Council OKs $35,000 contract for downtown waterfront plan Phase 5

Sharon, a town staff member leading downtown planning efforts, presented the Phase 5 contract for the town’s downtown waterfront plan and asked the council to approve consultant work to continue planning and zoning‑tool recommendations.

Sharon said the comprehensive plan draft has been submitted to the Maryland Department of Planning for the required 60‑day review and that comments are expected by March 11; the planning commission and council public hearings are anticipated in mid‑March and April. She described Phase 5 as focused on zoning tools and targeted feasibility work for concepts the Main Street committee has asked the consultant to study — including options such as a food hall, parking garage, hotel or amphitheater — and said the council previously budgeted $45,000 for consulting; the Phase 5 contract before the council was $35,000, with an additional $10,000 reserved for further concept work as needed.

A councilmember moved to approve a Phase 5 contract for the downtown waterfront plan with the consultant named in the agenda in the amount of $35,000; another councilmember seconded. The motion passed by voice vote (transcript records "Aye").

Sharon said staff will schedule workshops with the Main Street committee if the council approves the contract and will coordinate public outreach after state review comments are received. The comprehensive plan timeline and the zoning‑code work are linked; staff said zoning changes and specific implementation steps will return to council after public hearings and consultant recommendations.

Ending: The contract was approved and staff will proceed to coordinate the Main Street workshop and incorporate state review comments into the final schedule for public hearings and adoption.