Commissioner Howard on the Freedom Trail: ‘It Sort of Exists’

A heated discussion over the current status of biking and walking trails in the Freedom Area came to one conclusion Thursday night – they’re definitely needed.

More than 70 residents showed up at the for a discussion with Commissioner Doug Howard, District 5, about the recent attempt of a local resident to open a trail and the overall need to connect Eldersburg and Sykesville for those traveling by foot or bicycle.

“I didn’t really know what to expect although in the end I thought it went very, very well,” said Howard. “I think people recognize the value of adding to what we already have.”

After a trail, consisting of 60 yards of mulch was officially announced to the community as “open” on a Freedom Trail Facebook page in early September, it was shortly closed down by the county, and "no trespassing" signs were placed at areas along the path.

“This has been a very difficult subject because I think there’s some good work that has been done,” said Howard. “Ross Dangel has worked very hard to put this trail in and it’s my understanding that it sort of exists but was never approved by the county.”

The discussion of a trail came up with the previous Board of Commissioners, with Howard saying the current board did not approve the trail constructed by Dangel.

“There’s been a trail proposed by a group, not by the Carroll County Government,” said Howard.

The commissioner stepped in and the county closed the trail after the Eldersburg Estates Home Owners Association spoke out about the proximity of the trail to their homes, it's connection to the Springfield Hospital Center, and the lack of community input on its location.

“As a resident of the community we are all for trails in our area, however we were completely left out of the process and we’d like to have a voice,” said Denise Graybill, resident of Eldersburg Estates.

During the discussion all eyes turned to Dangel and his attempt at a trail connecting Eldersburg and Sykesville. A few residents spoke passionately about the fact that the trail was announced as “open” on Facebook before local residents were consulted on its location.

“You can’t just trample on people’s families, homes and living. I’m not saying that he wanted to do that but I think the community thought that,” said Bob Leatherwood, longtime area resident and Howard’s former campaign manager. “I think this is a good start to put things back on the burner.

“Ross is a great guy who has a long history of community service who got ahead of himself and that’s a real shame. His ideas are great he just need to remember that there’s a process and you have to involve all of the gatekeepers before you charge ahead.”

State Delegate Susan Krebs was also in attendance, agreeing that there’s a need for a trail but there’s also a process that needs to be followed.

“Ross is very enthusiastic and that’s how you get things done, but you have to slow down and follow certain guidelines,” said Krebs.

In the end, Dangel did what was needed, according to the consensus Thursday night – bring the topic of trails to the county’s attention.

“I know it’s a long, tedious process but it’s got to start somewhere,” said Dangel.

Howard announced at the end of the discussion that he will look into getting approval for a state trail feasibility study, in addition to “de-constructing” the current trail and putting together a community group to discuss the possibility of a future bike trail connecting Eldersburg and Sykesville.

“This is what I was hoping it would be, a cooperative decision to move forward with the feasibility study,” said Dangel. “With Commissioner Howard’s support I am going to help him with the people at the State who can articulate what the process will hold and what it will address.”

For Howard, he said the discussion was a relief.

“We’ll get it done. I’ve calmed down. I was about to build the Berlin Wall halfway across it a few weeks ago but now I’m confident we’re heading in the right direction,” said Howard.

As for the controversial Facebook post?

“I said that one time because I was riding the euphoria of 20 volunteers who wanted a connection there,” said Dangel. “It wasn’t supposed to be a permanent connection. Yes, I regret my moment of excitement now in saying it’s open.”