Taneytown planning commission reviews community survey showing concerns about development, downtown vitality and traffic safety

The Taneytown Planning Commission on Wednesday reviewed results from a community survey that drew 537 responses, representing about 1,689 Taneytown residents and roughly 23.4% of the town population, city staff said.

The survey showed broad support for downtown revitalization and local businesses, repeated interest in parks and library services, and recurring concerns about the pace of residential development, perception of rising crime, and traffic safety at the MD-194/MD-140 intersection. Planning staff told commissioners the responses will be used to refine the draft comprehensive plan and to guide public outreach at upcoming open houses.

Emily, a planning staff member who presented the results, said the survey collected 537 responses and that 55% of respondents live in the town’s Zones 1 and 2. "82% of people think that the quality of life in Taneytown is good or better," Emily said. She summarized other headline findings: 49% of respondents reported living in Taneytown for more than 15 years; about 70% of open-ended comments flagged the MD-194/MD-140 intersection as a traffic and safety concern; and many respondents expressed support for the planned Greenway but reported limited awareness of the project's status.

Commissioners and staff discussed housing responses at length. Emily…