The Shepherdstown Town Council opened its January 14 meeting (image above) with Mayor James Gatz’s remembrance of Peter Folsom Smith, a longtime community leader who passed away earlier this month. For over two decades, Smith contributed his public relations and organizing skills to myriad organizations and initiatives — most recently leading last year’s Beeline March 250th anniversary celebration. A memorial service is scheduled for January 31 at Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church.
Annexation Hearing Set for February
The Council voted unanimously to hold a public hearing during its February 11 meeting on a petition to annex approximately five acres on River Road formerly owned by George Kalathas. The petitioners plan a 55+ condominium development on the property. Neighbors John Aldis and Claudine Lebeau, whose properties border the site, attended to raise concerns about receiving timely notification as the process advances. If approved, annexation would give the Town direct involvement in shaping the property’s future use according to Town Attorney Chas Printz.
Election and Infrastructure Updates
Town Council and mayoral elections are scheduled for June 2, and preparations are underway for a smooth election, reported Town Clerk Amy Boyd.
Public Works Director Woody Coe reported on a January 7 incident in which a power outage disabled system alarms, resulting in sewage overflow into Town Run. Crews responded within an hour of notification and system upgrades are underway to provide backup power and prevent a repeat. Coe thanked the town residents who had noticed and reported the incident.
The property bequeathed to the Town by the late Jay Hurley continues its transition to becoming a public park. All but three trailers on the property have been removed, and grading of the open land is expected to be done next week. Three trailers will remain in place under pending lease agreements with the current residents.
According to Finance Director Maged Kirollos, Town revenues are tracking ahead of budget and spending is under, resulting in an operating surplus midway through the fiscal year. Kirollos also reported that the Town is in the final stages of selecting between two vendors for an upgraded Financial Management System, a project that is part of a broader modernization effort.
The Town has welcomed a new Planning Specialist to support the Planning Commission and manage projects: Karl Musser previously worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Resources Conservation Service.
Business Comings and Goings
Evolve, the pop-up space at 106 West German Street, has closed after nearly seven years of hosting artists, craftspeople, and more. Expected to replace it is Eclectic, a similar venture by Judy Shepherd. Two new businesses in town come from successful operations in other towns: Stoney’s Pub (also in Martinsburg) has opened on Princess Street, and Slow Down Barbershop (also in Hagerstown) is welcoming customers on German Street in the space formerly occupied by Lucky’s. Rumoured to be coming soon to fill the now-closed China Cafe space on German Street is Bloom Mediterranean, a new dining concept from the team behind MJ’s DeliCafe.
Water Analysis Completed For Former School Property
Kay Schultz of the Town Run Watershed Group reported that a mapping analysis of water, floodplain, and wetland patterns has been completed for the seven-acre property formerly occupied by the Shepherd Elementary School. The analysis, which was performed by a volunteer expert, is intended to inform future decisions about the site, with the property’s role in flood management a key consideration.
Published in the Observer Weekly, 2026 Jan 15.
By Staff Contributor