Comp Plan survey deemed a success

The survey was created by Senior Planner Craig Kologie and Assistant Project Designer Emily Yatron of Arro Consulting, who have been hired by the City to aid in the development of the Plan. The survey will provide key information as to what the residents want to see in their city for the next 10 years.

The survey period ended mid-November and was considered successful, according to Yatron. A total of 537 households’ responses were received and amongst those households live 1,742 residents. "That is 24% of the population," said Yatron. Kologie pointed out how encouraging the community's participation was, as he stated, "A lot of times people who are satisfied with the situation don't reply to these things and we see a lot of negative responses." He continued, "I think that’s a good sign that people are engaged and they care."

Of the total responses, 85% were Taneytown residents, 76% of those owning their home and 49% of that number having lived there for over 15 years. Those living in the City for one to five years outnumbered those in the six-to-fifteen-year range. Over 51% of residents were between the ages of 30 and 54 and the average household has 3.5 people living in it.

An overwhelming 83% of those living in Taneytown agreed that restoration of historic houses and revitalization of the Main Street District were priorities for the City. Only 10% of residents thought the quality of life in Taneytown is excellent, with the majority calling it "good." Pros of the City included recreational opportunities, quality of education, traffic congestion and safety, protection of drinking water and police service. Traffic issues were the number one con for the City, noting a request for a bypass to alleviate traffic issues at major intersections, specifically 140 and 194 where a left turning lane was asked for the most.

As for why people wanted to move to Taneytown, affordable housing was rated at the top, followed by being near family or wanting to raise a family here. Safety and low crime were mentioned, as well as a desire to live specifically in the Carroll Vista subdivision. Yatron pointed out that with affordable housing being a concern for the entire state, "It was surprising how many people indicated that, despite moving to Taneytown for affordable housing, they did not want low income or rental assisted housing." Despite the need for affordable housing, many asked for less development and to retain farmland and that "small town feel."

Recreational services were noted as high value for the residents, focusing on the parks and library and the events held at both locations. Requests were made for a newspaper or a written event list for more awareness. Schools, museums, historic homes and the historic district were also considered valuable by the residents as well.

One major desire for Taneytown residents is a mid-priced family restaurant and not another fast food or pizza joint. They also asked for more in the arts department, such as a theatre for plays and movies. A desire for more meeting places like bars and cafes was mentioned, as well as recreational walking and biking paths, a pool and a community center.

One of the biggest concerns from commission members was whether the survey answers could be separated and generated into trends based on age and location. This would allow them to see who is asking for what and how that would affect the next 10 years. Kologie affirmed that it could be done and reminded the commission that 51% of respondents were between the ages of 30 to 54, a range considered as a driving force in the future of the City.

As for the 15 key person interviews, which are more substantial and directed at key City personnel, the final decision was made to pick a few dates for the in-person interviews and if anyone can't make one of those days, they can do their interview via zoom. Kologie said they would be finished by the Christmas holidays.

The next meeting will be dedicated to goals and objectives for the Plan and is scheduled for late January.