(6/18) A major roadway improvement project - dubbed the TaneyScape Project - in Taneytown has been completed and a sense of normalcy has returned to the semi-rural Frederick County community.
Roads that underwent major overhaul included partial reconstruction of MD 140 between Harney Road and MD 832, as well as sidewalk and traffic light repairs and replacement, storm drain and waterline replacements along MD 140, and pedestrian
lighting installation from Church Road to Trevanion Road.
Nancy McCormick, Taneytown economic development director, said, although the overall project, which was initiated in 2008, was wrapped up in December 2011, the impact of closed roads was layered on the recession of 2008.
To help business through the convergence of economic duress, the town was able to convince commercial landlords to reduce their store rents for the duration of the TaneyScape Project, although, McCormick said, "We did lose two small businesses
downtown."
Since the completion of the improvements, business has picked up in the town. "We’ve had more viability now, with more new businesses coming in than I would say we have had in years."
The town’s economic development director stated that the community is also beginning to bring new events to the town to attract visitors and business.
As part of this expansion of local attractions to be offered was the town’s first wine and arts-related event held last month.
The first annual Taneytown Wine & Arts Festival was held June 16 adjacent to the police station on Baltimore Street.
The event, sponsored by Taneytown Main Street, opened at 11 a.m. and concluded at 4 p.m. under partially cloudy skies and mild June temperatures - near perfect weather for an out-of-doors event.
Featured were area wineries, including Detour Wines, Frederick Cellars, and Boordy, artists and artisans, sculptures, wine-themed accessories, face painting, and entertainment.
McCormick said, "We’re trying this to see what kind of play we can get out of it. You want to see people spending money in your town. Wine festivals and art festivals draw these types.
Schedule for July 21, the town will be hosting a "BBQ Fest" from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Memorial Park.
The event will feature an evening of great music performed by the Nautical Wheelers, Maryland's number one "beach party band," and lots of food offered by popular vendors.
A town-wide sidewalk sale has also been planned for August 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For the latest list of scheduled events, visit the Taneytown web site at taneytown.org and click on "Find and Event."
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