(1/27) To encourage participation in the process of updating the Thurmont Region Plan, the Frederick County Division of Planning will hold an open house for the public on Monday, January 29, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Emmitsburg Town Offices, 2nd floor gymnasium, 300A South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, Md. Another open house is scheduled on Monday, February 5, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Thurmont Middle School cafeteria, 408 East Main Street, Thurmont, Md.

The Division of Planning is currently reviewing the Thurmont Region Plan, which includes both the Thurmont and Emmitsburg communities, as part of its update of the countywide Comprehensive Plan. Development of the plan will take place over the next few months with the draft plan scheduled to be released to the public in April 2007. After evaluation and public input, the Frederick County Planning Commission will vote on a Recommended Thurmont Region Plan and send it to the Frederick Board of County Commissioners for review and their public hearing process later this year.

The plan also includes an update of the region's future land use map, which illustrates the planned land use pattern for the region and sets the stage for the comprehensive rezoning process that will begin following adoption of the Thurmont Region Plan.

The open houses will feature illustrative maps and informational displays describing current conditions in the Thurmont Region. County staff will be available to answer questions and discuss long-range planning issues in northern Frederick County.

Displays from the Towns of Emmitsburg and Thurmont will also be available for viewing at the open houses to inform participants of the ongoing efforts of both towns to update their municipal master plans. These plans are distinct and separate from the county's Thurmont Region Plan.

The last version of the Thurmont Region Plan was adopted in October 1995 and is available for review on the Division of Planning page of the new Frederick County Government website at www.co.frederick.md.us/planning. Hard copies of the draft Thurmont Region Plan will be available at the open houses or from the planning office in Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street, Frederick, Md.

For futher information on the Thurmont Region Plan open houses or review process, contact Principal Planner Denis Superczynski 301-600-1142 or via e-mail at dsuperczynski@fredco-md.net.