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HomeMy WebLinkAboutH_1971 Annual Reportri Ii Ii Ii Li II • II II 1 WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION 1 ANNUAL REPORT Board of County Commissioners LEM E. KIRK, PRESIDENT JOHN E. EASTERDAY, VICE-PRESIDENT HAROLD L. BOYER ROME F. SCHWAGEL CALVIN E. SHANK Washington County Planning and Zoning Commission DONALD RICHARD ROME F. JOHN C. JOHN F. RICHARD WILLIAM 3 3. FRUSH, CHAIRMAN J. WALLA, VICE-CHAIRMAN SCHWAGEL, EX -OFFICIO HERBST TRITLE W. GROSS E. DORSEY Legal Counsel County Legal Department JAMES F. STRINE ROBERT C. KUCZYNSKI Planninq and Zoning Commission Staff LEROY R. BURTNER, COUNTY PLANNER II BARRY A. TEACH, OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR ly MARION L. SNYDER, SECRETARY VERNA M. COLES, SECRETARY Published February 1972 WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Court House Annex Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page fl Introduction................................................ 1 II Regional Location Map* ...................................... 2 Preface..................................................... 3 CommissionMembers .......................................... 6 Commission Staff .......................... ............... 7 Goals for the County ........................................ 8 Commission Budget Review .................................... 10 Washington County 701 Community Assistance Program.......... 11 The Plan For The County ..................................... 13 County -Wide Planning Program................................14 Phase III Implementation....................................14 Soil Limitations Maps ....................................... 15 Erosion and Sediment Ordinance .............................. 15 f1Capital Improvements Program........ . ....................... 16 FloodPlain Study ........................................... 17 The Washington County Council of Governments ................ 18 1971 Subdivision Review ..................................... 19 1971 Final Subdivisions ..................................... 20 Subdivision Regulations......................................21 Id Highlights of County Development in 1971 ................... 22 1971 Development Map*.......................................25 Summary of 1971 Meetings....................................26 Publications ................................................ 26 The Outlook for 1972 ........................................ 27 U*. Regional Location Map and Washington County Base L MPp courtesy of the Potomac Edison Company. INTRODUCTION This is the 1971 Annual Report of the Washington County Planning and Zoning Commission. It presents, for your information, the legal purpose and responsibilities of the Commission and discusses the various forms of development and projects Which involved the Commission during the year 1971. In the past year, and in future years, Washington County has and will experience development at a rapid rate. The Commission is concerned about the proper use of our resources to protect, improve, and conserve physical, social, and economic growth. Il Representing over 103,000 people, sound planning standards and measures are promoted to insure future orderly growth in Wash- ington County. LI -1- HARRISBURG y Spp CARLISLE /�. Oz- ESVILLE HAGERSTOWN r � FREDERICKSBURG 3 Virginia Maryland BALTIMORE poto r tooc -z- RICHMOND Z } PENNSYLVANIA =r..1 "'GTON COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION ≤� k 2Aa srH, o COURT HOUSE ANNEX, 24 SUMMIT AVENUE LEPHONE % x HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND 21740 I -Ono 1 p EXT-238 DONALD R. FRUSH CHAIRMAN � f �Ac RICHARD J. WALLA i EROY R. BURTNER vlRmu ry VICE CHAIRMAN COUNTY PLANNER ROME F. SC HWAGEL EX -OE FICIO WILLIAM E. DORSEY RICHARD W. GROSS JOFIN C.HERRST JOHN F. TRITLE February 11, 1972 Preface Washington County is witnessing the transition from a rural farming community. With or without its consent, it is being drawn into the urban region. The current urbanization is being felt particularly strong with the many requests to the Legislative Body for needed services, roads, relief from drainage problems, etc. With the mounting pressures for orderly growth, and studying the past planning history of Washington County, the Planning Commission, staff and consultants, as a team, brought to fruition the Plan for theCountywhich, with its 159 Planning policies