Frederick City and County News of Interest VOL. 4, NO. 9 | September 6, 2025

 

VOL. 4, NO. 9  |  September 6, 2025 Frederick City and County News of Interest Please join our monthly email list by clicking here. Learn more about CRG at the bottom of this newsletter. For quick access, click on a title here and jump to that article, below: CRG Opinion City: Yet again, Bye-bye City Historic Property City: Vacant Property Ordinance Update City: Housing, Health, and Education Committee Summary City: Developer-Requested LMC Text Amendment to Modify Mixed-Use Phasing Requirements City: Cricket Stadium Update City: Updates on Westside Improvements City/County: Housing Element: Summary for the City, County, and Municipalities County: Housing Open House County: Green Infrastructure Plan County: Critical Data Center Overlay Upcoming Events and Meetings ______________   VOTE, VOTE, VOTE — THE CITY’S FUTURE IS IN PLAY!!! ______________________ CRG OPINION For the entire lifespan of CRG and its newsletter, we have been opining on the Historic Preservation Commission’s (HPC) shift to embedding more and more contemporary features into the City’s historic properties with HPC members asserting they were simply following the 2019 Historic Property Guidelines. Well, lo and behold, a strong voice in the recent Frederick News Post pleaded for protection of the City’s historic character similar to our oft-stated opinion (https://www.fredericknewspost.com/opinion/columns/community-character-and-identity-matter/article_6b15aaf1-c77d-53c4-a0a0-3572dd02b9cb.html). Alas, as noted in the section below, saving our historic designs and architecture still has a long way to go. But thank you Mr. McMahon for defending what defines our beautiful City. Please keep trying! City: Yet again, Bye-bye City Historic Property The City’s Historic Preservation staff as well as HPC members have done it again, allowing an 85-year-old mansion to be demolished on Grove Street near Hood College. In a decision on August 14, the Commission discussed applying an historic overlay on a rare stone-faced mansion in order to save the remaining architecture of a defaced residence valued at $1.2M. As background, several years ago, the owner removed the stone façade of the large residence without a permit, thereby — in the opinion of the Planning staff and majority of the Commission — removing the historic character of the building. Commission members could have applied an historic overlay on the building to further protect this unique structure but instead rejected that option leaving the owner with the ability to demolish the treasured residence. As one member stated, by not assigning the overlay, the owner’s vandalism (demolition without a City permit) in removing the stone façade has been rewarded, setting a precedent that illegal practices, even reported to City officials at the time of the façade’s removal, are acceptable and can lead to further destruction as a non-historic building. Bravo staff and HPC members, the continued loss of valued City history marches on (for a summary see https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/economy_and_business/real_estate_and_development/planned-home-demolition-exposes-gap-in-fredericks-historic-preservation-rules/article_408033cb-aeaa-55a0-b96f-1f0634e973a2.html). City: Vacant Property Ordinance Update A December 31, 2018 article in the Frederick News Post quoted Mayor O’Connor’s pledge of action in 2019 to eliminate unsightly properties that detract from the quality of life, “setting a time period of two years plus one day for an owner to tenant a property before a levy or surcharge would kick in…”. A stroll down memory lane reminds us that the Mayor’s pledge helped to stimulate NAC 11’s Seriously Deteriorated and Habitually Vacant Properties (SDHVP) subcommittee concern on vacant and/or seriously deteriorated properties along Market and surrounding streets. That concern led to an in-depth examination of the situation by residents, through: A review and confirmation of the status of the recommendations of the 2012, 2015, and 2016 blight committees A firsthand, on-foot walk throughout the NAC 11 district and identification (via a rating system) of all properties deemed to be in Poor or Very Poor condition and, if applicable, an Historic Resource at risk Research and organization of vacant property codes and procedures that identified Best Practices in place in Maryland jurisdictions An outline of an action plan to address habitual vacancy The resulting SDHVP report, presented to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, identified 68 vacant and/or distressed properties within NAC 11 boundaries. (Note: the firsthand research did not check properties outside this district given the limits on our resources to do so; however, the Vacant Property ordinance applies to all areas of the City.) After significant public discussion and debate, the Vacant Property Ordinance was passed by a unanimous vote of the Board of Aldermen on November 19, 2019 (Code of Ordinances, Article IV-Vacant Property) and fully implemented on December 1, 2020. Although the final ordinance was more limited in coverage than we had hoped as it covered commercial buildings and multi-family dwellings only, it was a start but with some important conditions, i.e., that only “habitually vacant” properties could be listed, which eliminated many properties from the list; that registration after one year of vacancy is left to the good will of property owners and complaints from neighbors; that there is no mechanism for City staff to assertively seek potentially delinquent properties and require registration. Accordingly, since registration began in early 2022, only 18 properties (City-wide) have been registered. On a positive note, the Ordinance mandates that after three years on the vacant property registry, property taxes are to be increased each year thereafter. This process has begun and some properties are subject to a second year of increased taxes! Also, all properties registered in 2022 are eligible for receivership in one or two years, and a court ruling re: dispensation of the Asiana building (at 123-125 N. Market St.) is expected in a few weeks which might speed up action on other habitually vacant properties. Periodically, CRG (an outgrowth of the SDHVP) reviews implementation of the Ordinance. Currently, 13 properties are listed on the Vacant Property Registration — 11 registered in 2022 and two in 2024. Four properties have been removed from the list — no explanation provided. If a reviewer is to take this list at face value, it would appear as though only 13 properties in the entire City have remained vacant for more than 1 year since 2020. It’s possible, though not likely, and might be a function of the aforementioned lack of enforceable requirement for property owners to register with no penalty for not doing so. It might also be that while City staff can identify vacant properties, they are not required to do so. The ordinance notes that “the Director may consider...” several factors to determine occupancy; s/he does not have to do it.  