Aerial view of a 22 +/- acre 2 parcel assemblage near Taneytown Pike.

Carroll County Planning Director Lynda Eisenberg announced that the county would partner with consulting firms WGI and Willdan to begin a preliminary economic development study.  The study will “get a base for what land we have for commercial, industrial and employment campus type zoning as well as other economic development drivers”, said Eisenberg.  The results of the study will be key inputs towards Carroll County’s long term economic development plan to be delivered in 2025.

According to a slide deck presentation delivered to the commissioners on January 26th, WGI is a northern Virginia based firm that “provides design and professional services…in planning and real estate development.”  They were also clear to mention that they take “great pride in our dedication to innovation, sustainability, resilience, and adaptation (SRA), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I).”  

Willdan, a financial services company headquartered out of California, is “one of the most experienced public sector economic and financial analysis consulting firms in the United States.”  

The next phase of economic development follows a string of aggressive, controversial development projects such as the high-density housing projects in the Freedom district, Eldersberg/Sykesville, and Taneytown.  

The county is holding an open house on February 16th at Exploration Commons for public input.  Citizens are encouraged to attend the forum to have their say on the growth trajectory for the county.

Informed Carroll will provide further reports as the story develops.