will provide general guides to development to pre- vent excessive demands on public services, intrusions of incompatible land uses, and damage to the County's unique environment. The objectives of the County's policies and plans include a safe, healthy, and attractive environment for all the people, sound economic growth, broad economic oppor- tunity, efficiency in the use of land, the movement of people and the provision of public services, at the least cost to the taxpayer. Other studies presented to the public during 1971 were: 1) Analysis of Population, Housing and Economy 2) Analysis of Community Facilities 3) Development Analysis 4) Flood Plain Study (Antietam Creek) 5) Environmental and Man --Made Constraints. In 1971, the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control. Ordinance was adopted by the County Commissioners as required by H. B. 11.51, also requiring the establishment of a License and Permit Department. -3- This past year, the County Commissioners reconstituted our Planning and Zoning Commission, re -adopted the Subdivision Ordinance, with amendments, in accordance with Article 66B, (1970 edition) in addition to adopting the "Plan for the County". 1971 also brought to completion the long sought-after Soil extremely helpful Maps which can be to home builders and others which the County Commissioners requested all County Agencies to utilize as a guide for construction. The greatest citizen participation occurred during the past year as the Commission and staff scheduled more public work- shops, hearings, meetings with civic groups, elected officials, professional groups, and others,than ever before in the history of planning in Washington County. 1971 saw the loss of our County Planner, Mr. W. D. Jones, who was promptly replaced by a life-long County resident and pro- fessional planner, Mr. Leroy R. Burtner, previously employed by the Potomac Edison Company as a planning consultant. In addition, Mr. Barry A. Teach, in early December, was hired for the office administrator's position. The Planning and Zoning Commission this past year, established a County Review Agency to meet regularly for expediting the Subdivision platting process. The Planning and Zoning staff, in addition to their normal subdivision review, meets twice a month with all County Agencies to better serve the public. The crisis facing Washington County demands new solutions and in 1972, the Planning and Zoning Commission will present to the people and the Legislative Body, a final District Boundaries Zoning Map, revised proposed Zoning Ordinances, up -dated Capital Improvements Program, three to five year schedule of additional studies and work program. In addition, the Commissionwill establish a monthly newsletter to better inform the public of its activities. The Commission will seek to involve the public even more in the planning process by establishing an Advisory Board to the Commission with repre- sentation from each of the six planning sectors, a represen- tative from the less fortunate and minority groups, plus a representative from the incorporated towns. These plans are not the whole emphasis of the Commission. -4- The task of the Planning and Zoning Commission in their function, must develop a complex of alternative proposals which will serve to arouse opinions not only to develop a plan fitted to the needs and sensitive to the wants of the people, both econ- omic and social, but also to blend these considerations with the public interest in a planning program that insures a sound development for the County as a whole. Your recommendations, advice and views are requested. Can we count on you? Sincerely, Q Donald R. Frush Chairman -5- COMMISSION MEMBERS DONALD R. FRUSH - A member since 1967 and Chairman since 1968, Mr. Frush's current five-year term will expire in 1974. In addition to his duties with the Commission, Mr. Frush is active in a number of local, state, and regional organizations which are concerned with planning, conservation and natural resources. RICHARD J. WALLA - Vice -Chairman and Plant Engineer at Mack Truck, Mr. Walla has been with the Commission since 1969. A representa- tive of industry, his current term will expire in 1976. ROME F. SCHWAGEL - County Commissioner and Ex -Officio member of the Commission, Mr. Schwagel has served since 1968. He is also the County's representative on the Washington County Council of Govern- ments, Chairman of the Antietam National Battlefield