Finksburg Planning and Citizens' Council Inc.
General Membership Meeting

Who: All residents of Finksburg and its environs are invited
When: Thursday May 22, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Where: Sandymount United Methodist Church

April Meeting: Larry Twele, Director of Carroll County Economic Development
Larry Twele will join us to discuss the recently proposed Gateway Tax credit for Finksburg gateway businesses. Please see the next item in this newsletter for details on this program. Mr. Twele will also be on hand to discuss economic development in the county in general.

Attention Finksburg Residents and Businesses!
A gateway tax credit has been proposed for the Maryland Route 140 Corridor through Finksburg from the Baltimore County line. This proposal is important to the future development of the Finksburg Community. A public workshop was held April 7, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. and public hearing was held April 17, 2008 at 10:00.
Summary: Proposed amendments to Chapter 209, Taxation – Gateway Renovation Tax Credit: http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/releases/PR(Gateway).pdf
Details: Ordinance No. 08 - proposed amendments to Chapter 209, Taxation - Gateway Tax Credit: http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/attorney/ordinance/ord-gateway.pdf .
FPACC is a strong proponent of a Gateway Renovation Tax Credit. In a letter addressed to Lawrence (Larry) F. Twele, Director, Carroll County Department of Economic Development, we recommend that a proposed ordinance only be for improvement to existing businesses for facade, layout, signs, etc., that adhere strictly to the design guidelines. Furthermore we strongly urge them to consider the inclusion of the Planning Dept., the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Rt. 140 Design Guidelines. Full Letter.

Proposed Auto Repair Facility, on Route 91 and Old Gamber Road
The County Board of Zoning Appeals has approved (on January 3, 2007) a proposed automobile repair facility on Old Gamber Road and Route 91 in Finksburg. Owner of the property, Brian DiMaggio was requesting a conditional use for an automobile service center and a variance for the building to be 13-thousand square feet instead of the permitted 10-thousand square feet on property zoned B-NR, neighborhood retail business district. The project was approved, however, the variance was not.
Map of the area: Area is the one labeled using the prior BL (now BNR) zoning designation
Notice Of Public Hearings-Board Of Zoning Appeals- November 27, 2007, 11:00 a.m. Case 5273, remanded by Circuit Court - for further proceedings to deliberate on a condition limiting the Applicant to 14 employees in the proposed automobile service center.
By: Brian DiMaggio. Basis: Code of Public Local Laws and Ordinances, Section 223-100 (F), 223-105 (B) and 223-186 A (3). Originally heard on November 29, 2006 and January 3, 2007.
The current plan was up for review at the Monday 4/28/2008 meeting of the Bureau of Development Review. The meeting starts are 9AM and this case is scheduled for approximately 10:20 AM. - Room 003/004 County Bldg, basement. The meeting is open to the public and public comments will be accepted. The agenda for this meeting is located at: http://carroll.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=ec9991e50a4dde2eca3dd5943833857a.pdf , (Look for the last case).

March Meeting:
Frank Schaeffer, Deputy Director of Public Works for Carroll County gave us an overview on the County's efforts to resolve the waste management issues that we face and provided an overview of the waste to energy issue. Jim Johnson, of the Carroll County Environmental Advisory Committee presented information on the EAC’s recent work on the subject of recycling. More info: http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/pubworks/sw-future/default.asp
We are looking for facts that our members can consider and review on this most important topic.

FPACC Election:
The 2008 FPACC election process in underway. At the March meeting, the slate of candidates was announced and additional nominations were solicited from those in attendance. At the conclusion of the March meeting nominations were closed. The election occurs at the April general membership meeting.

FPACC By-Laws Changes Proposed:
As per the existing FPACC By-Laws, the board has reviewed the existing document and recommends some minor changes. These changes have been presented at the Jan and Feb meetings and were adopted at the March meeting. Please see the bylaws at: http://www.finksburg.org/bylaws.htm.

Development Updates:
Deer Park / Nicodemus Road Bridge: Baltimore city is scheduled to replace the existing bridge. A community meeting was held on this project on October 24, 2007 at the Franklin Elementary School library. While we have no official attendance count, it was standing room only. The current bridge, built in 1953, will be replaced starting in the summer of 2009. It is anticipated that the bridge will be closed and detours in place for at least 1.5 years.

Membership Dues:
A reminder that it’s time to pay 2008 membership dues. To join or renew with our group, it only costs $10 per family and $25 for businesses. We accept online payments and checks. Please use the membership page. Business members are welcome to schedule a short presentation about their business at a general membership meeting. Thanks for your help and support.

Carroll County Public Library Being Built in Finksburg: ( More Information)
Groundbreaking for the new Finksburg Library took place August 2, 2007 at 9:00 AM on the property. FPACC representatives were on hand. Construction has started and progress can be tracked at: http://finksburglibrary.blogspot.com/ .

FPACC Board Has Unveiled Proposed Design Standards:
The FPACC board has been working on proposed new design standards for the county planning department to consider. The goal is to improve the image and the future landscape of Finksburg and the gateway into and out of Carroll County. We have shared the proposal with the public on a month by month basis. Some changes have been made based on discussions at public FPACC meetings (Draft Copy Of The Plan)Finksburg Comprehensive/Corridor/Community Plan: ( More Information)

Carroll County Comprehensive Plan - Pathways: ( www.carrollpathways.org)
The Carroll County Department of Planning has begun (in January 2005) an update of the countywide comprehensive plan. It is organizing community meetings. The purpose of the Grassroots Gatherings community meetings is to get input from as many community members as possible on how to get where we think we want to go in the future.

Be informed!  Attend the Next Meeting!