Veterans nonprofit asks Hagerstown council to support tax abatement for renovated housing project

Platoon 22, a Hagerstown nonprofit that provides housing and services to veterans, asked the Mayor and City Council on April 22 for assistance in abating the 2025 property tax bill on a renovated residence at 116 North Mulberry Street.

Tammy Hardesty identified herself as representing Platoon 22 and said the organization’s mission is to “end veteran suicide by improving mental health and quality of life” through services including care coordination, peer support and housing. Hardesty said the renovated property now provides six independent one‑bedroom units for veterans, four of whom were previously homeless, and that the organization requests abatement of the 2025 property tax bill because an address error prevented timely tax‑exempt filing.

A city official appearing in their capacity as county treasurer confirmed there had been communication between the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation and Platoon 22, and said the current city tax amount on the property is $3,669.32 and that the parcel is presently in tax sale status. The official said they planned to present the matter to the Board of County Commissioners seeking abatement and to remove the property from tax sale.

No council action on abatement was recorded at the April 22 meeting; speakers requested council support and noted Platoon 22’s role in rapid rehousing and local veteran services. The city clerk and county treasurer were referenced as having exchanged communications with state assessment officials; staff follow‑up to confirm tax‑exempt status and to coordinate with county officials was described by the presenter.