to accommodate different types of accommodations including first floor living, Ott said. The developer would also look to contribute to infrastructure improvements for water & sewer.

Historically, the farm annexation has been tied to a southwest bypass to accommodate rising area traffic, with prior planning and zoning administration seriously considering using the annexation to provide a southwest bypass, thereby alleviating traffic congestion on the square. But Ott said he and his team have all but nixed that idea due to extensive costs and the significant density load it would bring.

Recognizing the congestion of Main Street that needs addressing, one preliminary road connectivity concept presented by Ott might entail four points of egress, essentially extending Lincoln Avenue.

At the end of the day, considerably more development research would be needed in a number of areas including traffic study and school capacity before the annexation could be presented officially, Ott said.

While the farm annexation is part of the town’s long-term plan, "but it doesn’t mean it has to happen," Town Engineer Chris Jakubiak said. Annexations are unique aspects as they are completely voluntary by both the goals of the town and the developer.

Annexation consideration is a lengthy process so residents should not expect houses to pop up overnight. Annexation is also a very public process done in stages and as more opportunities for discussion are presented, residents are encouraged to engage every step of the way. "We want to make this a very collaborative process for all," Ott said.