Here are the top take-a-ways from the Hampstead Town Council Meeting:

Town managers report

Town manager Tammi Ledley went over the details for the upcoming 2023 elections.  Two town council members and the mayor are up for election. All three are elected to 4 year terms. Nomination packets will be available at town hall starting March 1 and are due April 10.  Please see the town’s website for more details. Elections will be held on May 9, 2023.

A public hearing has been set for the concept site plan for Hahn’s on Feb 22, 2023.  Breaking ground on construction is still about a year away. 

Many new businesses have been opening in town. Cinco de Mayo, a new dog groomer and Rocco’s Market and Deli have all opened.  Fica specialty coffee bar will open in the next couple of weeks.

The Ridge Engineering expansion is the construction happening at the north end of town. The Carroll County Industrial Authority is getting the rest of the land ready for pad use should a user be identified.  The mayor and council members made clear that contrary to rumors the work is NOT for Amazon or a prison, but instead another business like Ridge.  According to Mayor Nevin, “We’re looking for jobs not trucks”. 

Dollar General should be operational by the end of March 2023.

On January 31, the town submitted an application to MDE requesting funding for recommended water system improvements. The rankings of projects submitted and the funding amounts for the projects will be available in May 2023.  The town is also awaiting preliminary engineering reports from GMB for these improvements.

Hampstead Farmer’s Market Planning underway

The Hampstead Farmers Market 2023 planning is getting underway.  If you are interested in being a vendor please message the Facebook page or fill out the contact form on hampsteadfarmersmarket.com

All breakfast slots are filled and there are 4 slots available for musicians.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Nevin will have an opportunity to meet with Governor Moore later next week.  He said he hopes to speak to the governor about funding for the fire department.

Board of Supervisors of Elections appointments

Lauree Kunz and Christine Konior were reappointed to the Board of Supervisors of Elections for a term of two years each.

Marlene Duff  was appointed to the Board of Supervisors of Elections for a term of two years.

Introduction of Ordinance 547

There was an introduction of ordinance 547, which will update some of the zoning uses and conditions in the B-L Business Local and B-G Business General Districts.  One addition will be for “Cannabis or Cannabidiol (CBD) stores and/or dispensaries, if located at least 300 feet from the boundary line of any residence district.” This will go before a public hearing at the next council meeting on Tuesday, March 14 at 7:30 and a copy of the ordinance can be found here.

Hampstead Planning and Zoning Commission will meet February 22, 2023

Hampstead Town Council will meet March 14, 2023