Stephanie Long
(11/1) The public recently had an
opportunity to voice their opinions on the Thurmont Region Plan at a public
hearing held by the Frederick County Planning Commission.
For nearly two hours, dozens of people
took the opportunity to speak to the planning commissioners, Catherine Forrence,
Joan M. McIntyre and Audrey L. Wolfe and address various concerns and offer
suggestions.
Many of the concerns regarded proposed
rezoning in the plan. Some residents took issue with property being rezoned
from one land use designation to another.
Thurmont Mayor Martin Burns had similar
concerns. When a rezoning occurs and changes something that has “been one way
forever, it gets people worried,” Burns said, cautioning the commissioners to
“be very cautious” when deciding which properties to rezone.
Others were displeased that their
properties had not been rezoned and asked the board to consider their
suggestions for rezoning. Ronald Wolfe, of the Sabillasville area, was one of
many who offered the board suggestions for rezoning.
Wolf’s property had already been rezoned
from agriculture to resource conservation land use previously, but Wolf asked
the board to rezone it again to low-density housing so that he could leave the
land to his children when he passes away.
Another request came from the Myers
family, who just over a week before the county meeting had seen their farm
annexation request rejected by the Thurmont Board of Commissioners.
The Myers rejected annexation request with
Thurmont called for 350 single family houses and town homes, retail and
commercial space, an emergency medical center and a community pool. In light of
the rejection, the Myers asked the Frederick County Planning Commission to
change the land use of the property in an apparent bid to still put the plans
in motion.
“I would like the land presently zoned
agriculture changed to general commercial,” Eugene Myers said, also suggesting
100 acres be residential. Myers suggested that if the land were rezoned homes
could be built on the property, as could businesses and possible a medical
center. Myers suggested that the change would create new jobs and the
opportunity for more to live in Maryland versus Pennsylvania.
There are no plans to hold another public
hearing with the Frederick County Planning Commission, but anyone wishing to
comment or offer suggestions on the plan may continue to do so via e-mail, mail
or phone. The Frederick County Planning Commission will hold a workshop about
the Thurmont Region Plan on Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. at Winchester Hall in Frederick.
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