McDonald’s, Disc Golf, and Crestview Development Discussed at December 8 Boonsboro Council Meeting

The Town of Boonsboro council convened for a meeting that included a review of financial reports, discussions on infrastructure projects, and considerations for future development. The meeting covered updates on the town’s general, water, sewer, and restricted funds, as well as a presentation from the Boonsboro Cemetery Association regarding a memorandum of understanding with the town. Public works reported on various maintenance and improvement projects, and planning initiatives were detailed, including progress on the McDonald’s development and permits for Crestview water main bypass. The council also addressed issues related to disc golf course placement, potential traffic impacts from new developments, and celebrated the achievements of local businesses and town employees.

This article was updated 12/15/2025 to clarify that the Crestview project is a water main bypass.

During the November meeting, the town’s financial reports indicated healthy balances across various funds. The general fund concluded November with over $2.9 million, bolstered by real estate tax payments, local tax distributions, highway user fees, and franchise fees from telecommunication providers. Notable expenditures included $40,950 for milling and overlay of basketball courts at Schafer Park. A significant financial move involved transferring $500,000 from reserve funds to the First United IC sweep account. The water fund showed an ending balance of over $567,000, with collections from water, sewer, and sanitation services. Expenses in this fund included payments for pump maintenance and the Crestview water main bypass project. The American Rescue Plan funds had an ending balance of over $958,000, with expenditures for reservoir replacement projects. The sewer fund concluded the month with over $172,000, and a smaller restricted funds account for sewer had a balance of over $376,000.

A key discussion point was the proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Town of Boonsboro and the Boonsboro Cemetery Association. The association, represented by its president, sought the MOU to facilitate the integration of their new cemetery software, which includes a “find grave sites” feature. This integration requires the cemetery’s internal roads to be recognized as private roads, which the MOU aims to address to enable their listing on platforms like Google Maps. While acknowledging the potential benefits, council members emphasized that all maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery grounds and roads would remain the responsibility of the Cemetery Association, as stipulated in the MOU. The council ultimately approved entering into this agreement.

The Public Works department provided updates on several fronts. Gratitude was expressed for the crew’s work on park maintenance and town decorations. The sewer collection system reported no issues. On the water side, a significant water leak in downtown required attention, leading to a temporary water shutoff and bypass operation to minimize disruption. The damaged pipe was described as being in very poor condition, requiring replacement. Progress on the Dean South development was also highlighted, with the sewer line completed and utility work expected to conclude before spring.

In planning and development news, site plans for a McDonald’s restaurant were moving through final stages, with construction already underway. The Chase Six Boulevard project was out for bid, with a mandatory pre-bid meeting scheduled. Permits for the Crestview development were secured, and construction is anticipated to begin after the new year, with notices sent to adjacent property owners regarding the proximity of the work. Enforcement actions concerning signage along Main Street were also noted. Preliminary information suggested that Tractor Supply may be submitting a site plan for a location near Dollar General, with preliminary engineering work already in progress. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential secondary access routes for properties, including the ambulance company, which could be facilitated by new developments.

The Police Department reported a relatively quiet month overall, with a notable exception being a proactive initiative on Thanksgiving Eve which resulted in approximately 53 stops and five DUI arrests, primarily on Main Street. The department is working to relocate speed cameras and use a speed trailer to address traffic concerns.

In mayor and council correspondence, a concern was raised regarding disc golf basket locations at Schafer Park, specifically those that allow for throws towards walking paths. The council expressed frustration with the lack of response from the disc golf group regarding these placement issues and discussed the need for a more direct approach, possibly involving a certified letter, to ensure safety and adherence to established guidelines.

Several town initiatives and events were also acknowledged. The Pathfinder Distillery received an award for best farm distiller bourbon. Town representatives attended Congresswoman Delaney’s roundtable and participated in the Old Time Christmas parade and tree lighting. The town’s involvement in the Amazing Shake program at Boonsboro Elementary School was recognized, as was the observance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The Antietam Battlefield’s Memorial Illumination event, which featured a significant display of luminaries, was attended and deemed a moving experience. A town hall regarding upcoming development plans, including a proposed floating zone concept for age-restricted homes and commercial development, was also discussed.

Under new business, the council approved a contract for Crestview engineering, authorizing up to $35,000 for final materials and retaining engineering services for potential future questions. Approval was also given for the employees’ Christmas luncheon and bonuses. The establishment of an escrow account with Verdant Development Group was approved, with specific caveats added to ensure town oversight and the use of prevailing rates for review fees. The council also reviewed a Main Street Maryland letter of agreement, but ultimately decided to table the decision to allow for further information and discussion regarding the workload and responsibilities involved.

Commission reports included updates from the Park Board, which commended the successful Old Time Christmas event. The Boonsboro Municipal Utilities (BMU) met, discussing a pilot program for new water meters, the successful testing of new reservoir tanks, and the awarding of a bid for the Crestview bypass project. The BMU also approved Nelson Baker as a new commercial in-town voting member for a four-year term. The Systems Report indicated good operations for both water and sewer, with the expected delivery of a Route 34 pump. A master meter issue on Stapler Avenue was resolved.

The Planning Commission met to discuss preliminary site plans for a propane tank farm and the Dean South development, with a focus on stormwater management and potential impacts on nearby homes. Conditional approval was given for the McDonald’s site plan, contingent on the inclusion of a walking trail. Discussions also touched upon the Verdant development and the town’s comprehensive plan, with some concern expressed about the level of input from commission members.

The Economic Development Commission (EDC) will not meet again until January. A workshop on low waste initiatives was highlighted as informative, and the farmers market was reported to have had a successful year. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy award was presented to a local chef, and nominations for EDC leadership were made. The JFK 50-Mile race was noted for drawing significant crowds to the town.

The meeting concluded with well wishes for the holiday season and a reminder of the upcoming employee luncheon.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from Town of Boonsboro Meeting Transcript

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