Blight & Trash Talk Continues
The Town of Walkersville’s Planning Commission will continue discussions to address blight and trash in the town Tuesday evening. The members picked up the matter after the Town’s Economic Development Commission presented ideas to the Burgess and Town Commissioners.
The Planning Commission has discussed laws in other jurisdictions and a proposed bill from the Maryland General Assembly. At their last meeting, they met with legal counsel to discuss the issue. Many of the suggestions focused on commercial properties, but citizens attending the meeting raised issues with residential properties, also. The Planning Commission voted to explore addressing both and directed staff to make proposals to update or add to the Town Code.
Meanwhile, properties around town continue to provide eyesores that cause concern for residents. The Walkers Village Shopping Center’s long vacant first floor was in a terrible state due to moisture and lack of maintenance. The ownewith the rs gutted the space and put craft paper over the windows after GladeValley.net ran a story featuring the blight. The paper has fallen from the windows and present an even less appealing view. Combined with the profanity sprayed on the windows,
Walkersville’s shopping center and Marsala’s Restaurant detract from its curb appeal. One local real estate agent noted the repeat reaction of potential buyers, “they love the home and take a drive around town. They return asking about Marsala’s and the shopping center. They never bite after that.”
The Planning Commission will also discuss the Old Town Mixed Use Zoning District and a proposal for a comprehensive rezoning of the Old Town area.
The Planning Commission meets at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall. The meetings are open to the public.
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