Town awarded Community Legacy Grants

Emmitsburg recently received grant monies from the Community Legacy Program for the Emmitsburg Façade and restoration program and the ADA accessible playground. $75,000 was awarded for the ADA accessible playground, which will complement the $125,000 already awarded from Playground Open Space. The playground is now almost completely funded and according to Mayor Don Briggs, may hopefully begin construction in the spring or summer of 2019.

Additionally, $50,000 was awarded from the Community Legacy Program for façade and restoration in Emmitsburg. Community Legacy is a matching grant program in which the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provides 50% matching grants for exterior façade and other exterior improvements, and the property owner pays the other 50%. The maximum grant is $12,500 per property, per State fiscal year, as long as money is available. To date, the town has received close to $700,000 worth of façade work over the past six years thanks to this program.

Town passes amended trailer ordinance

The town voted to approve a text amendment related to trailers during the November 5 town meeting, allowing trailers to be used as storage sheds in an industrial zone as long as they are not visible from any adjoining residence.

In August 2011 the town passed a trailer ordinance, which prohibited the use of trailers as storage facilities in any zoning district within town limits. In 2017, town staff noticed C-containers located on properties within the industrial district, and property owners were sent citations to remove the trailers. Business owners brought their complaints to the attention of town staff, who after consulting with the town attorney, created an amendment.

One property that currently utilizes C-containers, Quality Tire, is not in compliance with the new amendment. Zoned as B2, not industrial, the business is not currently in compliance. The business uses the trailer to collect tires, which are picked up and recycled once the trailer is full. Commissioners discussed ways to allow the trailer to remain on the property such as building a carport to house the trailer in, constructing a fence, or planting a vegetative buffer. Town staff will look into what may be allowed in order to "hide" the trailer, and will update the Board at a later date.

Town on its way to Tree City USA certification

As part of their "green" initiative, Emmitsburg is looking to become Tree City USA certified, and during the November 5 town meeting, they took one step closer to the certification by passing a tree care ordinance. The ordinance provides guidance on how to take care of trees within town, maintain trees, and addresses public safety concerning trees.

The process to become tree city certified is a four-part process that consists of creating a tree board, adopting a tree care ordinance, creating a Community Forestry Program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and creating an Arbor Day proclamation. The town has already enacted an Arbor Day proclamation, and according to Town Clerk Madeline Shaw, the town has already met the budget requirement. Additionally, after discussions with the Department of Natural Resources, the town’s Green Team can manage the Tree Board; it does not have to be a separate entity.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously accepted the tree care ordinance. The town is on its way to Tree City USA certification.