Planning commission member presents survey showing roads, farmland and small‑town character top priorities

Planning Commission member Brianna Candelaria presented the results of a community survey on Sharpsburg's comprehensive plan, reporting 116 responses out of an estimated 560 residents and highlighting transportation, preservation and small‑town character as residents' top priorities.

The presentation, delivered by Candelaria via a PowerPoint at the April 6 meeting, listed the three highest priorities as roads and essential services, protecting farmland and open spaces, and preserving the town's quiet/small‑town character. Respondents identified historic buildings and landmarks, farmland, woods and open spaces as what the town should preserve. On satisfaction measures, roads and sidewalks were the lowest-scoring category (3 on a 5‑point scale).

Mayor Russell Weaver and councilmembers heard the summary and were told a public hearing on the draft comprehensive plan will be scheduled soon so the Mayor and Council can review draft goals and provide direction. No citizen comments were received on the presentation at the meeting.

The Planning Commission's summary provides a baseline of resident priorities for the written comprehensive-plan draft and the forthcoming public hearing, which will be the formal opportunity for public input and for council direction on plan goals and implementation steps.

Candelaria's remarks and the commission's survey results will inform the next draft that the council will review ahead of the scheduled public hearing.