Advisory Committee, and a County representative on the C&O Canal Historic Advisory Commission. Mr. Schwagel's appointment is concurrent -with his term of office. JOHN C. HERBST - A farmer and President of the Washington County Farm Bureau, Mr. Herbst represents agricultural interests on the Commission. A member since 1967, Mr. Herbst's current five- year term will expire in 1974. JOHN F. TRITLE - A representative of homebuilding interests, Mr. Tritle is President of the Homebuilders Association of Wash- ington County. A member since 1966, his current five-year term will expire in 1972. RICHARD W. GROSS - An employee of the Potomac Edison Company and member of the Commission since 1966, Mr. Gross represents utilities. His current five-year term will expire in 1973. WILLIAM E. DORSEY - A Branch Officer with the First National Bank of Maryland, Mr. Dorsey represents the general public on the Commission. Long active in civic affairs, he was appoint- ed to his current five-year term in 1971. COMMISSION STAFF LEROY R. BURTNER - Mr. Burtner assumed his position as -County '( Planner in June 1971, succeeding Mr. William Jones. Prior to joining the Commission he was employed for two years as a Community Development and Planning Consultant with the Potomac Edison Company. Mr. Burtner is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a Master's Degree in Planning and Urban Design. BARRY A. TEACH - Mr. Teach was appointed to fill the newly created Office Administrator position in December, 1971, after being employed nearly 1 ? years with the U. S. Postal Service. He will receive his M.A. in Government and Politics, with area concentra- tion in Public Administration and Urban Affairs, from the Univer- sity of Maryland in January, 1972. MARION L. SNYDER•- Mrs. Snyder has served as a Secretary with the Commission since 1968. She is also Secretary to the Washington County Historical Advisory Committee. VERNA M. COLES - Miss Coles joined the Commission staff as a Secretary in July, 1971, and is a part-time student at Hagerstown Junior College. -7- WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION GOALS FOR THE COUNTY 1. Maintain a dynamic planning program based on current data and trends and aimed at meeting future growth in an orderly manner, eliminating undesirable effects, and encouraging desirable change. 2. Encourage a meaningful involvement of County citizens, agencies and organizations in the planning and development of the County. 3. Develop methods of plan implementation that protect the investments of all the people of Washington County, and assure orderly growth, while providing for private initia- tive and imagination in developing the County. 4. Provide the basis for sound analysis of all factors affecting planning decisions, including a comparison of alternative proposals directed to the same objective. 5. Use of modern methods and techniques in the planning program. 6. Consider deficiencies in housing, services, and other factors which contribute to blight upon the County's environment and general welfare of its citizens. 7. Encourage a well balanced development of the economy. 8. Consider planning in Washington County in terms of its relationship to the surrounding areas of which it is a part, including the Potomac Basin. 9. Determine the effect of proposed surrounding county and regional programs with regard to their economic effect on Washington county. 10. Encourage cooperation and coordination between various levels of local government to assure improved environment, and eliminate duplication of services and facilities. 11. Define the social and economic problems to be considered in future County Planning programs. 12. Encourage the orderly development of the County in a man- ner that assures a balance in the availability and spacing of land for all uses. 13. Encourage good community design which promotes a healthy, safe environment in which to live and work. 14. Encourage compatability between the various uses of land within the county. 15. Encourage. development densities in keeping with the capa- bilities of the land and capacities of existing and proposed public facilities. 16. Encourage development of areas presently experiencing growth and which are, or may be expected to be served by public facilities in the near future, prior to the development of more rural areas. Q'� 17. Prepare and keep current a Capital Improvement Program. 