(6/21) The Planning Commission has been hard at work on the Comprehensive Plan, a 10-year document that discusses future goals and aspirations of the City, since last year. Senior planner of Arro Consulting, Craig Kologie has been an integral part in designing the Plan. At the May meeting he outlined two key sections: Economic Development and Historic and Cultural Resources.
A large part of the City’s Economic Development is the Main Street Program, which is integral in the creation of a vibrant and sustainable downtown or Main Street area by utilizing Taneytown's historic buildings and local businesses. According to Commissioner Christopher Tillman, the Program’s framework on the Plan would prove beneficial to the City as it would encourage the development of its framework in a timely manner. With the dissolution of the Main Street Board last year and the need to hire a new Economic Development Manager, City Manager Jim Wieprecht reminded the Commission that the Council has already directed staff to create the framework for the Program within 90 days, "We have our marching orders," he said.
As discussed at previous meetings, the "walkability" of the City is an important factor in encouraging an active and vibrant Main Street and business district. Member Barry Garner questioned how the City plans on enforcing "walkability" better than they have in the past. Wieprecht replied, "We’ve let projects go by without building sidewalks sometimes because of whatever hardship on the property owner and things of that nature," he said. "We haven’t been as consistent as we could be." The Plan will address these concerns.
Another important aspect for the Commission is keeping the "small-town charm" that is so loved by residents and visitors alike. Improving the streetscape with wayfinding lighting, facade enhancements and pedestrian amenities were a few ways suggested to achieve the "friendly atmosphere" Taneytown needs to draw in visitors. Tillman pointed out that many of these decisions would fall under the purview of the Main Street Board once it is established.
When it comes to the historic and cultural resources that Taneytown has, the proximity of historic Gettysburg had Commission members asking what Civil War elements does Taneytown have that would attract Gettysburg visitors to the historic district? Also discussed were things such as bicycle racks to encourage cyclists to stop and enjoy a meal downtown or well-lit and obviously-open businesses to draw in tourists for shopping. Much of this topic will fall under the new Economic Development Manager duties (once hired). "Every car that goes through is a potential customer," said Wieprecht. "We could try to capitalize on some of [Gettysburg’s] traffic."
Lastly, Kologie reminded the Commission about the key person interviews. Invites to the in-person interviews were recently sent to 15 chosen City personnel. At the May meeting, Kologie said three had responded and scheduled their interviews. He will be resending the invitations to get more personnel involved.
