This past year was nothing
less than innovative for the Historic Town of Boonsboro. Multiple projects, including, but not limited to, the installation of the Sludge Dewatering Press, Reservoir Replacement Project approval, nearly completed Shafer Memorial Park construction, and several new constructed buildings all serve as a new, and quite emergent beginning for Boonsboro this fiscal year.

Founded in 1792 by the brothers George and William Boone, Boonsboro become home to multiple battles from 1862 to 1863 related to the American Civil War. In addition to hosting monumental battles in American History, Boonsboro quickly became known as a location for wounded soldiers after the Battle of Antietam in 1862, where they promptly turned churches and public buildings into hospitals. Initially after its founding, Boonsboro did not report success due to its minimal growth in its first decade. Though, after the construction of Bank Road, now known as National Road, travel was streamlined, successfully bringing trade and commerce through the town, facilitating growth and development.
One of the most influential projects of the past fiscal year, the Sludge Dewatering Press was expected to cut the cost of sludge disposal by approximately 50% after a few months of use according to the Treatment Plant Operator (TPO). Before the recent installation, the town was forced to haul thousands of tons of sludge from the town for disposal. Now, however, the Sludge Dewatering Press, as the name suggests, removes excess water from the accumulated sludge, allowing the remaining solid pieces to be easier and more cost-effective to transport for land fertilization. As opposed to the past 7,018 tons of liquid sludge per year, the town expected the Sludge Dewatering Press to output roughly 468 tons per year, reducing the production by a towering 93%.

The heart of Boonsboro, Shafer Memorial Park, recently underwent construction on its walking path, resulting in 1,700 linear feet of new pervious asphalt. The project was awarded with $148,850 in funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Program Open Space (POS) Community Parks & Playgrounds (CP&P) grant. Now, the park is nearly completed with construction following the projected completion of the brand-new, 18-hole, disk golf course in the summer of 2025.
Additionally, two new and locally owned businesses joined the Boonsboro
community just this past June: The Farm House Barber Shop, a barber shop for men and boys, as well as 146 Provisions, a gourmet country store home to a variety of delicacies for all ages, collectibles, and more! Get engaged with the community and learn more about the upcoming local businesses and events through the Boonsboro Facebook pages: Discover Boonsboro, Maryland and Town of Boonsboro, Maryland.

Howard W. Long, the current mayor of Boonsboro was elected last year after running unopposed in the town election. He will serve a four-year term until November 2028, where his position will appear on the ballot once again after the primary election in May 2028. In the next Boonsboro Town Council election in May of 2026, four positions will be on the ballot, including: Assistant Mayor and 3 Council Member positions. Make sure to stay informed about town decisions by attending the town’s regular monthly meeting on the 2nd Monday of every month in the Charles F. ‘Skip’ Kauffman Building at 7:00 PM across from the Town Hall. Meetings are subject to change depending on weather and holidays; be sure to check the town calendar regularly for changes and updates.