Perhaps a lack of zeal on the part of staff or perhaps a lack of direction from superiors to act?   As a final note, we suggest that steps can be taken assertively to keep better track of, and promptly register, the vacant properties throughout the City, by seeking a printout each billing cycle of water usage (gallons used low to high). That listing could be checked against prior cycles to gain a sense of who the habitually low users are. As water usage does not equate to habitual vacancy, Code Enforcement must keep a running log of tall grass, vegetation, debris and lack of maintenance. Currently only the worst offenders are cited. And, if a property is brought to the attention of the City, investigation must not be optional!  City: Housing, Health, and Education Committee Summary The HHE committee of the City Council continues its discussion of affordable housing needs and possible remedies. The Frederick Housing Task Force, in collaboration with the Coalition for Frederick Housing, presented a summary of newly formed subcommittees that focus on Development, Community Engagement, Policy and Advocacy, Supportive Services, and Landlord Engagement and Locator Assistance. The Task Force focuses on housing for those earning less than 30% of the regional Annual Median Income (AMI), those least likely to find housing within their meager incomes. Zoning changes, overlay and floating zones, and by-right options were identified as immediate changes needed, along with examination of tiny villages and speeding up review processes. Fees-in-lieu collected for not constructing moderately priced dwelling units (MPDUs, currently approximating $4.6M) are currently distributed across nine different City programs, only one of which is actual construction. Issues ahead include where (and should) Affordable Housing Overlay Zones be adopted across the City or in specific areas, re-examination of Accessory Dwelling Units, and currently requiring $15K in impact fees as an option in the "housing toolbox." CRG supports rapid progress on affordable housing construction using as many mechanisms available across the country in mitigating this huge problem.   City: Developer-Requested LMC Text Amendment to Modify Mixed-Use Phasing Requirements The Renn Quarter developer has requested a text amendment to the LMC which would alter (for the entire City not just Renn Quarter) the regulations for mixed use development phasing. Currently, a development approved as a mixed-use community must assure phased construction of commercial space as residential space comes on line. The proposed amendment will allow developers to reduce the percentage of commercial space and extend phasing for an indeterminate amount of time. Moreover, the proposed amendment asks that administrative (i.e., by staff) approval is all that would be needed for such a change in an approved master plan — not at all a transparent process. Discussion on this request was tabled at a recent Planning Commission meeting; however, it is still alive. CRG notes that numerous current Renn Quarter residents commented negatively about the text amendment and its effect on their lives and property. They noted the promises made by developers of a “vibrant, walkable” community with many amenities — including the ability to reach goods and services on foot rather than by car. Some commenters added that the developer is still advertising Renn Quarter as “vibrant and walkable” while at the same time seeking an LMC text amendment that will enable them to provide something far less than advertised. CRG wants to know: Why is the developer asking for a change in the LMC rather than a modification of the master plan? Why is the developer asking staff to bypass the Planning Commission for this important decision that affects the entire City, not just his/her development? Does the City really want to remove residents from the decisions that affect their lives? To what extent has the developer engaged the services of a commercial real estate broker to assess the viability of establishing businesses, and counted the roofs in the surrounding 2-mile area, and in the pipeline for approved developments to come? These data would likely strengthen developers' pitch to potential commercial clients. City: Cricket Stadium Update As reported previously, an application to construct a Cricket Field in the golf driving range property on Rte. 144 west of the Monocacy River is still under consideration. The Frederick Airport is within a mile of the proposed Cricket Stadium/Event Complex and directly in an airport flight path. Thus, the Airport Commission has to approve the project. At its August meeting, the Commission heard from the applicant and his representatives, and citizens voiced their opinions on issues of concern. Afterward, Commissioners refrained from voting and determined that a follow up meeting to approve or disapprove the project is on hold until after the election. The proposal will now be heard by the new City Council — likely in January 2026. As the current City Council did not complete the workshop process, it is expected to be restarted at that time. City: Updates on Westside Improvements Westside Regional Park Community Center — A preliminary design plan will be presented to the City and the public September 15, 6:30PM at Butterfly Ridge Elementary. Initial discussions include ample meeting space with the potential for permanent offices for community support along with kitchen facilities, a full gymnasium, and 2 multi-use fields. There are plans for a workshop to share priorities for this welcome addition to the West side of the City. Hillside Library — Also in the works are preliminary plans for a 15,000 square foot, long-awaited public library, to be presented to the County and the public by the end of October. A modern full-service library with meeting rooms is anticipated; residents should watch closely for this public meeting. When combined, the completion of these 2 projects should tremendously enhance the quality of life for Westside residents and City as a whole. City/County: Housing Element: Summary for the City, County, and