Date: September 14, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:54 p.m.
Location: Town Hall Conference Room
- Call to Order and Review of Prior Minutes
The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room. The Commission reviewed the minutes of its prior meeting. - Code Enforcement and Historic Properties
The Commission received updates on code enforcement matters and several historic properties.- Cleanup has been completed at a residence on Sugar Drive.
- Tree work was performed on Railroad Avenue.
- A proposal for three townhomes on the former Dockins property did not receive Commission approval, with three members voting in opposition.
- The Buckland: The title transfer remains in progress, and past-due bills remain outstanding.
- House of Hinges: A court hearing is scheduled for October 14, 2026, at the courthouse in Cambridge. Daily fines were reported to be accumulating at approximately $300 to $400. The Town Attorney and Edwin Ramos are expected to attend.
- New inspections: Registered letters were sent concerning 3 Main Street, owned by Mary Morales; 22 Academy Street, identified as Catherine’s Hall; and the String of Pearls. Because the owner of the String of Pearls has not responded, the Town intends to pursue court action.
Enforcement Strategy
The Commission discussed increasing pressure on noncompliant, particularly out-of-town, property owners. The Town’s goal is to preserve and restore East New Market’s historic character. Owners of properties in violation will be expected to bring their properties into compliance, face court action and fines, or consider selling to a party willing to rehabilitate the property. - Property Development and Cleanup
- Former Dockins property: Scott Dockins and his sister are developing a design for the former store property. A possible restaurant relocation from Secretary was discussed as an unconfirmed possibility. The property has four EDUs; three are associated with the property. Cleanup is underway, including removal of a trailer and two houses.
- Harvey Street: A letter was sent to the owner of an overgrown trailer property. No response has been received, although property taxes have been paid.
- Catherine’s Cabin on Academy Street: The Washington, D.C.-based owner paid overdue taxes shortly before the deadline. The cabin remains in disrepair. Page 1 Town of East New Market – Planning and Zoning Commission
- Police Presence and Town Safety
The Commission discussed concern about the Town’s lack of a local police department and the possibility that limited police visibility could increase vulnerability to illegal activity. A $45,000 grant application has been submitted to support dedicated Sheriff’s Office or Maryland State Police coverage; the status of the application is not yet known. Community policing was identified as a subject for future consideration. - Recreation Facilities and Park Improvements
Members reviewed the cost of maintaining recreational facilities and noted that providing most facilities without charge has contributed to funding shortfalls for maintenance and upgrades.- Consider modest user fees, such as $5 per hour for court use.
- Seek advertising or sponsorship revenue to help fund maintenance and improvements.
- Evaluate hiring a full-time, properly licensed maintenance employee to consolidate contractor expenses and improve consistency.
- The Town previously explored sharing maintenance resources and a garbage truck with Secretary, but the proposal was not approved by the Secretary Town Council.
- The baseball field is in poor condition, and organized leagues have ended because of insufficient volunteers.
- Consider converting the existing tennis court into a pickleball court.
- Retain the area for park use and explore development of a medium-sized community center.
- Engage a professional planning or design company to prepare a comprehensive park improvement plan.
- Truck Detour and Traffic
The Commission discussed asking the Maryland State Highway Administration to establish a truck restriction and designated detour to reduce landfill truck traffic through the historic town. Concerns include noise, odor, safety, and damage to local infrastructure. Route 331 provides a potential bypass but is currently underused. The truck-detour objective should also be included in the updated comprehensive plan. Page 2 Town of East New Market – Planning and Zoning Commission - Comprehensive Plan Update
The Town’s comprehensive plan dates to 2010 and requires a full update to reflect revised state requirements, changing demographics, and population growth from approximately 276 residents in 2009 to approximately 400 residents. The State now expects new community input, updated maps, and current required planning elements rather than resubmission of the existing plan. Although no strict completion deadline was identified, the Town should demonstrate measurable progress. A current plan will strengthen grant applications and align Town priorities with state-approved strategies. The Commission reviewed pages 1 through 23 of the existing plan. Much of the general vision remains relevant, but the discussion is shifting from infill alone toward infrastructure capacity and possible annexation to accommodate future growth.- Potential plan elements include redevelopment of the playground and old tennis court.
