(9/18) The Thurmont Town Council postponed voting on the long-discussed Simmers property annexation to consider extensive public comments presented at the August 30 public hearing on the proposed annexation of 16.68 acres to enlarge the corporate boundaries of the town.

During more than two hours of public comment, residents voiced apprehension to the annexation, citing that the potential high-density development would increase traffic on narrow rural roads, and be detrimental to the small-town atmosphere.

The farmland property is located southeast of Apples Church Road, Roddy Road, and Elyer Road intersection, and borders Graceham Road, and consists of approximately 24.5 acres. Seven acres are located in town and currently zoned R-5, while the other nearly 17 acres lie in the county and are agriculturally zoned.

The property is owned by Patricia Simmers and the project has been in the works since 2018. The developer of the property is Daniel Cross of Cross and Company of Frederick.

Thurmont’s 2022 Master Plan has the property identified in its future growth area as high density residential. This designation is not new as it was also deemed this designation in the 2010 Master Plan.

The proposed annexation was first presented to the town’s Planning Commission in January 2021, which found the potential annexation in conformance with town code. In addition, the commission verified that the town had adequate public facilities (sewer and water) to support the proposed housing development.

However, as annexation plans moved forward, so too did public concern.

Before the public hearing, Cross provided an overview of the project, including data that the potential residential development will not overburden local schools. Cross also noted traffic study results found the development project will not worsen area traffic.

Economic benefits of the potential development include an affordable living area and bringing in thousands of dollars in tax money, according to Cross.

As part of the annexation agreement with the town, Cross and Company would also assist with water storage and road improvement, as well as developing a walking and cycling path.

However, resident Louise Schafer presented a petition with over 300 signatures in opposition of the development. "I want to make it clear we are not opposed to the annexation, but we are opposed to the R-5 high density residential," she said.

Residents voiced concern that the high-density residential development did not match the feel of Thurmont’s small-town atmosphere.

Residents claimed Cross’s traffic issue study did not do justice for the surrounding area roads. Residents were apprehensive about the additional 300 vehicles that will come with the high-density townhouse project. Safety was also noted as a concern, as the traffic study allegedly did not address weekend tourist traffic including bicyclists.

One resident who lives at the intersection of Elyer and Roddy road noted traffic of the area is already "horrendous."

Following the public hearing, the council voted 4-1 to table the annexation vote to allow time to review and discuss items raised with the town attorney, and to "take the time to do things correctly," Kinnard said.

Commissioner Bill Buehrer voted not to delay the vote.