Over the next decade, the number of people living in Carroll County is expected to increase by about 9,000, from the current 177,133 to 186,183. County officials are starting to plan for that growth by updating the Carroll County Master Plan through 2035.
“The Carroll County Master Plan is more than just a document,” a county news release states. “It’s a vision for how we grow, thrive, and preserve what makes our county special.”
County staff want residents to be part of the planning process and are hosting a series of open houses that will include interactive displays on topics such as housing, transportation and infrastructure, economic development and maintaining the rural character of Carroll. Staff from the county’s Department of Planning and Land Management will be available to answer questions.
The open houses will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. on the following dates:
- Feb. 6: Carroll Community College, Room K100, 1601 Washington Road, Westminster.
- Feb. 12: Mount Airy Branch Library, 705 Ridge Ave., Mount Airy.
- Feb.19: Taneytown Branch Library, 10 Grand Drive, Taneytown.
- Feb. 27: North Carroll Branch Library, 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead.
- March 6: Eldersburg Branch Library, 6400 W. Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg.
“Whether you’re passionate about preservation, local businesses, or just want to be a part of planning for your community, this open house is for YOU,” the news release states. “Drop in anytime and make your voice heard!”
The current 2014 Carroll County Master Plan was adopted by the Board of Carroll County Commissioners on Feb. 26, 2015. It was amended on Jan. 2, 2020, to incorporate new land use definitions, new municipal growth area boundaries and updates to the transportation and environmental resource chapters.
The first master plan for the county dates back to 1964 and was updated in 2000.
“The quality of life afforded to county residents has and continues to entice new residents to the county today as evidenced by safe neighborhoods, good schools, relatively uncongested roads, and attractive, less expensive housing and cost-of-living compared to surrounding jurisdictions,” the 2014 plan states. “Today, unlike in 1964, it is increasingly difficult to balance the community’s desire to maintain and even increase the quality of life with the pressures of development and development’s demand on natural resources, public services and infrastructure.”
Following a series of work sessions between June and September 2024, county commissioners and Planning & Zoning Commission members identified key issues to tackle in the master plan update for 2025-2035, referred to as “Driving Ideas.”
Driving ideas so far include housing options for various incomes, a strong economy, a commitment to preserve the county’s rural character, and safe and reliable infrastructure.
For more information on the Carroll County Master Plan process go to www.carroll2035.org.
Have a news tip? Contact Sherry Greenfield at [email protected], 240-315-7029 and @sherrygreenfie9 on X.
