(6/8) At its June 1 meeting, Taneytown City council continued to hear public comments regarding the proposed Sewell property annexation at an open public comment meeting.

The majority of concerns addressed, by those who spoke, were the potential strain a new housing development planned for the Sewell property would put on existing water and sewer capacities, potential increased traffic congestion through town, and the transparency of the council’s decision-making process.

Some residents referenced the Aquaphor, which supplies water for the town, when discussing their concerns about water supply for the town at large if additional homes are drawing of new houses.

"It seems fiscally irresponsible to annex the property first and promise through ordinances that you’ll meet the water and sewer needs before figuring out . . . how much it will cost," said Jim Thomas. "The overdraw from a new community will have serious consequences in wells surrounding the annexed community."

Another resident referenced the effect additional houses could have on sewage treatment. Kenneth Ackert said his understanding was that Taneytown’s sewage treatment plant is already "running at pretty much full access." He is concerned the town will have to add more sewage to the plant.

Additional traffic will compound what many consider to already be a traffic congestion problem within the town. Ed Grimes said the "overburden" will be "on the town and the people that live here."

A few commenters continued a thread from the last public comment period about the consideration that the council’s public hearing and decision process are not transparent enough.

"The protocol of answering individual questions privately really effectively curtails any accountability," Thomas said. "These hearings, while they satisfy the letter of the law, are not effective at providing a meaningful forum for public feedback."

Gail Sands added, "I think the more transparency that can be provided to our community, the more trust you will have from the community."

The attorney for the Sewell family, Clark Shaffer, countered that plans for future development have been on the town’s master plan for years. "I personally have been up here five or six times for the last six or eight months at public meetings where this was discussed," he said.

The mayor and city council will discuss the annexation this month at its workshop meeting July 6 and anticipate a final vote at its business meeting July 11.