HAMPSTEAD — The Hampstead Town Council introduced Annexation Resolution 46 on a property at 1730 North Main Street that the owner says he intends to connect to town water; the council voted to introduce the resolution and staff described the next steps in the annexation review process.

Why it matters: Annexation would allow the property owner to receive town water service; the town policy does not provide water service outside corporate limits, so annexation precedes connection.

Town staff described the parcel as a single-family residence on a 6,424-square-foot lot north of the North Carol Business Park and bordered to three sides by industrial properties. The property owner, identified in the meeting as Mr. Narain, was present and told the council he wants to connect to town water; staff repeated town policy that water service outside corporate limits is not provided.

Staff said the property is a legal nonconforming use under Carroll County's Industrial 1 zoning and the town's suggested land-use designation is restricted industrial to match zoning. The property has final planning designation for both water and sewer, according to staff, and the owner was told that costs to bring water from the main to the residence are the owner’s responsibility.

Next steps: Staff said copies of the annexation packet will be sent to the Carroll County Department of Planning and the Maryland Department of Planning; Maryland Department of Planning requires a 60-day review. Staff said they hope to schedule a public hearing in September and then return to the council for action.

Council action: At the meeting a motion to introduce the annexation resolution was made and seconded; the council voted in favor of introduction with no recorded opposition.

Ending: The council proceeded to the public comment period after introducing the resolution; no final annexation vote was taken at the meeting.