Westminster, MD, Monday, August 3, 2026 - Building on the vision from the 2018 Freedom Community Comprehensive Plan, Carroll County is evaluating the business and commercial area around MD Route 26 and MD Route 32 in Eldersburg to ensure the future land use envisioned for the area meets the needs of the community. Based on the results of this evaluation, the county may amend the plan and/or develop an Overlay Zoning District to ensure development in the area aligns with the public’s vision.

To engage the public, Carroll County’s Department of Planning and Land Management (PLM), in coordination with DRS consultants, has created an online survey to gather public input. Please consider taking this 5-minute survey by clicking here and sharing comments about the Small Area Plan. The survey will remain open until August 21st.

Also, this week, PLM and DRS consultants are hosting an Open House on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Carroll County Public Library, Eldersburg Branch, located at 6400 W. Hemlock Dr., Sykesville.  No presentation is planned; the public can drop in whenever it is most convenient during those hours. The open house will give local residents and businesses the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas about the challenges and opportunities in the area that will shape the amendment and overlay.

Preceding the open house, on Wednesday, August 5th beginning at 6:00 pm, the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) will be briefed by the consultant team on the project. This is a time for the PZC to discuss the project as well as hear public input.  The PZC meeting is being held at the county office building located at 225 N. Center Street, Westminster, in the Reagan Room (003).  Can’t attend? The PZC will be live-streamed here, and public comment can be submitted by email to planncomm@carrollcountymd.gov.

The amendment and Overlay Zoning District are not a new comprehensive plan. Instead, the County is evaluating how well development in the area’s commercial core reflects today’s needs and the priorities established in the 2018 Plan.  Visit the Freedom Community Comprehensive Plan 2027 Small Area Plan Amendment webpage for more information. 

PLM staff and consultants will be on hand at the open house to answer questions and engage in conversation about the amendments.