- Potential annexation areas, including Creamery Road, should be evaluated only after consultation with the Maryland Department of the Environment regarding sewage treatment capacity.
- The updated plan may be used to support future annexation requests and related MDE applications.
Stratacumen Consulting Proposal
Representatives discussed a partnership approach with Stratacumen, a Salisbury-based consulting group with more than 40 years of planning and economic-study experience. Under the proposed model, the Town would organize community meetings and town halls while the consultant would complete specialized technical work and assist with facilitation when conflicts arise.- The planning process is estimated to take up to six months.
- The proposal may allow monthly billing across two fiscal years.
- Estimated cost discussed: approximately $25,000 to $30,000 per year for two years.
- The written proposal will identify scope, schedule, deliverables, fees, and required state elements, including water resources, housing, and land use.
- Edwin Ramos was designated as the Town’s primary contact.
- A draft proposal is expected by September 21, 2026, for review at the September 22 work session. A final proposal is anticipated for consideration and vote at the October 13, 2026 Town Council meeting.
- Infrastructure and Annexation
The Town’s only sewage pump station is approximately 55 years old, has no backup system, and requires replacement at an estimated cost of $1.5 million. A USDA grant application is in progress. Interest in annexing property along Creamery Road was also discussed; sewage treatment capacity must be reviewed with MDE before annexation moves forward. - Data Center Moratorium and Technology Policy
The Commission discussed a possible temporary moratorium on data-center development while the Town studies appropriate zoning and regulatory standards. Zach is conducting research, and careful drafting was recommended to avoid legal and procedural problems experienced by other jurisdictions.- Concerns include electric-grid demand, water consumption, noise, substantial tax incentives, and limited permanent employment.
- Any moratorium should establish a definite time period and clear megawatt thresholds and should evaluate whether projects already in an established development pipeline require exemptions.
- The purpose would be to preserve time for thoughtful zoning and regulation, even though no specific data-center site has been identified in East New Market. Page 3 Town of East New Market – Planning and Zoning Commission
- The discussion also touched on national policy questions involving artificial intelligence, open- and closed-source systems, competitiveness, cybersecurity, and potential labor-market changes resulting from AI and robotics.
- County Excise Tax and Economic Pressures
The Commission discussed a September 12, 2026 letter from the County Council President directing municipalities to assist with retroactive collection of the County’s excise tax on new construction dating to July 1, 2025. Strong concern was expressed about requiring the Town to collect a County tax and about the financial impact on builders, including current local development projects.- Possible state legislation allowing municipalities to set certain taxes without separate state approval was viewed unfavorably.
- Members discussed rising costs for fuel, groceries, electricity, construction, and farming. Electricity delivery charges and diesel-dependent agricultural costs were cited as particular concerns.
- Follow-Up Actions
- Review the State’s email outlining current comprehensive-plan requirements.
- Attend the House of Hinges court hearing on October 14, 2026; the Town Attorney and Edwin Ramos are expected to represent the Town.
- Receive the draft comprehensive-plan proposal by September 21 for the September 22 work session, provide feedback, and prepare the final proposal for consideration on October 13.
- Notify the State after a comprehensive-plan consulting contract is in place to demonstrate progress.
- Consult MDE regarding sewage capacity before pursuing annexation along Creamery Road.
- Prepare correspondence to the State Highway Administration requesting a truck detour and incorporate the objective into the comprehensive plan.
- Follow up on the $45,000 police-protection grant application.
- Identify and engage a qualified firm to assess park needs and prepare an improvement plan.
- Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.