18. Encourage the most effective use of public and private resources within the County. Commission Budget Review (By Fiscal Years) 1969 Budgeted Expended Balance Salaries & Fees 21,860 18,720 1,591 3,140 1,335 Operating Expenses 2,926 464 121 Capital Outlay 585 25,371 20,775 4,596 TOTAL 1970 30,995 11,515 Salaries & Fees 42,510 4,287 Operating Expenses 5,089 802 Capital Outlay - TOTAL 47,599 31,797 15,802 1971 Salaries & Fees 23,380 20,846 3,885885 2,534 200 Operating Expenses 4,085 ( 200) Capital Outlay - TOTAL 27,465 24,938 2,527 -10- PHASE I Background Planning A. Base Mapping B. Existing Land Use 1. Mapping of Data Overall 1"=1Mile Maps 2. Mapping of Data 1"= 600' Urban 3. Mapping of Data 1"= 600' Rural 4. Computations and Analysis 5. Physiographi,: Data C. Economic Study 1. Economic Studies and Reports D. Population Study 1. Population Study 2. Population Analysis 3. Preliminary Report E. Community Facilities Plan 1. Review of Existing Plan, Data Collection & Analysis 2. Evaluation & Program Design 3. Preliminary Report 4. Final Report PHASE"I TOTAL % COMPLETED WASHINGTON COUNTY 701 COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Authorized by Section 701 of the Housing Act, ].954, as amended, the Washington County 701 Community Planning Assistance Program contract involves the preparation and adoption of a Comprehensive Development Plan, and implementation by the introduction and adoption of zoning, subdivision control, capital improvements programming, codes, and a continuing cooperative planning pro- gram. The Contract is divided into three phases. Phase I consisting of Background Planning, Phase II Plan Development and Phase III Im- plementation. PROGRESS REPORT TO DECEMBER 31, 1971 % Phase Completed 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 -11- PHASE II Plan Development A. Land Development Plan 1. Evaluation & Design, Prel. 2. Evaluation & Design, Final 3. Population Distribution Delineation 4. Plan Preparation B. Major Roads Plan 1. Classification of Existing Roads 2. Study of Existing and Future Circulation Needs 3. Development of Major Roads Plan 4. Preliminary Report 5. Final Report: Land Development Plan and Major Roads Plan PHASE A. Zo 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. PHASE II TOTAL % COMPLETED III Implementation zing Zoning Analysis Zoning Text, Draft Zoning Maps, Preliminary Zoning Maps, Final Final Zoning Ordinance PHASE III % COMPLETED -12- % Phase Completed 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 % Phase Completed 100 100 100 -0- -0- 60 THE PLAN FOR THE COUNTY Phases I and II were brought to completion in 1971, and were highlighted by the adoption of the Plan for the County, the Comprehensive Development Plan and Policies on October 12. The Plan represents the result of several years of study of the County's population, housing, economy, community facilities, land use, natural features and highways, and proposes a plan for guidelines for future development. The Plan for the County is in some aspects general in nature, as it is intended to be a flexible instrument which the County's present and future citizens can use for the purpose of making decisions about the location of development, what natural fea- tures of the landscape to preserve, and what might be done to coordinate the growth of the County's economy. Numerous specific recommendations are, in addition, presented as methods by which the general guidelines of the Plan may be implemented. Nearly one dozen major conservation and develop- ment proposals are analyzed in light of their implications to the development of planning policy. The physical composition of each County municipality, and the major issues current within each are examined, and a series of private and public implemen- tation devices, some tried while others innovative, are recon- mended for study for application at the appropriate point in time. Four observations on future development concerning New Communi- ties, Annexation Procedures, Recreational Potential, and a Rural Land Sales Strategy are discussed. The Plan Map and a set of 159 Plan Policies are included for use by the County in framing current and future decisions, and an Immediate Action Program of citizen and government review is presented. Prior to the adoption of the Plan, seven public meetings were held throughout the County to acquaint the citizens with the document. Extensive coverage through the local news media was also utilized. -13- COUNTY -WIDE PLANNING PROGRAM