The Taneytown Planning Commission on Jan. 21 discussed results of a city survey that received 537 responses representing 1,689 residents (about 23.4% of the city population), with participants reporting priorities that included traffic and pedestrian safety, preservation of the town’s character, parks and library services, and more downtown businesses.

The survey informed parts of the draft comprehensive plan background data and flagged recurring concerns: the intersection of MD 194 and MD 140 was named repeatedly as a safety and congestion hotspot; many respondents associated increased rental or multifamily development with perceived rises in crime; and a sizable share expressed support for preserving parks, trails and groundwater quality. Commissioners agreed the responses will guide the commission’s upcoming Main Street and master-plan discussions and scheduled public open houses to collect further input.

Why it matters: The survey results will feed the city’s comprehensive plan updates and Main Street strategy; commissioners said the findings illustrate what residents value and where the city may need to focus resources and outreach. Emily, the staff presenter, told the commission the responses give both quantitative and strong open-ended signals that can shape policy choices on parking, downtown revitalization, development patterns and pedestrian safety.

Survey highlights and context
Emily reported that the survey closed with 537 responses representing roughly 1,689 Taneytown residents and that 49% of respondents said they had lived in Taneytown more than 15 years while 33% reported living in the city five years or less. Emily said a majority of respondents listed parks, library programs and recreational opportunities as high priorities, and that many respondents voiced support for the proposed Greenway project while also saying they had little visibility into its status.

Traffic and safety drew frequent comment: Emily said roughly 70% of respondents highlighted the MD 194/MD 140 intersection as a local traffic and safety concern. The commission discussed pending pedestrian-safety measures; one commissioner noted the city is working with the State Highway Administration on improved signal timing and installing a rapid-flashing pedestrian beacon at Middle Street and is evaluating other crosswalk locations because Baltimore Street is a state-owned route and requires state approvals.

Downtown vitality and Main Street program
Respondents repeatedly tied the town’s “small-town feel” to a walkable downtown and more everyday retail and dining options. Commissioners said survey comments reflected a “chicken-and-egg” problem: property owners convert storefronts to apartments because of steady rental income, but the lack of active downtown businesses reduces foot traffic that could support stores and restaurants. Commissioners discussed using the Main Street program and targeted marketing to attract businesses that combine in-person and online sales and to capitalize on visitors drawn by nearby wedding venues and event providers.

Housing and development concerns
The survey responses showed substantial support for restoration of historic homes and for enforcing rental housing standards. Respondents favored limiting multifamily residential and low-income housing in some answers; commissioners discussed the distinction between “affordable” as residents often use it and the technical definition used by state programs. Several commissioners recommended clarifying terminology in public materials so policy discussions distinguish between market-rate rentals, income‑restricted units, and developer‑led multifamily projects.

Perceptions of crime and demographic splits
Commissioners noted respondents sometimes cited rising crime or a change in character as reasons they might leave Taneytown, but several panelists said local crime rates remain low by countywide comparisons and that some responses may reflect perception rather than documented trends. Commissioners also observed a bimodal residency pattern in responses: many longtime residents and a sizeable group who moved in within the past five years, which the commission said may produce differing expectations about growth and services.

Communications and outreach
Printed communications and visibility for events were frequent themes. Several commissioners and residents said a printed community publication in addition to online outreach could reach more residents. The planning staff noted plans for a Main Street meeting on Jan. 29 and said an open-house schedule will include a session at the Taneytown Library on Feb. 19 (1 p.m.–7 p.m.), inviting commissioners and staff to attend and collect resident input.

Next steps and data follow-up
Staff said the background data set for the comprehensive plan is about 99% complete; remaining items are primarily final year‑end data or map graphics. Commissioners requested additional breakdowns from the survey (for example, household size by age cohort and clearer mapping of which businesses responded and whether some respondents live outside city zones). The commission also assigned a homework item: each commissioner will draft a short definition of what “small-town atmosphere” means to them to inform the plan’s vision and objectives.

Votes at a glance
The meeting recorded two formal motions on routine procedural items: the acceptance of the Nov. 19, 2024 minutes and adjournment. The minutes were moved by "Mister Myers," seconded by "Bill," and approved by voice vote. A motion to adjourn carried by voice vote at the end of the session.

What to watch for
Staff will publish the final survey summary and background maps as they are finalized and will add the requested cross‑tabulations (household size by age group, and clearer business‑owner location counts). Public open-house events beginning in February will allow the planning commission and staff to collect more resident input before drafting plan policy language.