Developer representative urges Taneytown council not to adopt bypass corridor deferral

Kelly Miller, a representative for Ward Communities, told the Taneytown mayor and council on April 8 that her client opposes Ordinance 03-2026, a proposed 180‑day deferral on development in the town27s bypass corridor. "We continue to oppose the deferral and would request that you not adopt the deferral," Miller said, adding Ward has invested "over $1,000,000" toward its proposed development.

The council27s mayor said the deferral is intended to protect rights-of-way and secure easements needed for the bypass and that the draft ordinance includes exemptions and mechanisms, such as a development‑rights agreement, to allow some projects to proceed. "The entire point of the deferral is bringing all parties to the table and get a workable compromise for what we need for the bypass," the mayor said.

Miller told council the deferral27s uncertainty could halt plan processing and discourage further investment. Council members and staff discussed the ordinance27s emergency basis, geographic scope and whether the language would disproportionately affect Ward because it currently is the only project with a formal plan in the impacted area.

Planning‑commission context: one council member, recalling prior planning commission hearings, said commissioners had characterized the Ward proposal as a crossroads between housing and the bypass and questioned the bypass27s short‑term feasibility without explicit easements. Council and staff said the town will continue negotiations with Flowserve, EVAPCO and other property owners whose rights would affect the corridor.

Next steps: Council confirmed it will take an adoption vote on the ordinance at the next meeting (Monday) and asked staff to prepare materials, including any exemptions and potential extensions. No formal adoption or vote on the deferral was taken during the April 8 workshop.