Under State law, the legislative body of a municipal corpora- tion may, by resolution directed to the legislative, body of the County, indicate the intention to participate in a county -wide planning program. The Planning and Zoning Commission actively encouraged the municipalities to participate in the planning program during 1971. PHASE III IMPLEMENTATION Significant progress was made during 1971 on Phase III Implemen- tation. The Proposed Zoning Ordinance and Proposed Zoning Maps were released to the public on October 14, prior to a Public Hearing which was held on November 1. A total of five public information meetings were conducted on the zoning proposal, as were eight public workshops sessions. The purpose of these workshops, which continued into January, 1972, was to allow the Planning and Zoning Commission to consider additional information concerning individual requests for changes in the Proposed Zoning Ordinance and Proposed Zoning Map classifications. Over 200 such requests were received, arid persons were invited to appear before the Commission and present their additional comments. Again, the local news media were extensively utilized to acquaint the public with the zoning proposal. -14- Soil Limitations Maps Realizing the urgency the Planning and Zoni State Soil Scientist, vice, and the members District in regard to the entire County. of relating subdivision control to soils, ig Chairman first met in 1968 with the an official of the Soil Conservation Ser- of the Washington County Soil Conservation preparation of Soil Limitations Maps for These Maps were completed during 1971, and now enable the Planning and Zoning Commission to relate subdivision and development app- lications to soil permeability, ground water pollution and septic tank sewage disposal. The County Medical Officer and his depart- ment are cooperating with the Commission in this matter. The Soil Conservation District and the State Soil Scientist also prepared Interpretative Systems Charts to be used in conjunction with the Soil Limitation Maps. These documents were received by the Commission in March, and provide the framework for soil lim- itation control under the consultation procedure established by the Subdivision Ordinance for Washington County. Erosion and Sediment Ordinance Prepared by the Erosion and Sediment Task Force, the Erosion and Sediment Ordinance was adopted (by the Board of County Commission- ers) on March.2. The Task Force, comprised of eighteen members, included representatives ..f planning, industry, farming, mining, law, conservation, parks, soil conservation, forestry, health, and lo- cal government. Applicable to any non-agricultural purpose on parcels less than two acres, the Ordinance is designed to protect the lands and waters of the County from the results of soil erosion and sedimentation through control of disturbances of the surface of the earth. The Ordinance requires a plan for control of erosion and sedimentation approved by the Soil Conservation District and grading permit issued by the County Building Department prior to any changes in land surface. -15- Capital Improvements Program In March, the Capital Improvements Program for Fiscal Years 1972- 1976 was submitted to the Board of County Commissioners. As part of the Washington County 701 Community Assistance Program, capital improvements programming is a method by which facilities and ser- vices can be planned and provided to meet the immediate and longer range needs of the County. It is a means by which the County govern- ment can look beyond year-to-year budgeting to determine what, when, and how future capital improvements are to be made to replace obsolete and deteriorated facilities. This program is continuous, being reviewed annually and updated after the initial program has been adopted. This ensures that during each fiscal year, Capital Improvements projects within the five-year program will be analyzed and priorities re-evaluated, based on financial conditions and needs of Washington County. The divisions of County government with projects in the 1972-1976 program are: • County Highways County Sanitary Land Fill • Board of Education County Health Department Little Antietam Watershed Association County Parks Board Economic Development Commission Other County departments ,lave no returns or are collecting data for inclusion in the next program, which will cover Fiscal Years 1973-1977. -16- Flood Plain Study In December 