[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6454713,"mediaKeyId","5860668-35c3acb91e019872c9752565f77daa29","parentId",5860668,"title","McDonald’s proposes smaller Taneytown restaurant, seeks parking and signage variances","audioSeconds",1635,"startMs",129000,"endMs",1764000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860668-35c3acb91e019872c9752565f77daa29&start=129&end=1764","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860668-35c3acb91e019872c9752565f77daa29/thumbnail_129000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6454713/Taneytown/Carroll-County/Maryland/McDonalds-proposes-smaller-Taneytown-restaurant-seeks-parking-and-signage-variances","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454713-606b6cb25a3e5dce23fdefdcdd621349/orig.mp4?Expires=1770859144&Signature=adwUsrZTZeordG5FQuYt-7TlQgFKu52xfnhIGIP1dqkF-WUPdDXAiUtleoXzeETXAoFVmzw-gcSht8p9mDlo3841jDu6EXHxsI~HiuHDFVXp3ajUgwxon1XIeBAMd9jTEqOWijujFGPvSkl5GdNuhBpA2Eza0xwkFnH5rmIHvsGwO5rzyOXzET1lbrZ1oLCbH461D1Gm~syoNHPNEnnf24Vsb31WBGesHPPfHjaowxCy4aFF-1ILcNC5s-3KMmd4PFj09n-IevHGrCvOReObuWGcr9s~JZMTzHn8hR1hxB9uLvyJQ5rwaTKdQVm1nF5Zsg2VCHeH-WTmJSAsfdpReA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Taneytown, MD","date","2025-09-30T14:08:26Z","article","McDonald’s representatives presented a concept plan on the proposed redevelopment of 520 East Baltimore Street and asked the Planning Commission to forward comments for an October 22 Board of Zoning Appeals hearing on parking and signage variances.

The plan calls for demolishing the existing roughly 6,000‑square‑foot restaurant and replacing it with a 4,181‑square‑foot building, with a side‑by‑side double order‑point drive‑through and 21 on‑site parking spaces. Brandon Rao of Boller Engineering said the site is about 35,000 square feet and is currently in the city’s General Business zoning district. “The new building will be 4,181 square feet,” Rao said during the presentation.

Commissioners and members of the public raised questions about whether 21 spaces — down from 34 today and below the city code requirement of about 42 spaces — will accommodate customers and employees, and whether the adjacent Taneytown Shopping Center has legal capacity to absorb overflow parking. Rao said a parking study found only 15 spaces used at peak on the existing lot and that the larger shopping center had substantial unused capacity at the sampled times; he added that he would discuss specifics with McDonald’s and the traffic consultant. The planning commission asked staff to pass the commission’s concerns to the Board of Zoning Appeals, including a request that the applicant investigate cross‑easements or written permission with the shopping center and that any off‑site parking be accompanied by safe pedestrian access and lighting.

The project team also disclosed a recorded, tentative SHA (State Highway Administration) right‑of‑way along the East Baltimore Street frontage. Rao said he contacted Anish Thomas in SHA District 7, who said SHA has no active plan to acquire the strip now but wanted to reserve future rights; on that advice the applicant left a green buffer area along the frontage and avoided placing building, dumpster, or drive improvements within the recorded strip. The applicant also noted the proposed dumpster is located within an existing sewer and water easement; the concept plan includes a note acknowledging the city’s right to relocate the enclosure at the applicant’s cost if the utility easement must be accessed for repairs.

On circulation and deliveries, Rao said WB‑62 (65‑foot) tractor‑trailers used for McDonald’s deliveries can circulate the site and that deliveries are timed to avoid peak drive‑through hours. He said the rebuilt site reduces impervious area and that stormwater runoff would continue to be treated by a regional facility nearby.

The planning commission did not take a formal final action on the concept plan. Commissioners agreed to forward comments to the Board of Zoning Appeals emphasizing concerns about the reduced on‑site parking and the need for documentation (cross‑easement or lease) if off‑site parking in the Taneytown Shopping Center will be relied on, and recommending coordination on pedestrian crosswalk(s) and lighting if off‑site parking is to be used.

The applicant plans to pursue the parking and signage variances at the October 22 Board of Zoning Appeals hearing and to return to the city for subsequent site plan reviews.

