SMITHSBURG, Md. – At the last Town Council meeting, a Smithsburg resident questioned the town’s enforcement of its sidewalk parking ordinance, arguing that the rule makes little sense in residential neighborhoods and appears to be enforced inconsistently.
During public comment, resident Dave Greenwood addressed the mayor and Town Council, telling them he was surprised when a police officer recently came to his home after receiving complaints that his vehicle was blocking the sidewalk in front of his property.
Greenwood said he was aware of the ordinance but believed it was no longer being actively enforced because he had parked there for months without issue.
The meeting marked the first regular session of the newly constituted Town Council following Smithsburg’s May 26 municipal election.
Newly elected Council member Earleen Smith took part in her first regular meeting after winning a seat on the council, joining returning Mayor Donald Souders Jr. and Council member Cathie McCormick, who were reelected by voters.
“I don’t think a lot of people know this even exists,” Greenwood said. “They’re just parking in their driveways like they think they’re able to.”
Greenwood said he understands the need to keep sidewalks clear in the downtown area but questioned why the rule is being enforced in residential neighborhoods.
“I agree with [the ordinance] downtown,” he said. “I understand Water Street, Main Street, the busy sections of town. Yeah, that’s something that needs to be enforced. [But] not in residential areas.”
He argued that forcing residents to move vehicles from driveways onto neighborhood streets can create additional traffic concerns. “We’re not supposed to be creating problems. We’re supposed to be solving problems,” Greenwood said.
Mayor Souders said he understood Greenwood’s concerns and agreed that enforcement should be consistent. “I can tell you I empathize with you,” Souders said, noting that he has faced similar complaints involving vehicles parked near his own property.
“If we haven’t enforced it consistently, then that’s a thing that we need to make sure that we do if we’re going to,” Souders said. “We have to be consistent and fair.”
Souders said town officials would discuss the issue with Police Chief Christopher Marker when he returns from annual leave.
In other business
• The council held public hearings on proposed fiscal year 2027 water, sewer and sanitation rates. The minimum quarterly in-town utility bill will increase to $250.06, while the minimum out-of-town bill will rise to $270.16. The new rates will take effect Sept. 1.
• Council members reviewed the proposed 2027 budget, which projects $2.7 million in combined general fund revenues and $2.4 million in expenditures, leaving an estimated surplus of $285,000.
• Souders and Town Manager Brian Brandt reported meeting with officials from the City of Hagerstown to discuss water infrastructure, distribution capacity and future improvements to regional water facilities, including the city’s reservoir and treatment plant projects.
• Police reported responding to 283 calls for service during May. Smithsburg officers handled all but 15 of those calls, which were handled by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Officers also issued eight traffic citations and addressed 19 code enforcement violations related to grass, weeds and brush.
• Members of the town’s 250th anniversary committee unveiled a new promotional rack card highlighting Smithsburg attractions and local businesses. The cards will include QR codes linking visitors to town information and tourism resources.
