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Hampstead manager announces $5,000 Sustainability grant, elections, broadband and service updates
Summary
Town manager reported an inaugural $5,000 Sustainable Maryland Action Grant for a community garden, progress on water project planning and bidding, Antietam Broadband fiber availability, online water billing, election dates, and upcoming public work events like hydrant flushing and bulk trash pickup.
During the town manager’s report, Hampstead officials announced several operational updates, community programs and service notices for residents.
The town said it is one of the inaugural recipients of the Sustainable Maryland Action Grant and will receive $5,000 to create a community garden on the grounds of Crossroads Church. The town said the funds will pay for materials and garden boxes and that organizers hope the garden will be a hub for local collaboration.
Town staff also reported procurement and project milestones tied to the water treatment centralization project: the final set of construction plans and an approximately 800-page specification book have been submitted to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) for final review; the town expects to advertise the last phase of the project for bid in late April. Planning and Zoning approved the concept site plan for the water treatment plant and expected the final site plan at its March meeting.
Other items for residents included:
- Antietam Broadband: staff said about two-thirds of town residences are ready for fiber connection if residents choose to subscribe; the company’s quality-control team is rechecking sites to ensure properties are restored after construction.
- Online water billing: a new payment portal is live on the town website; residents can view balances, make payments, create accounts, store payment methods and set up recurring payments.
- Sustainable Maryland Action Grant: $5,000 awarded; garden to be located at Crossroads Church across the street from an identified site (town staff said materials and boxes will be purchased with the grant).
- Town elections: 2025 town election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Town Hall for three town council seats. Nomination packets are available beginning March 3; candidates must be at least 25 years old, registered voters, and have lived within the incorporated town limits for at least one year immediately preceding the election.
- Farmers market: Keith Johnson will remain market manager through the 2026 Christmas market; twelve vendors and eight paid sponsorships are already signed for the season. Advisory team discussed moving the market to a paved area to improve accessibility.
- Tree planting: the town’s Tree Commission said it will plant 30 native Maryland trees at Westwood Park with funding from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Tremendous Tree Program; Smart Energy Professionals plans to donate an additional 15–20 trees for spring plantings.
- Public works events and notices: bulk trash pickup is scheduled for Saturday, March 15 (with residents asked to set items out Friday evening); yard waste pickup begins Monday, April 7; hydrant flushing is set for April 9 and residents were told to run cold water until it clears if discoloration occurs.
Town staff provided contact information and indicated more details would appear on the town website and in the town newsletter.
