Boonsboro farmers ask to buy 86 acres of Town Farm; council asks staff for report

Chris Thomas of Thomas and Son Farms asked the Boonsboro Mayor and Council on Jan. 13 to consider selling the portion of the Town Farm his family has leased and grazed for decades. Thomas said the family is "interested in purchasing whatever portion of the land the Town would be willing to sell," and indicated the parcel and the Warrior Boulevard right-of-way would be part of any agreement. Thomas and Public Works Superintendent Greg Huntsberry both said the area in question is 86 acres.

The council voted to move the request forward by directing Town Manager Rachel Souders and Town Planner Drew Bowen to prepare a Staff Report, which the council and the Planning Commission will review. "We will need appraisals and input from counsel before any public hearing," Souders said during the meeting.

Drew Bowen outlined the anticipated next steps: creation of a Staff Report, review by the Council and Planning Commission, reciprocal appraisals by both parties, consultation with the Town Attorney, and a public hearing before any sale is finalized. Mayor Howard Long said the council must first determine precisely how many acres are requested and whether any right-of-way or infrastructure rights would be affected.

Council Member Marilee Kerns moved to direct staff to prepare the report; Assistant Mayor Tony Nally seconded the motion and it carried. The meeting record does not show a vote tally beyond "motion carried." The council did not set a timeline for the appraisal or public hearing at the meeting.

If the town proceeds, the staff report and appraisals will specify whether the parcel is deemed undevelopable, the scope of property to be conveyed, and any conditions attached to a sale. The council will schedule a public hearing after staff and legal review. No formal sale or price was discussed or approved at the Jan. 13 meeting.