Municipalities The County has pulled together a comprehensive summary of past, current, and future housing data for the City of Frederick, across the County, and the 14 unincorporated growth areas (https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/15980). CRG encourages all readers to explore this document, because there’s a stark future ahead for a rapidly increasing population, projections for inadequate housing, a large schools shortfall, and potential impacts of the new climate. Although not yet completed, the affordable housing assessment will highlight these issues even more dramatically. We need serious commitments to address these housing needs as soon as possible, so please consider candidate promises regarding housing policies in the City election on September 9 and next fall’s County election. County: Housing Open House The County hosted a Housing Open House at the library on August 21, with approximately 40 attendees. Although many attended the meeting to learn of new County efforts for more housing in the County, other than several fact-filled handouts, there were no presentations, to the dismay of the assembled residents. White boards had been placed in the meeting room seeking input and suggestions from the attendees with some comments collected to inform the County's next steps. CRG hopes that future County efforts on the critical housing shortfall throughout the area includes more staff presentations on programs either adopted or under consideration by staff. County: Green Infrastructure Plan A draft of the first two chapters of a County Green Infrastructure Plan is now available (https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/15979). The document is a thorough summary of green infrastructure and its importance to (obviously) our natural environment, but also to the integration of our valued landscape with human activities and needs. Descriptions of green infrastructure components are found in the first chapter, while Chapter 2 details all aspects of the County from history, geology, forest and habitats, and government programs that protect or conserve valued "green" uses of our lands. CRG compliments County staff for a comprehensive overview of the value of natural and cultivated lands in protecting local streams and embedded habitats, floodplains, and soil health — BRAVO! Now let’s ensure that green infrastructure is valued equally in future development and land use decisions across the County and its municipalities, as build-out is proposed for these areas! County: Critical Data Center Overlay Following previously-held County Council meetings considering the County Executive’s Critical Data Center Overlay, which doubles the area that would be considered for data centers in the County, the County Council voted 5–2 to adopt the overlay zone. Many Adamstown residents and concerned citizens throughout the City and County have vigorously objected to the doubling of available acreage for data centers, due to documented problems in other localities, including noise, vibrations, emissions, property value declines, children’s health, transmission line construction and loss of private property, power demand that will increase electric bills perhaps by 20%, hazardous spill remediation, and water supply and treatment. This outcome was disappointing as there appear to be 5 members committed to inadequate regulation of data center operations, largely accepting the industry’s suggestions on its good neighbor policies and the economic gains of the new industry. To provide a more complete compilation of impacts of data center operations throughout the state, nation and world, a regional Maryland Data Center Analysis Group has just been formed to ensure that ALL data are available, and not solely the industry’s information that appears to be the key source for the Council members who support the expansion of centers in the County (https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/continuing_coverage/data_centers/coalition-of-environmental-organizations-form-maryland-data-center-analysis-group/article_f892ffd8-5052-50ab-b948-91c3f3357bb2.html). A common theme in resident comments encouraged slowing the process until a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis has been initiated to identify both pros and cons of the new neighbors. Until now, a single analysis has been conducted, listing only benefits of data centers, e.g., increasing construction and electrician jobs and associated local economic benefit from these salaries and $41M in local revenue from taxes. Because of the multiple negatives associated with data centers — all documented in many areas with operating centers — CRG strongly recommends slowing any future data center reviews UNTIL a more comprehensive cost-benefit analysis is initiated and completed, and sources of both power and water have been identified. Upcoming Meetings and Events City Planning Commission, September 8, City Hall, 6 PM: Frederick Health Master Plan, Wormans Mill Court Apartments County Planning Commission, September 10, 9:30 AM: Workshop on Investing in Workers and Workplaces

See the CRG blog at: responsiblegrowthfrederick.com Contributors: P. Gallagher, R. Huber, S. Jakubczyk, M. Rosenswieg, K. Sellner. CRG is a grassroots coalition of Frederick residents who prioritize responsible growth, expanding infrastructure, and a functional natural environment. We advocate for development that accommodates projected population increases while fostering a strong and diverse community fabric and increasing economic opportunities. Our comprehensive approach emphasizes public safety, traffic mitigation, increasing school capacity, and housing for all members of our community. Many Frederick residents want to know — but cannot find — information about how to participate in discussions of important local issues. The City and County generally hold meetings from 3–10 p.m., making it impossible for most of us to attend meetings or weigh in on issues of interest. Our mission with this monthly newsletter is to highlight City and County activities so you can learn more and, with your limited time, weigh in on areas of growth and development, City and County policies, and other local activities. Occasionally, opinions or longer stories will be offered by knowledgeable experts/readers. We welcome suggestions for articles focused on specific topics. Contact Kevin Sellner (kgsellner@gmail.com), Marge Rosensweig (marjorierosensweig@gmail.com), or Steve Jakubczyk (jakubczyksteven@gmail.com) for consideration of your issue. We're on Instagram... follow us! Check out our Facebook page!