A closing note: speakers repeatedly separated discussion (questions and public comment) from formal action — no variances or variances recommendations were granted by the commission tonight; the body transmitted comments and concerns to the Board of Zoning Appeals for consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting for the month of September 2025","oneSentenceSummary","McDonald’s representatives presented a concept plan on the proposed redevelopment of 520 East Baltimore Street and asked the Planning Commission to forward comments for an October 22 Board of Zoning Appeals hearing on parking and signage variances.","taxTitle","Taneytown, Carroll County, Maryland","taxId",71667,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6454708,"Taco Bell concept at Tevis site draws strong neighborhood concern over traffic and access",4485,1804000,6289000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860668-35c3acb91e019872c9752565f77daa29&start=1804&end=6289","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860668-35c3acb91e019872c9752565f77daa29/thumbnail_1804000.jpg","/articles/6454708/Taneytown/Carroll-County/Maryland/Taco-Bell-concept-at-Tevis-site-draws-strong-neighborhood-concern-over-traffic-and-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454708-2523722074564560c99364865ebb2735/orig.mp4?Expires=1770859144&Signature=cRO6Z8yUXOBiOfUUj9-fgbfm4MuZtYnzguNSt1Snl~om4uchv-dfC~h24xJIBLk716gkU1fevHL9Xsr58SfKdZnA7F4b98iPzhW4Yb8C5lWcLSfof8ponKeQRpipHApQpgY60fif3d6AzXGocyRVsv6rt7Zx4Q4Zuc~vJL3ttsKMObbsWx0oTh7ej3deqeJ4rYQIl5s5~M9cklHLi7jjasmHu7XYoos916DzPc8lTtMEHn8O247pt~1mpC7dQ8sdaVS07hDRD~shDNmkZ6GwojqPPjne7J82JKbQZGZKWm1fz0XM8~LlnTmHl3pqccW8hOVbG9sWN~-Qe3ECFC5bxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff and the developer presented a concept plan to build a 2,118‑square‑foot Taco Bell at the former Tevis/Rob’s Tower Motors site at East Baltimore Street, reconfiguring two existing parcels so each has East Baltimore frontage and reserving a second lot for a future quick‑service restaurant.

Lauren Smyth of Dynamic Engineering described a phased project: Lot 1 (about 1.14 acres) would house the Taco Bell with a single‑lane drive‑through, 24 parking spaces (including two accessible spaces), a menu board and a proposed freestanding monument sign. Lot 2 (about 1.09 acres) is shown conceptually as a 2,500‑square‑foot quick‑service restaurant requiring about 25 spaces in the concept layout. Smyth said the combined development reduces site impervious cover from about 61.5% to roughly 50.7% and proposes submerged gravel wetlands and proprietary stormwater controls to improve water quality.

The applicant requested a sign‑area variance because the building’s short street frontage yields small by‑right signage under city code; the team submitted a variance application to be heard Oct. 22 by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Smyth said the proposed total sign area is about 225 square feet compared with the by‑right allowance of about 57 square feet for the measured façade.

Public comment focused heavily on traffic, safety and neighborhood cut‑throughs. Dozens of Creekside and Amicus Street residents described existing speeding and sight‑distance problems on Amicus and Brake Iron and warned that a restaurant with an Amicus access could increase cut‑through traffic, endanger pedestrians (including school bus stops) and produce tractor‑trailer and delivery routing concerns. Resident Steve Scholkoff described a “blind area” near the water tower and said traffic already behaves like a high‑speed connector; several residents urged that any pedestrian connection from the development to the neighborhood be improved and that parking‑lot lighting and a crosswalk be provided if off‑site parking or pedestrian routes are used.

Commissioners and staff asked for additional details: whether the sidewalk would connect to existing sidewalks on Amicus/Wilson Avenue, final photometric plans, confirmation that vehicle deliveries and trash collection will not burden neighborhood streets, and whether Lot 2 could become a sit‑down restaurant (the applicant said the landlord retains discretion). The developer stated that the draft traffic impact study has been submitted to the city and that the study includes both lots; the planning commission requested that Dynamic Traffic or the retained traffic consultant present the finalized traffic report at the commission’s next meeting so commissioners and residents can question trip distribution, queuing and intersection capacity analyses.

