HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Plans for a new 123-unit townhome development near Hickory Elementary School can go forward, Washington County commissioners said Wednesday, allowing the developer to pay $3,000 per lot toward new school development.
Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance mitigation plan for D.R. Horton Inc.’s proposed Townes at Rockspring development, allowing the builder to move forward with plans for 123 townhomes off Hickory School Road and Massey Boulevard.
The project had been delayed because Hickory Elementary School exceeds the school capacity threshold established under the county’s previous ordinance.
Under the agreement, the developer will contribute $3,000 per lot, or $369,000, toward future school construction. Planning staff said Hickory Elementary would reach 129.1 percent of its state-rated capacity with the first phase of the project, while Springfield Middle School and Williamsport High School have sufficient capacity to accommodate additional students.
Jennifer Kinzer, deputy director of planning and zoning, said the project had been unable to move forward under the previous ordinance because development stopped once an elementary school exceeded 120 percent of state-rated capacity. The ordinance adopted July 1 created an alternative mitigation process that allows qualifying projects to proceed after commissioner approval.
The first phase includes 59 townhomes, with another 64 planned in later phases. D.R. Horton representatives said homes are expected to range from approximately 1,500 to 1,900 square feet, with base prices between about $325,000 and $374,000, and estimated the subdivision could be completed within three to three-and-a-half years.
Commissioner Neil Parrott said the county has a strong need for additional townhome construction.
“I know there is a demand for … more affordable housing,” Parrott said. “The county is sort of starving for townhomes.”
County submits 7 Opportunity Zone nominations
Commissioners also unanimously approved submitting all seven eligible Hagerstown census tracts for consideration under the new federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 program.
County Director of Business and Economic Development Jonathan Horowitz said the updated program is intended to encourage private investment in housing, commercial redevelopment, adaptive reuse and workforce development projects. He said the designation process will be competitive, with the state expected to recommend only about one-quarter of submitted nominations.
Horowitz said nearly all county-owned property within the eligible census tracts is already developed residential land. The only significant undeveloped county parcel is a 2.5-acre commercially zoned property along Eastern Boulevard that is expected to be annexed by the City of Hagerstown before future development.
Other business
Commissioners authorized a $1.117 million engineering task order to complete final design work for a replacement air traffic control tower at Hagerstown Regional Airport. Airport officials said the work, funded through previously announced state support, will complete the project’s design within approximately 12 to 14 months and position it for future construction.
The board also approved a memorandum of understanding with the state Department of Agriculture to continue the county’s participation in the Potomac River black fly suppression program. Washington County currently contributes about $50,000 annually toward the cost-sharing effort, and commissioners said they intend to revisit funding levels during future budget discussions as residents continue to report summertime infestations in southern Washington County.
Other actions approved by the commissioners included:
● A $50,676 sole-source contract with Hub City Mobile of Hagerstown for maintenance and security of the county’s website.
● Purchase of two new 2027 Mack Granite plow trucks for the Highway Department at a cost of $620,424, replacing two 2007 Sterling trucks.
● Purchase of 19 sets of structural firefighting turnout gear for Emergency Services recruits at a cost of $70,004.
● A $108,900 Highway Fund budget amendment to complete roadway line striping that was not finished during the previous fiscal year.
● Hiring Eric Dikes as the county’s transportation engineer.
● Appointments and reappointments to the Washington County Board of Social Services, Adult Public Guardianship Review Board and Historic District Commission.
The next meeting of the commissioners will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
