Development News for Hagerstown, Maryland

Proposed Revisions to Quit Claim Policy to Address Unused Alleyways

The city is proposing revisions to its quit claim policy, which deals with property owners acquiring unused alley rights-of-way. The current policy requires all adjacent property owners to sign off on a quit claim request, which has proven unworkable due to objections or unreachability of some owners. The proposed changes aim to allow the process to move forward even without unanimous consent, by providing an opportunity for objections to be heard and considered by staff and council. Additionally, the city proposes charging a fee for quit claim requests and having the city attorney record the deed to ensure proper land recordation, addressing issues where property owners fail to record deeds. The discussion also touched upon the process of determining ownership when multiple properties abut an alley, the city's discretion in granting requests, and the importance of official city surveys.

Edgemont Reservoir Rehabilitation Project Nears Design Milestones, Seeks Increased Water Withdrawal

An update was provided on the Edgemont Reservoir Rehabilitation Project. The project is approaching 60% design completion, with construction anticipated to begin in July-August 2027. A draft appropriation permit from MDE has been received, requesting a withdrawal of 2.75 million gallons per day, a significant increase from the previous 700,000 gallons per day. The project involves in-depth grouting of the existing earth dam and reconstruction of the emergency spillway to meet current regulatory standards, specifically the probable maximum precipitation requirement. This work is necessary due to identified seepage issues and the spillway's outdated capacity. Funding includes prior MDE grants and a potential loan, with the city contributing local dollars. Plans are also underway to upgrade the Brickner plant, running in parallel with the reservoir project.

City Council Reviews Summer Event Schedule and Community Engagement Initiatives

The Mayor and City Council discussed various community events and activities scheduled for the summer. These include a character meet-and-greet at the City Park Train Hub, a living history event ('America 250') at the Jonathan Hager House commemorating the Revolutionary War, a 'Meet a Mermaid' event at Pterfield Pool, the Western Maryland Blues Fest at Hub City Brewery, and the City Farmers Market. Additionally, the Hagerstown Municipal Band concert series will begin, and Movies in the Park will return. Council members shared personal reflections on community programs, including the affordability of sports facilities, the positive turnout for Black Roses soccer games, and the ongoing discussions about the future use of the Asbury Church building. There was also a discussion on improving voting machines for future elections and a clarification that maintenance of the median on Dual Highway is handled by the State Highway Administration.

City Unveils FY2027 Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME Programs

The city presented its proposed FY2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program Annual Action Plan. The plan outlines how the city intends to use its estimated $774,243 in CDBG funds and $350,424.94 in HOME funds, which are administered by HUD. Public input was gathered through hearings and comment periods, informing the plan's focus on homeowner repair grants, down payment assistance, and neighborhood revitalization projects like sidewalk repairs and park improvements. The plan also supports non-profit partners serving special needs groups. Staff recommended adoption of the plan as presented, as no comments were received during the public comment period. Adoption is necessary to submit the application to HUD and receive the entitlement funding.