On the Board of Zoning Appeals issue, commissioners indicated they would forward comments (particularly on traffic and pedestrian access) and, separate from the signage variance (which the Board of Appeals will decide), they emphasized traffic‑study transparency and resident outreach. The commission did not grant or deny any site approvals tonight; staff said final design, permitting and several agency reviews remain before a site plan can be approved.","Developer presented a concept for a Taco Bell at the Tevis site (529 East Baltimore Street) with an accompanying future quick‑service lot. Residents and commissioners raised traffic, pedestrian‑safety and parking concerns; the commission asked for the traffic consultant to present the final traffic study at the next Planning Commission meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6454695,"Planning commission grants preliminary approval for Taneytown Supply site plan; final steps remain",259,7855000,8114000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860668-35c3acb91e019872c9752565f77daa29&start=7855&end=8114","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860668-35c3acb91e019872c9752565f77daa29/thumbnail_7855000.jpg","/articles/6454695/Taneytown/Carroll-County/Maryland/Planning-commission-grants-preliminary-approval-for-Taneytown-Supply-site-plan-final-steps-remain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454695-872f2cd5b25ad154f6dea0fac64b259c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770859144&Signature=Xz1okJ-uOXxDDmZFQp3X8bqCiNAxMqhYo8kK7GuLmxX49JaRX0nfE5yD7Av3MZzOc6GLOtnKebCLriohkDcoAnegphK3VXHBgiM4ZF1khnK81ewvfunDAG-7bf0C9KSBEp0wn0jt3YcsyFyMjT6s8wWqjYENsfbbc35e8t-Lg6BsdR3XG4fJXhvpWin5f~6mcGuImwa2EH6BIHmI78XCiJtsPkrzOnzQSxlAdLP9RICqiR-s~MX3wL0V0MKOzOpIxp2NvcCA6v9DG1uTbmnTMHBcXczGRCA0pSMj~GkGtAB3h-oE3DqNUNG9i-KnG6jZLBVKIU3Yb3Vjr7fn8MHG4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission voted to grant preliminary site plan approval to Taneytown Supply after staff reported that most agency review letters were complete and outstanding facility certifications could be provided during final plan submittal.

Staff explained that the project had been in review since January 2024 and that outstanding items were limited; the commission discussed water and sewer connections and how the site will tie into existing municipal mains. The commission asked staff to confirm where water and sewer service will be taken and whether any force‑main connections or private pump stations are involved. Staff responded that the plan will tie into existing infrastructure via Hartman Street and that final APFO (adequate public facilities) certifications and facility approvals will be required at final plan submittal.

A planning commissioner moved to approve the preliminary site plan; the motion was seconded. The chair called the vote: members voted by voice and the motion carried. The approval is preliminary; staff and the applicant will proceed with required agency certifications and final engineering. If construction funding and final agency approvals are secured, the project will return for final site plan approval and permitting.","The Planning Commission voted to approve the preliminary site plan for Taneytown Supply. Staff reported agency letters are mostly in hand; commissioners asked staff to confirm remaining facility certifications during final plan review. Final approval and construction remain subject to standard permitting and certifications.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6454699,"Taneytown presents preliminary DPW facility plan; parking, classroom size and funding remain open",360,7001000,7361000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860668-35c3acb91e019872c9752565f77daa29&start=7001&end=7361","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860668-35c3acb91e019872c9752565f77daa29/thumbnail_7001000.jpg","/articles/6454699/Taneytown/Carroll-County/Maryland/Taneytown-presents-preliminary-DPW-facility-plan-parking-classroom-size-and-funding-remain-open","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454699-bc67ca4936e2a92e1ffa20b4844ea16e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770859144&Signature=CFFTP9C86WUKR~rk5YRrM5Md5cphFyTgHE-Vd0QUUYN1ZOpLHAwI~dJhEpQ~yH14dYHPboM5aFcFxPkjvN5-RZjxcUbdAtGKVYdbg53M-UXgJMEv93A6fa0mfcCheQp8MakWDk42p8OP~7NnYtZvNN~notrlmAPhFjniSTvBDiDERnBpsp9ps5fEn3AuwKQIzVmU07mA0YJXvTSvHYug4S-D34p~75VNNgdTFn3u~O4zjx0prPupv4T07ytAiViW2BmkWTXGutWxECYjpmpr-DXt8eQVZUr9tj~Vjk5gkYzz~d6StGmfknbjoq1mYpGKSHUd3nM21AyVMfz7JCbbyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented a preliminary site plan for the proposed Taneytown Department of Public Works facility. The plan includes office and shop space, vehicle and equipment storage, a salt barn and a multipurpose classroom intended for city training and community classes.

Staff reported the site layout currently shows about 48 parking spaces. Commissioners and public commenters urged additional spaces to accommodate classroom events: several commissioners asked staff to size parking to accommodate the largest anticipated class plus employees and visitors. Staff agreed to verify the maximum anticipated classroom occupancy with the county and public‑works users and to add parking if necessary; they noted that if the total parking count exceeds 50 spaces, additional accessible stalls and possible stormwater revisions may be required.

