Advisory group flags need to reconcile County and municipal growth areas in IW2 planning

Kimberly Gaines, Director, Livable Frederick Planning & Design Office, and DPP staff told the advisory group that staff have been coordinating with municipal planners to align the IW2 plan with municipal comprehensive plans. Members raised concerns that County zoning of land just outside municipalities for low‑density development can discourage property owners from pursuing annexation and can undermine municipal plan implementation.

Denis Superczynski summarized a proposal that the County consider creating a new land‑use designation for properties identified for annexation and partner with municipalities on utility infrastructure improvements. Katie Stevens, Office of Agriculture staff, said the agricultural land preservation scoring awards points for properties adjacent to a growth area, while Shannon O'Neil noted that the agricultural preservation program does not currently recognize growth areas designated by municipalities. Kimberly Gaines clarified that municipal comprehensive plans and County plans have the same legal status and that staff are reconciling growth areas (Myersville reviewed by the Planning Commission in May; Middletown review scheduled for July 17).

Members suggested the IW2 plan include an explicit policy to prioritize municipal needs such as utility infrastructure so municipal plans can be implemented. The advisory group will not vote on these items during this information‑gathering stage; staff will record agreements and disagreements for the drafting phase.