The time is right for Smart Growth. Sprawl is a disease that is eating away at the fabric of our communities, creating a hidden debt of unfunded infrastructure and services, social dysfunctions, urban decay and environmental degradation. Businesses are encouraged to open new branches in old neighborhoods, maintain existing operations and employ local residents. By redeveloping vacant or abandoned commercial and industrial spaces, neighborhoods provide new economic opportunities and prevent criminals from taking over the spaces for illegal enterprises. Increased home ownership has many benefits for both the individual and the neighborhood.
Property values increase, and neighborhoods become more stable.
These incentives can translate into reduced crime, better schools and stronger economic opportunity. Two exemplary projects are the redevelopment of the Warfield Complex at the Springfield State Hospital Center in Sykesville and the construction of the Washington County District Court in the historic section of Hagerstown. This insures prosperity for the Town into the future. By annexing this property we can be assured of orderly planning and growth around the Town and we can also safeguard our Main Street by making sure that what takes place on the Warfield property complements what goes on downtown. 2 Mayor Robert E. Bruchey of Hagerstown seconds this opinion.