The Carroll County Planning Commission will recommend that the County Commissioners waive county zoning on the Warfield Complex at Springfield Hospital Center, paving the way for Sykesville to market the property.

Town Manager Matthew H. Candland told the planning commission yesterday that the town doesn't have a specific proposed zoning classification for the complex yet, but will probably designate it for institutional and office uses, with smaller amounts of commercial and residential zoning.

Sykesville has scheduled a public hearing Monday on its proposal to annex the 138-acre complex that adjoins the town. The complex includes 15 aging buildings.

If the County Commissioners refuse to waive the county zoning, which is agricultural, the town could annex the property. However, the town would be barred by state law from changing the zoning for five years.

The annexation proposal won state approval last year. Candland said the town plans to develop most of the property for institutional and office uses, but would provide for some residential use to keep the town atmosphere "so we don't have all the lights turned off at 5 o'clock."

Pub Date: 9/16/98