Taneytown planning commissioners press for clearer small‑business support, downtown upgrades

Taneytown planning commissioners discussed draft economic development and downtown revitalization goals at length during a comprehensive‑plan workshop, focusing on clearer small‑business supports, downtown streetscape improvements and keeping the Antrim Boulevard extension in the plan.

Commissioners and staff questioned what ‘‘small business resources’’ the city would provide and urged the plan to clarify municipal roles. Chris, identified in the meeting as the newly designated economic development liaison, said the city could “help identify maybe some grant programs that might be available to small businesses, assisting with the permitting process ... helping navigate that,” and described the liaison’s role as connecting prospective business owners with existing local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street groups.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the downtown core’s revival depends on clearer, actionable steps for business owners and visible public‑realm…