July 2016
by James Rada, Jr.
Emmitsburg
If You See Something, Say Something
Emmitsburg officials are pushing a new program to encourage residents to report suspicious activity to the sheriff’s department, and not just wait for the deputies to find the problems.
“It’s up to us,” said Emmitsburg Mayor Don Briggs, during a recent town meeting. “It’s our community.”
Reports can be made anonymously to 301-600-2071 or by e-mailing emmitsburgdeputies@emmitsburgmd.gov.
Modifying the Sidewalk Ordinance
The Emmitsburg mayor and town commissioners discussed modifications that they may make to the town’s sidewalk ordinance. They discussed who is responsible for debris and trash on the sidewalks in front of their property, as well as who is responsible for repairs to the sidewalk.
“If you look at our main street and if you look at our neighborhood streets, we want to have this walkability piece in place,” said Commissioner Tim O’Donnell. “We want it to be a safe and clean environment for our kids and elderly and ourselves. And we want it to also be an inviting environment.”
Commissioner Joseph Ritz, III was hesitant to support the changes because he feared that the property owner would be held responsible for something for which they actually aren’t responsible.
Town staff will make additional modifications and clarifications to the ordinance and present it to the commissioners again during the August town meeting.
Town Fails to Locate Dog Park
The Emmitsburg Mayor and Commissioners discussed the budgets, pros and cons for two possible locations for a town dog park. One location is off the end of Cedar Avenue, and the other location is off the end of the parking lot by the Babe Ruth field. The first location would require substantial grading, while the second location would need to have the water line extended to it.
Commissioner Cliff Sweeney recommended siting the park at the second location and applying for additional grant funding from the Maryland Community Parks and Playgrounds. The additional funding would be used to pay for the water line extension needed for the dog drinking fountains at the park. The motion failed 2-3.
The commissioners are planning to revisit the issue during the August meeting, at which time they hope to have more community input.
For more information on the town of Emmitsburg, visit www.emmitsburgmd.gov or call 301-600-6300.
Thurmont
Keep Your Grass Out of the Streets
The Thurmont Police Department reminds residents that it is a violation of town code to “blow cut grass, weeds, and/or leaves into the street or gutter of any Town street.” If it does happen, it needs to be removed within four hours, and it cannot be washed into the storm sewer. Violators can be fined $50. Violators can be reported by calling 301-271-0905 x105 or via the town website (Thurmont.com) under the “Report a Concern” tab.
Palmer Alley Work Delayed
The asphalt work that was planned for Palmer Alley has been delayed. The plan is that the work will still be done this summer, and residents will be notified before the work begins.
National Night Out is August 2
The annual National Night Out event in Thurmont is planned for August 2, 2016, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The goal of National Night Out is to create stronger relationships between community members and local law enforcement. National Night Out seeks to heighten crime-prevention awareness, build support and participation in local anti-crime programs, and most importantly, send a message that our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
For more information on the town of Thurmont, visit www.thurmont.com or call the town office at 301-271-7313.