Berlin’s new “Candy Store”…opening soon!
Long-awaited and much anticipated, the building located at 10 Williams Street currently known as Town Hall will soon become the new “Candy Store” in Berlin MD. Developers, large and small, along with future-minded business folk will surely form a line awaiting the distribution of the 200 plus EDU’s (Equivalent Daily Units). These have been held back awaiting approval of the three year average flow reports required by the State of Maryland. Due to favorable weather conditions (dry) along with excellent Berlin Wastewater Treatment Plant management we’ve received that approval. It’s time now for the Mayor & Council, contracted engineering firm, URS, and professional Town Staff along with the Berlin Planning Commission and Berlin Utility Commission to determine an equitable distribution. Also to be determined is the apportioned cost. This cost to be based on the price of the upgraded portion required by MDE (Maryland Department of the Environment) for the higher ENR (Enhanced Nutrient Removal) and the expanded capacity of the new plant needed for future growth. Simply put, the cost of the upgrade will be paid by the current residents with an increase in our monthly water/sewer service bill and the expansion, upon future development with connection fees. To complicate this equation a bit, we are now required by Federal Clean Water Act via Worcester County to “get out of the stream” by 2010, about the time the new plant comes on line. This means additional land and piping costs for full, year-round spray field irrigation disposal and holding pond (lagoon) creating even further expense. Costs aside, the distribution of these now available EDU’s must be equitable, and in accordance with “smart growth” planning. Some must be available for growth within Berlin’s Historic Downtown areas…some for “in-fill” lots and some for area residential expansion. Many townsfolk already have been paying “ready to serve” fees for a considerable time…waiting for the “Candy Store” to open.
The groups mentioned above will be discussing these most Solomon-like decisions during a Work-session to be held on Monday, August 18th beginning at 6 pm in Town Hall. The public is invited.
