HAGERSTOWN, Md. -– Washington County commissioners on Tuesday will take up the first major school mitigation proposal under the county’s revised Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, deciding whether to allow a 123-townhome development near Hickory Elementary School.
Commissioners will be asked to consider moving ahead with the development in exchange for a larger financial contribution toward future school construction will be on commissioners’ table..
The Townes at Rockspring subdivision, proposed by D.R. Horton, would add 123 townhouse units east of Hickory School Road. County planners determined the development would push Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance that took effect July 1.
Rather than delaying the project, the developer is asking commissioners to approve an alternate mitigation plan that would increase its contribution from about $269,600 under the previous formula to $369,000, or $3,000 per lot. County staff members said the additional funding would help finance future school construction while allowing the subdivision review process to continue.
The proposal carries added urgency because the Phase 1 subdivision plat, covering 65 townhouse lots, expires Aug. 22 unless a mitigation plan is approved. According to the developer’s application, failure to secure approval could jeopardize previously approved water and sewer allocations for the project.
Other notable items on the agenda:
• Approval to execute the next design task order for a replacement air traffic control tower at Hagerstown Regional Airport.
• Consideration of Washington County’s Opportunity Zone 2.0 census tract nomination, which could position portions of the county for future federal economic development incentives.
• Authorization for the purchase of two new 2027 Mack Granite plow trucks with dump bodies and snowplow equipment for the Highway Department through a cooperative purchasing agreement.
• A Highway Fund budget amendment for fiscal 2027.
• A memorandum of understanding with the Maryland Department of Agriculture for continued black fly treatment operations.
• A letter supporting Fisher BioServices’ use of a portion of the county’s Foreign Trade Zone acreage in Frederick County.
• Approval of a multi-park agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior for fire and EMS services.
• A recommendation to hire a transportation engineer and several appointments to county boards and commissions.
Commissioners are also scheduled to meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters, a business incentive proposal, and receive legal advice on several county matters before reconvening in open session.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the County Administration Building at100 W. Washington St., Hagerstown. It is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the county’s YouTube channel and local cable access. Written public comments may be submitted to [email protected].
Readers may view the full agenda here.