Commissioners asked operational questions about the salt barn, including whether runoff containment or a dike would be provided to prevent salt from entering stormwater. Staff said the final site design will address salt‑handling controls and that the city will verify stormwater design and containment with the civil engineer.

On timing and funding, staff said the city has not yet approved construction funding for the project; the city continues to explore grants and other funding sources but currently expects potential delays if outside funding is not secured. Staff proposed continuing the planning process so the city will be ready if funding becomes available; the commission and staff discussed using the preliminary approval window and two allowable six‑month extensions while seeking construction funding.

Commissioners also discussed neighborhood traffic calming, noting that temporary speed bumps are currently in place and that permanent speed tables are planned in the coming fiscal year as part of the city’s traffic‑calming and paving program. Staff said the next step is finalizing agency review comments and returning to the planning commission for final site plan approval when the design and funding are ready.

The commission did not grant final approval; staff and commissioners agreed to continue refining the plan, verify classroom and employee parking needs, and confirm required salt‑barn containment measures before final action.","City staff presented a preliminary site plan for a new Taneytown Department of Public Works facility, including a multi‑use classroom. Commissioners asked for more parking to serve classes and staff and noted funding uncertainty; staff said permanent traffic‑calming measures in nearby neighborhoods are planned in the coming fiscal year.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6454703,"EVAPCO seeks off‑site employee parking; commission backs BZA referral with ADA caveat",332,6645000,6977000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860668-35c3acb91e019872c9752565f77daa29&start=6645&end=6977","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860668-35c3acb91e019872c9752565f77daa29/thumbnail_6645000.jpg","/articles/6454703/Taneytown/Carroll-County/Maryland/EVAPCO-seeks-offsite-employee-parking-commission-backs-BZA-referral-with-ADA-caveat","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454703-04c899bf7667dcf1474d0b9af6a1c7a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770859144&Signature=aZPxYBz7hqIu4ie989m7N9GsR1TUE-sgpveJFp4~S-2OjXJFPeGZM2VOZO00k-CK8EgdnPPApvZ9FOOgbP6NeD7wFOtZalUB6u6VoJdzTVhnhbK4yGh7r75l8mrEFA9wSpj-mskB5lCWMhpThA9-tKMzxZ~gs3PH20zqJv50sEwD1J-g2IZn9rZJdZk9o7ZVCkRfQ9HzIWfNCIGDamcCV1vgJBxipVVU4T1ng7HcaGBK8nJHhmLglAi7GEr3~HDC-HX2EfLMNyazQPxCCiArDQ5ssA1K~pLpZ6y0KanEdVjAun8vxyibtI3DcL6omLoiYoQrZN60BqgkfD8ba--V~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","EVAPCO representatives presented a concept for an off‑site parking lot to serve their headquarters, asking the planning commission to comment prior to an October 22 Board of Zoning Appeals hearing on the special‑exception request for parking on a different lot.

Kelly Schafer Miller, representing EVAPCO, and Chad Rheindaler described a plan for roughly 182 additional spaces on an adjacent parcel that would tie into an earlier approved 88‑space lot. Pedestrian connections and crosswalks were shown to link the off‑site lot to the EVAPCO headquarters and to an Allendale access. Schafer Miller said the proposal follows the same approach approved for the neighboring parcel in 2024 and that the team intends to seek Board of Zoning Appeals approval for the special‑exception off‑site parking provision in the city code.

Commissioners asked whether accessible (ADA) parking spaces would be provided and noted that accessible spaces should be as close as practicable to the headquarters. Schafer Miller said the team would provide details and confirmed that ADA parking will be accommodated in the combined parking plan; staff said they will require that information for the BZA record. The commission confirmed by consensus that it would forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals provided that accessible parking is included and properly located.

No formal vote was required on the concept presentation; staff will include the commission’s conditional recommendation and the request for specific ADA parking locations in the materials the BZA will receive.","EVAPCO presented a plan for an off‑site parking lot to serve its headquarters, proposing roughly 182 additional spaces to connect with a previously approved adjacent lot. The Planning Commission provided a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals provided accessible parking is provided near the headquarters.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

McDonald’s proposes smaller Taneytown restaurant, seeks parking and signage variances

Taco Bell concept at Tevis site draws strong neighborhood concern over traffic and access

Planning commission grants preliminary approval for Taneytown Supply site plan; final steps remain

Taneytown presents preliminary DPW facility plan; parking, classroom size and funding remain open

EVAPCO seeks off‑site employee parking; commission backs BZA referral with ADA caveat