THURMONT, Md. – The Thurmont Commissioners approved what they would want to see in an annexation agreement with Hudson Land Development IF they vote to annex to the Myers Farm on Oct. 16.

Commissioner Bill Blakeslee said, “Having this discussion about this agreement does not in any way indicate our position on the annexation vote.”

The 210 acres sits along U.S. 15 and the northwest of the Shamrock Restaurant. Hudson Land Development wants to build 350 single-family and town homes on the property along with 400,000 square feet of retail space that could include a large box store and an emergency medical center.

Developer Tom Hudson wants to build around 35 homes a year. The entire project would require about 15 years to be fully built out. He is also offering $9.2 million in fees and financial incentives to the town for the annexation.

Commissioner Ron Terpko said he wanted to see a community and water park added to the financial proffers.

Blakeslee suggested that rather than earmarking funds for specific purposes, the town should “let them make their best offer and let us decide where the funds are going to go.”

Commissioner Glenn Muth said that he wanted Hudson to develop his own water source to support the development rather than paying the town money to have it done.

The commissioners also struck the draft annexation agreement language that allowed for any unused permits to carryover. Hudson agreed to accept only 35 permits a year, but wanted any unused permits to be banked for future use, which would allow more than 35 homes to be built some years.

“It wouldn’t be acceptable by the residents,” said Mayor Martin Burns.

Terpko pointed out that with all the incentives the town is asking for and the upfront infrastructure costs “you’re not going to be able to ask for all these things and limit for only 35 homes year.”

Hudson offered to have his attorney work with the town attorney to redraft the agreement in time for the final vote and to save the town money. The commissioners accepted the offer.

The last chance for the public to speak out about the proposed annexation of the Myers Farm into Thurmont will be on Oct. 16. The Thurmont Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. at the Thurmont town office and they are expected to vote on the proposal following the hearing.

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