1971 a preliminary report relating to the flood situation along Antietam Creek in Washington County was received from the Baltimore District, Army Corps of Engineers. Conducted at the request of the Planning and Zoning Commission, this will be used to aid the solution of local flood problems in conjunc- tion with the flood plain requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance for Washington County. in addition to Antietam Creek, the corps of Engineers has agreed to prepare similar studies of Washington County streams in the following order: 1. Conococheague Creek 2. Potomac River - Part I - From Fort Frederick County line upstream to above Sharpsburg. 3. Potomac River - Part II - From Sharpsburg upstream to Fort Frederick State park. 4. Potomac River - Part III - From Fort Frederick State Park upstream to the Allegany County Line. These studies will be scheduled dependent upon the availability of Federal funds. -17- The Washinqton County Council. of Governments In 1969, the Department of Housing and Urban Development re- vised its regulations to require that all applications for federal funds be first reviewed by an area -wide organization established for that purpose. This is to insure that approval of fund applications will not conflict with the plans of other jurisdictions. The Washington County Council of Governments was formally or- ganized on July 26. As part of its duties of review of federal fund applications, the Council is to: - study area -wide problems and plans common to two or more members; - promote cooperative arrangements and coordination among its members; - make recommendations for review and action to the members and other public agencies that perform functions within the County. Typical county -wide count -wide problems to be dealt with by the Council include facility studies on sewers and sewage disposal, water, storm drainage, roads, rubbish and garbage disposal, recreation and parks, and zoning. Membership consists of an elected official of the County and each incorporated community therein. No official reviewing action was taken by the Council during 1971, as activity was devoted to organizing and adopting by-laws. The County and six of the nine municipalities are now represented on the Council. These six are Hagerstown, Funkstown, Hancock, Boons- boro, Sharpsburg, and Williamsport. 5E: 1971 SUBDIVISION REVIEW Subdivision or Parts Subdivision Approved in 1971 Category No. - Lots - Acreage Applications Pending from 1970 to Prior No. - Lots NEW 42 99 267.45 4 18 ADDITIONS 7 113 121.40 2 66 PENDING from 1970 to prior 6 84 47.20 TOTAL 55 296 436.05 Disapproved No. - Lots - Acreage 12 178 372.09 Total Subdivision Applications Reviewed - 86 Total Acreage Platted as Final - 436.05 Total Lots Reviewed as Preliminary - 456 Total Lots Approved for Recording - 296 Total Subdivision Applications carried over 1972 - 6 -19- 1971 FINAL SUBDIVISIONS Name & Section No. of Lots Total Acres Final Pre. - Final Final Approval Potomac Manor, Sec. "C" 7 7 11.6 1-04-71 Woodmoor, Sec. "B" 67 59 19.3 1-18-71 Maurice Martin 3 3 2.3 2-01-71 Braeburn South 7 7 5.2 3-01-71 Abbott Village, Sec. "A" 4 4 3.8 3-01-71 Elmer A. Stone 4 4 5.0 5-03-71 Snively-Canfield 2 2 1.5 6-07-71 Portion of Abbott Village 1 1 4.0 6-07-71 Joseph W. Sier 2 2 1.3 6.07-71 Issac W. Norris 1 1 5.0 6-07-71 Osage Overlook, Sec. "L" 12 12 103.0 6-07-71 Ray Corwell 4 4 2.8 7-12-71 Laura M. Ford 1 1 1.0 8-30-71 Andrew J. Michael 1 1 2.0. 9-07-71 James R. Grimm 1 1 3.0 9-07-71 Elsie L. Edwards 1 1 .2 9-20-71 Kenneth E. Martin 1 1 .9 9-20-71 Otho E. A. Kretzer 11 1 2.1 9-20-71 Extention to Orchard "2" 20 20 6.5 10-04-71 Hills, Sec. 1 1 .9 10-04-71 Van C. Ridenour 1 1 .7 10-04-71 Ira M. Pike & Wife 1 1 .4 10-04-71 Janes L. Andrews Farmers & Merchants 1 1 7.0 10-08--71 Bank - Paramount Branch 2 1.4 10-18-71 Price Farms, Inc. 2 1.. 1 3.6 10-18-71 Mrs. John Niner 1 10-18-71 Ralph E. Sterling 1 1 .9 10-18-71 David M. Eby 1 .9 Shank's Addition 1 10-18-71 to St. James Village 1. 1 .9 10-18-71 Harry D. Ferguson 11 1 .4 10-18-71 Richard A. Miller "C" 1 7 .6 4.1 10-].8--71 Mill Village, Sec. 11 1 2.8 10-18-71 Charles R. Miller. 