Forest Conservation Easement Established

During the November Town Council meeting, the council approved a 25-year revertible forest conservation deed of easement for 16 acres with the Daughters of Charity.

In an effort to meet pressing Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Program and Permit (MS4) requirements, the town has formed a partnership with Stream-Link Education and the Daughters for a tree planting initiative. This partnership will ultimately result in the planting of thousands of trees over two years across the 16 acres owned by the Daughters as well as 11 acres owned by the town.

The deed of easement protects the tree plantings for 25 years, after which land will be returned to the Daughters for their discretion. "We’re just really appreciative of the Daughters of Charity for giving us 16 acres for tree plantings," Town Planner Zach Gulden said.

The reforestation program was established as part of the town’s initiative to plant 27 total acres of trees along streams to help meet mandatory federal and state requirements for the MS4 program while creating a forest to protect streams from stormwater runoff.

Since the 16 acres borders the town’s wastewater treatment facility and Flat Run Stream, the tree planting will alleviate pollutant issues and previous plans to annex the 16 acres into the town are not needed at this time, Gulden said.

"The Sisters are very good stewards of the environment; they are pleased to offer the 16 acres for planting," George Brenton, Administrator of the Daughters’ Emmitsburg Campus said in a press release of the initiative.

Sewer Connection Approved

The Town Council approved a new sewer connection agreement with 500 East Main Street. The agreement was necessary after the old sewer line connecting the property to the town’s sewer system failed. As the town was unable to determine the cause of the failure, it opted to take responsibility for the cost of the replacement.

The new agreements will allow the town to install a new sewer line from the residence to the town’s main sewage line that runs along Creamery Road. Besides installing a new sewer connection, the agreement includes installing new sidewalks for any disturbed area during the digging process, replacing slate pavers and reinstalling the property’s fence. It is estimated that the project will cost $13,000.

Work On Rutter’s Begins In Earnest

Construction for Emmitsburg’s new Rutter’s convenience store, located on the east side of Rt. 15 on Taneytown Pike, has begun in earnest. After the project broke ground in September, work was put on hold until all permits were finalized and construction and earth moving equipment arrived on site.

Multiple permits were required by the county for the project’s construction and sewer line because the facility is so close to a major highway. With the arrival of the earth moving equipment at the start of November, little time was wasted putting it to work once all the permits were approved.

"Nothing is halting the project," Emmitsburg Mayor Don Briggs said, "We are doing everything to accommodate it. The town of Emmitsburg continues to be very excited for Rutter's convenient location for goods and fuel as well as the jobs it will bring to the community. It will really benefit the town in a great way," Briggs said.

The 500 square feet, 15-acre convenience store project has been in the works for about two years, and is expected to be completed and open by May or June.

Holiday House Decorating Contest

Members of the community are encouraged to break out their garland and colorful lights as this month marks Emmitsburg’s 4th annual decorating contest. The contest is designed to bring festive feelings to neighborhoods and business fronts. Houses and businesses must be decorated by Dec. 12 and judging will occur between Dec. 13 and Dec. 19. Winners will be announced by Dec. 22 on the town website.

Categories include most traditional, most decorative, and best business. First, second, and third place winners of each category will win cash prizes. Those interested in being a contest judge can contact the Town Office at 301-600-6300 or email info@emmitsburgmd.gov.