Hagerstown residents and business owners impacted by the August flood will have the opportunity to speak with federal officials regarding disaster loan applications, according to a representative with the U.S. Small Business Administration at the town council’s Oct. 5 meeting.
Elijah Neahous, a SBA public affairs specialist, said his team and FEMA representatives would be available all month to assist with applications. With the physical damage loan deadline being Oct. 25, council agreed to organize an information session, with details to be finalized soon. Applications are available at lending.sba.gov.
Police Chief Keith Folkner submitted a new parking ordinance for review, allowing public parking in all residential areas. Exceptions would include state-controlled and uncontrolled intersections and alleys; North Sycamore in front of Hagerstown Elementary School; Factory Street between Pearl and Washington; and the Graceland Heights area. Council suggested a “no trucks” sign in Graceland Heights and possibly having trucks use Teetor Road when leaving AutoCar.
Town attorney Jon Madison reported a land swap agreement as near completion and that official notices for the town court’s dissolution were sent out. Photos of the railway near AutoCar determined a few more inches of asphalt could be added to ease a disruptive spur.
Town Manager Chris LaMar reported the wastewater plant office should be operational by end of the month, and FEMA will return on Oct. 14 to inspect damaged structures. The plant’s environmental restrictive covenants were renewed, and bids for the catwalk project will be ready by November. LaMar is developing a water apprenticeship program and mining quotes for a water tower cleaning and new well-house generator.
Work on underground power lines continues, and restitution is being sought for poles damaged by a FedEx truck last month. The town submitted a Community Crossing grant, brush was removed from a levee near the hardware store and the town will pursue a contract with a street sweeper service. In addition to the Carl Allen plaque, three more resident memorials signs were erected in town.
Other business
- The fire department reported 22 calls in September, has two vehicles in repair and added three new members.
- Police had 260 calls in September and are preparing the new vehicle fleet.
- A request to update the police gun-firing range was denied, pending more details from the FAA.
- The advisory plan commission discussed FEMA regulations to rebuild flood-damaged properties in the 2-mile fringe.
- A post-flood levee inspection will be conducted in the coming weeks.
- The ordinance for the 2027 budget was approved.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m., at 49 E. College St., Hagerstown. The public may attend.
A version of this article appeared in the October 14 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
