Summer has gone by quietly. School will be starting up so please watch out for children at bus stops and walking to school.

There are still a lot of heavy trucks going to and from Lehigh, so please beware. The Town Fall Fest and other events are coming up. Please check your calendars.

Any one willing to work on Committees please contact the Mayor and let him know who you are.

Playground equipment at the Community Center has been repaired.

Our Trooper has done a great job on unlicensed vehicles. Thank you for your cooperation.

MD 157, a picture and description book of all 157 incorporated towns in Maryland, which includes Union Bridge, is for sale for $30.00. For information, please call the Town Hall at 410-775-2711.

In the July/August issue of the town newsletter, the draft planning issues and goals were described. In this issue, the required planning elements and "visions", as required by state law (Article 66 B), will be reviewed. Each of these elements and visions will be considered as part of the 2000 Master Plan update.

The required planning elements that must be included in a master plan are: a statement of goals and objectives; a land use element; a transportation plan element; a community facilities plan element; geographical information; land development regulations; and a sensitive areas element.

The State law also requires that the following eight "Visions" be implemented as part of the plan: 1.development is concentrated in suitable areas; 2. sensitive areas are protected; 3. in rural areas, growth is directed to existing population centers; 4. stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay and the land; 5. conservation of resources; 6. economic growth is encouraged and regulatory mechanisms are streamlined; 7. adequate facilities are planned or available where growth is to occur; and, 8. funding mechanisms are addressed to achieve these Visions.

The planning commission welcomes and encourages citizen comments regarding the proposed master plan update. A town plan update is required by Article 66 B of the Annotated Code of Maryland and Maryland Smart Growth legislation. The commission would like to know how you think the town should grow, and what public services and facilities need to be improved, changed and planned for. Citizens and property owners may also request changes to the zoning district currently designated for their property.

Copies of the current town plan, adopted in 1990, are available at the town office for review. The adopted plan will guide the growth and development of the town for several years into the future. A draft 2000 master plan should be available for citizen inspection on or about August 31, 2000. Please call the town office at 775-2711 for more information.

Evaluation and testing of the Whyte Street test well by Earth Data Inc., have been completed. Their written report recommends that the Whyte Street well be developed as a back-up water supply for the Town. The report has been forwarded to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) for approval. The MDE is partially funding the water improvements.

We are continuing work on the proposed installation of a state-of-the-art filtration system. The town has received final funding approval from the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Rural Utility Services, USDA. The town engineer is currently testing filtration system designs for final approval by MDE. The filtration system will be installed in the new wellhouse, located on town office property. The proposed design plans for the wellhouse and filters are available for public inspection. Please call first to set up a time to review the plans.

The town was approved for additional funds from the State Highway Administration to construct a walkway through the Little Pipe Creek Park (across from Myers grocery store). The recently completed restoration of the Little Pipe Creek, the planting of new trees, lots of wildflowers, and interesting wildlife, should make this a pleasant walking area, as well as a safe and convenient way for walkers, joggers and bicyclists to get to Rt. 75. The walkway will extend from Main Street (across from Tuck’s Service Station), to Rt. 75, east of Myer’s grocery store.

Improvements to the small ballfield concession building, the construction of a new batting cage, and the installation of a new sidewalk in front of the community center, are either completed or under contract. Phase two of the park improvements can now begin. Requests for construction cost proposals will soon be advertised for improvements to the big ballfield concession building, the construction of a small picnic pavilion, and new signs.

The town is working with the Carroll County Health Department regarding required improvements to the concession building. The picnic pavilion will be located in the vicinity of the big ball field. These improvements should be completed by Spring 2001.

Interested contractors should contact the town office at 410-775-2711 for information.

Whitney Baily Cox & Magnani has been selected as the design consultant to complete the design and improvement drawings for Main Street. The project is being funded by the Maryland Community Development Block Grant program. The Main Street Revitalization Committee is coordinating the revitalization program and will be working closely with the design consultant. The proposed drawings and consultant recommendations are available for citizen inspection at the town hall. The final report is expected by August 28, 2000.

Anyone interested in helping with the Main Street program, including property owners and business owners on Main Street, should contact the town office at 775-2711.