February 10, 2023 | Issue 16

Here's how you can pay:

• Online via our PayCenter with your debit or credit card.
• In-Person at Town Hall during office hours (listed above) with cash, check or money order.
• By utilizing our After-Hours Drop Box at the front door of Town Hall.

Important Dates to Remember:

• February 14th - Penalties applied for non-payment and past due/shut-off notices mailed.
• February 21st - Door hangers placed at residents that are at risk for shut-off.
• February 28th - Shut-offs completed, if no payment received, and $50 Shut-off fee assessed.

If your water is shut off, the following options are available to have service returned:

• Pay your balance in full;
• Set up a payment plan for the full balance and pay in equal monthly installments within 12 months;
• OR provide proof of application for Low Income Household Water Assistance with the State of Maryland Department of Human Services.

Note: Accounts that have an outstanding balance of two quarters or more are at risk for shut-off. If you need assistance and would like to set up a payment plan, contact Mary Culver at mculver@charlestownmd.org or at (410) 287-6173, ext. 4. Please don't wait.

On February 7th, the Town held a public meeting to provide an update regarding the proposed Town Hall Renovations. Here's the video presentation and a brief overview of the proposal.

Can't see the video? Click Here.

Charlestown's historic two-room schoolhouse, located in Market Square, currently houses the Town Hall and a branch of the United States Postal Service. The Town's office staff share a 400 square-foot room and a common wall with the Post Office.

Town growth necessitates not only larger administrative accommodations, but also a dedicated public meeting space, community center, outdoor gathering place, and additional parking. To maintain the integrity of the Historic District and schoolhouse building, the Town worked with the architectural firm, Cooperson & Associates, to create a design incorporating the schoolhouse with a new addition and Post Office building.

The schoolhouse would be restored to it's original state, and renovated to accommodate community meetings. This space would be welcome for use by local groups, such as Young at Heart and Boy & Girl Scouts, and private parties. The Town Hall addition, on the back of the schoolhouse, will include a lobby, commercial kitchen, ADA-compliant public restrooms, and private office space for Town Staff. To accommodate the addition, the Fairgreen Park playground will be moved to a new location, in between Black Ave and Conestoga St.

As for the Post Office, there are rumors that the Charlestown branch might close due to staffing capacity issues, but this is not confirmed and the Town wants the Post Office to stay. The proposed design would include a stand-alone building adjacent to the Town Hall addition. If need be, the Town is willing to provide staffing assistance to operate a Village Post Office.

The renovation will not only include a Town Hall addition, but will also include more usable space in Market Square. Outdoor space around the Town Hall will be expanded to allow for gatherings and events, such as the annual Christmas tree lighting and Halloween parade. Additional parking spaces will be provided, as well as, a water tower feature, commemorative pavers and memorial benches, which could be part of a fundraising effort. The entrance to Town Hall and the Community Center will have ADA-compliant ramps to access either building.

Feedback received during the Town Meeting will be incorporated into the design process, and more updates will be provided in the future.

The following Public Meetings will be held in February

at the Charlestown Fire Hall, 307 Market Street, and via Zoom.

Tuesday, February 21 at 6:00pm

Candidates’ Forum for 2023 Municipal Election

Join us to hear about our Commissioner Candidates’ visions for helping to make the Town a better place.

If you would like to submit questions for the candidates, the deadline is 4:00pm on Monday, February 20th by clicking here.

Thursday, February 23 at 6:00pm

Zoning Ordinance Revisions & Charter Amendments

Make your voice heard about potential Zoning & Charter changes regarding bed & breakfasts, home occupations, chickens, and elections.

To review the documents before the meeting, please click here to view them on our website.

Questions? Contact Bryan Lightner at (410) 287-6173 or blightner@charlestownmd.org.

All meetings held at Town Hall, unless otherwise noted.

Meeting Dates

Historic District Commission

Held on the 1st Tuesday of the month.

• Next Meeting: March 8, 2023

Planning & Zoning Commission

Held on the 1st Thursday after the 1st Tuesday of the month.

• Next Meeting: March 9, 2023

Town Commissioners

Held every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

• Next Meeting: February 14, 2023

Bulk Trash Collection

South of Route 7 - Last Wednesday of the Month

North of Route 7 - Day after Last Wednesday of the Month

Town Hall must be notified by 4pm the day prior

Next Collection: February 22 & 23, 2023

Household Trash & Recyclables Collection

Every Wednesday, starting at 6am

All holidays included, unless otherwise noted

Next Collection: February 15, 2023

Yard Waste Collection

Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month

No need to notify Town Hall

Next Collection: February 13, 2023