1 Osage Overlook, Sec. "2" 18 18 75.0 10-18-71 RADCO, Inc. Sec. "1" 40 40 41.7 10-18-71 Emanuel Vetter 1 1 6.3 11-01-71 Richard E. Coffman 1 1 1.0 11-01-71 Gristmill Hill, Sec. "A" 7 7 21.0 11-01-71 H. Page Smith 1 1 1.5 11-15-71 Keller J. Rowe 1 1 1.4 11-15-71 -20- • 1971 SUBDIVISIONS (Con't) No. of Lots Total Acres Name & Section Pre. - Final Final Final Approval Colonial Manor Apts. 71(units) 71(units) 5.4 11-15-71 Richard G. Bloyer 4 4 3.5 11-15-71 Pauline M. Bonebrake 1 1 1.4 11-15-71 Raymond E. Bonebrake 1 1 2.6 11-15-71 Frank D. Barlup 1 1 .7 11-15-71 Joseph L. Troxell 1 1 1.3 11-15-71 Lester B. Fisher 1 1 1.0 11-18-71 Janetta G. Davis 1 1 .7 11-18-71 Hugh E. Middlekauff 1 1 2.0 11-18-71 Benjamin E. Weller 2 2 1.6 12-06-71 Woburn Estates 21 20 11.3 12-06-71 Daniel S. Secrest 3 3 2.9 12-06-71 Fredington 6 6 42.6 12-06-71 Larry Hastings 1 1 3.8 12-06-71 Gerald Miller 1 1 1.0 12-20-71 Washington Center •- - 6.6 12-20-71 Subdivision Regulations Subdivision regulations were first introdu'ed in Washington County with the enactment of the 1964 Subdivision Ordinance. This Ordinance, which regulated subdivisions into three (3) or more parcels, was supplanted by a new Ordina.ce, which was enacted on September 8, 1970. The 1970 Subdivision Ordinance, a more comprehensive document then its predecessor, covers divisions of land into two (2) or more parcels. In addition to residential subdivisions, a non-residential category, encompassing industrial and commercial tracts irrespective of actual subdivisions of land, is included. Amendments to the 1970 Subdivision Ordinance were approved and adopted (by the Board of County Commissioners) on June 28, 1971. Several changes concerning grades, radii and distance, were incorporated into ARTICLE IV, Design Principles and Standards. Provision •was also made for stricter penalties for violations. The remainder of the amendments were primarily devoted to minor language and defini- tional change. Highlights of County Development in 1971 1. The Planning and Zoning Commission granted final approval to 55 subdivisions, totaling 436.05 acres. Among these approvals were: A. Colonial Manor Apartments, located on Birch Knoll Road near U. S. Route 40, with a total of 71 units. B. Radco Inc, located on U. S. Route 40 near Indian Springs, to include a lodge and forty campsites. C. Washington Center, located on U. S. Route 11 at Maugans Avenue, a new shopping center. 2. Antietam Homes, located in Funkstown, completed construction of 50 townhouses for low -moderate income families. 3. Three projects in the Halfway Area, Tanglewood Apartments, Halfway Manor, and Noland Village began or completed con- struction. These projects will provide a total of 362 housing units for all income families. 4. Construction neared completion on Milestone Gardens, an apart- ment oomplex annexed by the Town of Williamsport. A total of 97 units in eight apartment buildings will be provided. 5. Construction began on Brightwood Gardens, a plan for three, eleven unit apartment buildings located on Robinwood Drive near U. S. Route 40. 6. Work began on the first section of Lakeside Park, a large mobile home park near the intersection of Interstates 70 and 81. This first suction will contain 323 pads, with eventual expansion to include 596 pads. 7. Economic development announced during 1971 included: A. Ryder Truck Lines, Inc., to hire another 100 persons at its new freight terminal in the Hagerstown Municipal Airport Industrial Park. B. Donahue Sales, to employ 50-60 workers, to build a facility in the County industrial park which will be a distribution point for products manu- factured by Textron, Inc. C. Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., to employ 100 persons to produce travel trailers at its new site in the County industrial park. -22- D. The Certain -Teed Products Corporation plant in the County industrial park to hire 75 employees to start and eventually 500. The plant, which manufactures plastic pipe, began .production during 1971. E. Gabriel Industries, a toy manufacturer, to expand its existing plant at a cost of $800,000 to hire an additional 250 workers. F. Sterling Radiator Company, to expand the old Victor Products plant to employ an additional 150 persons in the production of rooftop heating units and other equipment. 