Freedom Area Citizens' Council
of South Carroll County, Maryland


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February 26, 2007

The Honorable Julia W. Gouge, Commissioner
The Honorable Dean Minnich, Commissioner
The Honorable Michael Zimmer, Commissioner
The Carroll County Office Building
225 North Center Street
Westminster MD 21157

RE: 2007 Freedom Area Citizens Council Priorities

Dear Commissioners Gouge, Minnich and Zimmer:

I am writing on behalf of the Freedom Area Citizens Council (FACC) to set forth our group's priorities for the upcoming year. You may recall that we provided a similar letter last year.

FACC is thankful for some of the accomplishments in Freedom over the last year that were concerns of our residents. For example, working with the State on a final design plan for the intersection of Routes 32 and 26.

Permit me to reiterate some of the priorities from 2005 and 2006 that as of yet remain unfinished business:

  1. Infrastructure Improvements. FACC encourages the development and completion of the State's wells on both the Springfield and Moxley properties, as well as the pursuit of other possibilities to supplement the Liberty Reservoir resource. FACC recommends the creation of a water board representing the interests of those on the public water systems, namely the residents of the Freedom Area.

  2. Carrolltowne 4B - Security Development Corporation's Plan for Kali Drive. FACC appreciates the County's continued support for the Eldersburg community in efforts to find a compromise with Security Development Corp. that will not jeopardize the already stressed school system, road system and water supply.

  3. Road Improvements. FACC would like to see the County work with the State in beginning construction on the final design of Route 32 and Route 26 improvements. As part of that project, signalization at MacBeth Way and Route 32 should remain a high priority given the very dangerous nature of that intersection. FACC supports safety improvement and funding for connector roads, especially Georgetown Boulevard through to Progress Way with the onset of new commercial and retail development in that area.

  4. Economic Development. As stated for the past two years, the Warfield complex should be the County's number one site for the south Carroll area for jobs as well as industrial/office expansion. While we realize that this is more of a State issue, we would also be very interested in seeing the State surplus the Martin Gross property, near Springfield so that further economic development can take place for South Carroll.


In addition, FACC would urge upon the County a few additional priorities that have come to light over the last year, particularly with respect to the planning conferences that the County has been so kind to host, especially in relation to the master plan process:

  1. Representation. FACC would like to see greater representation to the Freedom Area. In the 2006 elections, Commissioners by district and Map Options were central to the debate. Since the election, the topic has been ignored. We urge the Commissioners to keep this issue at the forefront, and resolve it well before the next election. Specifically, FACC urges the creation of five commissioner districts, as decided by voters. We would support Map Option 2 for the following reasons: The Freedom Area would have two commissioners, consistent with FACC's request for more representation in our area; and this Option was recommended by the Redistricting Committee.

  2. Gateways. FACC believes that aesthetically pleasing entryways into the Freedom area (which are, in addition, gateways into Carroll County itself) are of high importance. Recent developments have made evident that gate development criteria are inadequate at present. We would encourage the County to utilize the Gateway Committee's recommendations made a number of years ago during the tenure of the last Board of Commissioners as a starting point. FACC is also in support of Senate Bill 842 that would allow the Commissioners to give a tax credit to business that renovate, upgrade or rehabilitate in accordance with these criteria.

  3. Master Plan. In connection with the master planning process, FACC would like to see the County adopt a set of principles or guidelines for future development, particularly along main corridors in Carroll County such as Routes 26 and 32. As set forth in recent planning sessions sponsored by the County, the County does not have to accept basic and uniform project design, particularly for chain commercial development. Instead, the County can insist upon compliance with a set of guidelines or development principles that would make any future development aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with the character of the surrounding neighborhoods in Carroll County. The County should also consider development in line with current zoning districts. When zoning districts are to be changed, or new developments are considered, all Freedom Area residents would appreciate notification and the opportunity to provide feedback.

  4. Traffic. Increased development in the Freedom Area has caused major traffic concerns. Most recently, our neighbors have been concerned about increased traffic on Mineral Hill Road with the construction of the new South Carroll Senior Center. In recent years, residents of Carrolltowne have expressed concerns about traffic on MacBeth Way, a proposed connector road, and Ridge Road, home to the Security Development Corporation's plan for Kali Drive. With the impending development on Londontown Boulevard, we strongly urge the County to reconsider a connector road at Georgetown Boulevard to alleviate the congestion surrounding Eldersburg Marketplace. The County should educate communities and developers on their options for traffic calming, and make resources available to speak to these residents at community association meetings.


Once again, we hope that you will favorably consider these priorities for the Freedom Area.
Very truly yours,

Nicole Musgrave-Burdette
President

cc: Mr. Frank Johnson, Director, Government Relations
Mr. Steve Powell, Chief of Staff
Mr. Steve Horn, Director, Planning
Del. Susan Krebs
Sen. Allan Kittleman
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