Hagerstown briefs

April 04, 2007

Council eyes building permit extensions

The Hagerstown City Council is considering a proposal that would allow people to get extensions for building permits.

Unexpected building delays, such as contaminated soil, was one of the issues that the City Council discussed Tuesday that might merit an extension.

Councilwoman Kelly S. Cromer warned that if the city grants extensions to one developer, it should offer extensions to all others to avoid a lawsuit.

City Attorney John Urner agreed.

He suggested extending the 12-month deadline to 18 months.

Arts district might be expanded

The Arts and Entertainment District in Hagerstown could be expanded to make it easier for artisans to purchase living and work space.

On Tuesday, the Hagerstown City Council continued discussion about expanding the district north to Randolph Avenue, east to South Mulberry Street and south to East Baltimore Street. The western boundary would be Md. 65 and Cramer Avenue.

The council earlier discussed that housing in the existing boundary is too expensive for artists to afford.

If the district is expanded, artists who live or do business within the new boundary would receive an income tax break, said Kathleen Maher, city planning director.

- Dan Dearth

Arbor Day ceremony planned for today

City of Hagerstown officials will host an Arbor Day ceremony today at 10 a.m. at Fairgrounds Park.

Several trees will be planted along the nearly completed Hamilton Run trail that links Fairgrounds and Pangborn parks. Students from local schools, as well as students from Wesel, Germany, here as part of the Sister City exchange program, will take part.

For information, call 301-766-4192.

Golf course to close two days next week

Hagerstown Greens at Hamilton Run, 2 S. Cleveland Ave in Hagerstown, will be closed for aerification and top-dressing of golf greens on April 9 and 10.

The golf course is expected to reopen at noon on April 11.

For information, call the golf course at 301-733-8630 or the city's parks and recreation office at 301-739-8577, ext. 169.

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