The Carroll County Board of Commissioners on Thursday voted to schedule a public hearing for Jan. 16, 2025, on a planned property acquisition by the Westminster Rescue Mission to create recovery housing for women and children.

County grants manager Debbie Standiford and other staff briefed the board on the project, noting the county previously accepted a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award of $1,750,000 to support acquisition. Standiford said the Rescue Mission has evaluated properties across the county and identified 35 North Tannery Road in Westminster as a preferred site. She described the site as approximately 11.59 acres with a residence that includes five bedrooms and three baths and said the board would hold a separate public hearing so neighbors and community members can comment.

Standiford said the purchase price is $750,000 and that the CDBG award will also cover renovation costs such as roof replacement, closing and settlement costs, contingencies and unforeseen items. She described targeted neighbor outreach already underway, including letters and phone calls to properties touching the site and an expanded mailing radius compared with the prior, unsuccessful property search. Standiford said the Rescue Mission emphasized more proactive outreach after earlier resident concerns at a previously considered property.

Commissioner Gordon moved to schedule the public hearing for Jan. 16, 2025; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Standiford said staff expect to return with the public hearing results and that the Rescue Mission will invite commissioners to tour the property in the coming months.