Finksburg Corridor Plan - Carroll County Government

Finksburg Corridor Plan
Corridor “Neighborhoods”
Three distinct “neighborhoods” have been identified within the Finksburg corridor. These
neighborhoods are defined by their location and relationship to MD 140, as well as the dominant
uses within the neighborhood and, as well as the vision for the future of the neighborhood as
expressed in Chapter 1 of this plan. (See Map 2)
The Arterial Business neighborhood is broadly defined as the area within the corridor that
fronts directly onto MD 140 and is dominated by business uses. This area contains a mix
of retail and service-oriented retail uses, including auto-related services such as auto
repair shops and gas stations, two retail centers (Walnut Park and Finksburg Plaza), a
post office, and several restaurants, among other uses. Most, but not all, uses have direct
access onto MD 140 and are not accessible safely by any means other than motor
vehicles. The Arterial Business neighborhood is the one most closely associated with the
Finksburg gatewayGateway, as it is the area that is most visible from the highway. It is
also the area most often referred to with respect to the need to improve aesthetics and site
design. Very Relatively few undisturbed natural resources are found in this area, as it is
nearly completely developed. All of the uses in this neighborhood rely onupon private
wells and waste disposal systems.
The Secondary Residential neighborhood encompasses three separate areas adjacent to
the Arterial Business neighborhood.
On the south side of the MD 140 corridor, following Old Westminster Pike, lies
the historic Finksburg community and its surrounding area. This neighborhood
primarily consists of residential uses, along with community uses that include a
church and park. Structures within this neighborhood generally were built in the
late-19 th century to mid-20 th century. Some properties within this neighborhood
have frontage on both MD 140 and Old Westminster Pike, and may have
commercial uses that lie within the Arterial Business neighborhood. Small areas
of trees and isolated areas of steep slopes are the only natural resources that exist
in this neighborhood, with the exception of a few more heavily forested parcels
that lie close to the reservoir. All of the properties within this neighborhood have
private well and septic systems.
Another community within this neighborhood is situated on the north side of MD
140 along Cedarhurst Road. This community is dominated by residential uses that
generally date to the early- to mid-20 th century. This neighborhood also contains a
cemetery and two business uses with frontage on MD 140. Only the cemetery and
a residence at the MD 140/MD 91 intersection have direct access to MD 140; all
other properties have access from Cedarhurst Road, which connects to MD 140
and MD 91 at uncontrolled intersections. Lots are typically narrow and long,
rangingdeep, varying in size but generally averaging about ½ acre. Several lots
are undeveloped. The properties that lie at the far eastern and western edges of
this neighborhood contain forested areas, streams and steep slopes. All of the
properties within this neighborhood have private well and septic systems.
The third community within this neighborhood lies on the north side of MD 140
along Clubhouse Road. Six homes are situated in this neighborhood, as are the
Approved by Carroll County Planning & Zoning Commission - October 2010Revised Draft – November 2012 ♦ 19
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