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Emmitsburg board agrees to quitclaim 6.97-acre parcel to Fitzgerald estate to clear title
Summary
The board authorized a quitclaim deed that waives any town interest in a disputed 6.97-acre parcel near Hampton Valley Road so the Fitzgerald estate can sell the parcel with clean title; staff and counsel reviewed historical surveys and minutes before voting 5-0.
The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners on April 13 voted to authorize a quitclaim deed releasing any town claim to roughly 6.97 acres near Hampton Valley Road, allowing the estate of Doris J. Fitzgerald to clear title and proceed with sale.
Town counsel summarized a title history that included surveys from the 1980s and 1990s and minutes referencing a 1992 discussion. The estate’s attorney, April Dixon, told the board her office has assisted the Fitzgerald family since February 2023 and that three independent surveyors reviewed records and concluded the parcel belongs to the Fitzgerald title. “We asked that the town council work with staff to go through the records, which they did, and we appreciated that very much,” Dixon said.
Dixon and staff told commissioners the disputed parcel is fenced and not in active use by the town; the water company’s predecessor reportedly relied on a deed that could not be located in the chain of title. Town counsel noted prior engagement with the family in other matters but said any conflict has been waived and the town’s review confirmed the estate’s supporting documentation.
A motion to execute the quitclaim deed passed unanimously. Staff said the deed will permit the Fitzgerald estate to pursue sale with clean title; the board did not identify any town use of the parcel going forward.