8. Board of Education projects included: A. Fountain Rock Elementary School, at the intersec- tion of the Downsville Pike and State Route 68 completed and occupied. B. Construction began on new Vo-Tech Center on West Oak Ridge Drive. C. Construction neared completion on Kemp -Horn Vocational Center, a facility for handicapped youth, located on Georgetown Road near Smiths - burg. Occupancy is expected in early 1972. The development listed above is depicted on the 1971 Development Map. These developments were consistent with each other, con- sistent with the adopted comprehensive development plan, and consistent with adopted plans of all state and local jurdis- dictions that have responsibility for financing or constructing public improvements necessary to implement the County Plan. Commercial and Industrial Development New industry, designated & , was located in indus- trial parks which are eminently suitable for in- dustrial use, divided into small tracts according to a comprehensive plan for occupancy by a group of industries,_ having necessary streets and utili- ties. Business and Commercial development, designated ® , was located at the junction of residential neighborhoods rather then within, in an area designed to serve a potential 8000- 15,000 persons residing within approximately a 3/4 mile radius. -23- 2. Subdivisions Designated Q , subdivisions included a range of housing types from single-family to multi -family structures, with provisions for variations in the design of these areas and their related facilities. Varying densities were also permitted, dependent upon the type of development, location, and degree of public improvements available. 3. Transportation Designated 3, these road reconstruction projects were all listed as high priority County Roads Department projects in the Plan For The County. These reconstructions are in line with the Plan's Policy of increasing the capacity, efficiency and safety of the present County Roads System by utilizing the existing County roadways. 4. Community Facilities Designated 3, these facilities are all part of the current building program of the Board of Education, included in the Plan For The County. These new facilities were located to best serve the existing and potential needs of students, irrespective of existing school district boundaries, incorporated area boundaries, or other political or district boundaries. -24- lil SUMMARY OF 1971 MEETINGS l Classification Number iiRegular Planning and Zoning Commission 24 F1Special Planning and Zoning Commission 7 H Public 42 Task Force for Erosion and Sediment Control 11 Planning and Zoning Commission Workshops 34 TOTAL 118 TIThis calendar of meetings is indicative of the scope of the Planning and Zoning Commission's activity during 1971. 3 Significant is the extent to which the public was involved in the planning program. The 42 meetings listed as public were rl held not only with the general public, but with occupational groups such as the Realtors Association, The Farm Bureau, In- dustrial Leaders, and the Engineering Association. The Little Antietam Watershed Association, the County Commissioners, elected officials of the towns, presentations to the press, appearances on local radio and television, are also included in this category. In addition, 8 of the 34 workshop sessions held during 1971 were for the prupose of considering individual requests for changes in proposedzoning classifications. Persons who had requested changes personally appeared before the Commission to present their comments. PUBLICATIONS The following publications are available from the office of the Washington County Commissioners, Court House Annex, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740. I1 Publication Price 1111 Plan for the County $ 5.00 �.r Subdivision Ordinance $ 2.00 Comprehensive Water and Waste Water Plan $10.00 66•1 Proposed Zoning Ordinance none Erosion and Sediment Ordinance none -26- COUNTY -WIDE PLANNING PROGRAM The inclusion in this program of all county municipalities would promote a more comprehensive development guide for this area. COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Participation in t County would serve area wide problems and coordination. wide goals and the of resources. ie Council by all municipalities in the to strengthen the process of, identifying through inter -governmental cooperation It can lead to the establishment of area setting of priorities for the allocation TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL A Local Development District under the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Council's area includes Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. As a regional organization, the emergence of the Council will greatly enhance the process of identifying area -wide problems, and accordingly, the setting of regional goals and priorities for the allocation of resources. -28-