Smithsburg continues to address annexation issues

November 03, 2004|by BRIAN SHAPPELL

SMITHSBURG - For the second time in as many meetings, the Smithsburg Town Council on Tuesday discussed a new annexation request.

The council also discussed a new ordinance that will allow the town to restrict uses on properties it agrees to annex and the formation of a committee to discuss a previous request.

Mayor Mildred "Mickey" Myers said a written request was filed with the town for the annexation of a South Main Street property just outside of Smithsburg. Myers said it is the owner's intent to preserve the existing residence on the 2.3-acre property property, subdivide portions of the parcel and build new single-family homes.

Myers said the property is contiguous with the town limits of Smithsburg.

Myers could not be reached by telephone late Tuesday for additional comments on the request.

In September, a Frederick, Md.-based company formally requested annexation for a property southeast of the town. Some council members questioned whether the proposed development, to include 71 single-family homes, is along any of the town's official borders.

Myers said Tuesday that the council has appointed an ad hoc committee to work with Town Attorney Charles Wagaman on annexation possibilities regarding that property.

The committee includes Myers, councilmen Ralph Regan and Thomas Smith, as well as Greg White, Randy Dick and Bill Loughridge.

No new information on that request was released at Tuesday's meeting.

The council voted unanimously to make a change to the town's Code of Ordinance to allow officials to eliminate zoning uses on properties annexed by the town.

The ordinance amendment, which becomes effective 19 days from today, also states the public must be notified of any annexation agreement and a public meeting must be held, Wagaman said.

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