The chairwoman of the Sykesville Planning and Zoning Commission will cite a conflict of interest and announce her resignation at the conclusion of the meeting tonight.
"I am going to run the meeting, but I will resign afterwards," said Ann Marie Osinga.
Shortly after she moved to the Hawk Ridge Farm subdivision in 1992, Ms. Osinga was appointed to the volunteer commission, which reviews proposed construction projects and zoning issues and makes recommendations to the Town Council.
She has served as commission chairwoman for about six months.
Continuing problems with her new house prompted her decision to resign, Ms. Osinga said.
"I feel that I have a conflict of interest because of problems still existing in my home," she said. "Three years after moving into a new home, I have continuing problems with Powers [homebuilders.]"
Jeff Powers, vice president of the construction company that built Ms. Osinga's home and about 200 others in the development at the north end of town, declined to comment about Ms. Osinga's house or her decision to resign from the planning panel.
The commission will still have to review several issues related to the final section of Hawk Ridge Farm, which Powers Homes has started to build off Obrecht Road.
Ms. Osinga said she feels she could not render an unbiased decision, when Mr. Powers submits his final plans.
"My problems with the house are still not over," she said. "I have to put all my energies into addressing those problems."
Mayor Jonathan Herman said Ms. Osinga could abstain from any vote related to Hawk Ridge Farms.
He has urged her to remain as a member of the commission and said he is disappointed in her decision.
"It takes experience to work on the commission and Ann was really getting the hang of what was going on," said the mayor and former planning commission chairman. "She is shortchanging the town by leaving."
Michael Rice, vice chairman, will move into the chairman's seat, the mayor said.
"A most appropriate choice," Ms. Osinga said. "Michael has construction experience."
The Small Town Planning Guidelines, which Sykesville adopted in 1992, have provided the commission with much assistance, she said.
"We really planned out well with the guidelines," she said. "You could say we were really far ahead of ourselves."
She said the town has managed its growth well. She would like the county to act in a similar manner.
"The South Carroll area can't handle much more growth, without more roads and schools," she said. "But, the town can't make rules for the whole county."