The scenic, pastoral lands along US Route 15 just north of Thurmont may be changing drastically. One of the most scenic sections of US Route 15 in Frederick County, this stretch of scenic farmland may be developed into a shopping center and massive housing project.

According to Thurmont Mayor Marty Burns, a total of 235 acres of land is being considered by a developer for a large "anchor" retail store, a possible shopping center and a housing development of 300-400 houses. The property stretches from US Route 15 (behind and beside Shamrock Restaurant) west across N. Franklinville Road and then again across Kelbaugh Road.

The news of this potential development comes just months after U.S. 15 was named one of America’s Scenic By-ways. The area in question is specifically named the Catoctin Scenic By-Way. This also occurs in the wake of Thurmont’s proclamation to join the The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising national awareness and preserving the history of the region which follows US Route 15 on a 175-mile meandering course from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, through Frederick County, Maryland and ending in Charlottesville, Virginia. In 2005, the Journey Through Hallowed Ground corridor was named one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

"There aren’t many places that encompass a greater variety of significant historic sites – from Founding Fathers’ homes to Civil War battlefields – or that face a more serious range of threats," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust.  "Without comprehensive planning to manage sprawl and encourage appropriate growth, much of the region’s heritage could be paved over."

The Mayor expects the development company to approach the town with an annexation request in the next few months. Although the land is not adjacent to any town limits, according to Mayor Burns, the land can be annexed by the town by using US Rt. 15 as a corridor to reach the land. The land is not part of the town’s current master plan of growth. There are several other areas surrounding Thurmont that are currently in the master plan growth area but have not yet been annexed. The property is also not part of the Frederick County planned growth area for Thurmont. This is "classic urban sprawl…. any such development would irreparably change the character of the area and contribute to people’s view of Thurmont as a town of shopping centers and ugly roadside developments," said area resident Kevin Haney.

The news of this development brings to light the importance of area residents to participate in the master plan growth and re-zoning processes currently underway in both Thurmont and Frederick County. The town of Thurmont is currently revising its Master Plan which was adopted by the commissioners eight years ago. Beginning this summer, Frederick County will revise its Master Growth plan and a Comprehensive Rezoning plan for northern Frederick County. See story on Master Plan.