Frederick City and County News of Interest VOL. 2, NO. 6 | JUNE 6, 2023

Frederick City and County News of Interest

VOL. 2, NO. 6  |  JUNE 6, 2023

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.
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To our Readers:
 
The newsletter is organized with dynamic links so you can click the topics listed here, to connect to the specific topics below. Acronyms are listed below.

Charter Review Process / CRG Forum
City & County Budgets
Brickworks & Maryland Deaf Community Center
Form-Based Code Training Sessions
County Data Centers
Social Media Launch Celebrating One Year Anniversary
Frederick’s Alphabet Soup
Upcoming Events
Acronyms

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Charter Review Process / CRG Forum
 
The City’s Charter Review webpage emphasizes that “public engagement…is essential.” (https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1642/Charter-Review-Public-Engagement). To that end, CRG hosted a backyard forum on May 31st engaging residents from around the City to ensure all perspectives are considered and updating attendees on the purpose of the review (i.e., “…to consider changes in… Elections and Election Administration, Legislative Body and Structure of Government, Charter Sections to be Relocated and Procedural Issues.”).
 
At the forum, attendees discussed:

• The importance of updating the City Charter
• Critical issues under review, including districting, timing of elections, open primaries, non-citizen voting, term limits for elected officials, and a legislative process that clearly defines and separates the executive and legislative branches of City government to ensure overall balance between the two branches.
• The interplay of NAC revitalization and Charter revision and whether/how NAC “voices” would be a vital part of future City discussions and decision-making

Several committee members and the aldermanic liaison to the committee participated in the forum, providing insight into the opportunities and challenges, and attendees gained a clear understanding of the difficult and intricate decisions and recommendations with which the committee is charged. This task requires partnership, cooperation and input from all (residents, businesspeople, City staff and officials, etc.). We applaud the diligence and the thoroughness of the Committee's efforts so far and encourage everyone to watch their progress closely and keep informed (via the web link above and attending future CRG events). 
 
This forum was a continuation of candidate forums held over the past two election cycles and introduces our 2023 series focusing on issues of concern to residents, including the Charter Review process. CRG will do all possible to highlight individual Charter topics in the coming months as the Committee approaches their goal of delivering a final report in the Fall. Future events will be publicized in the CRG newsletter and through social media. We welcome your attendance.
 
City & County Budgets

The City has adopted its 2024 budget and, disappointingly, there was no commitment to construction of Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs) even with a reserve exceeding $15M. The County has adopted some protections for assistance for senior and veteran homeowners. CRG continues its advocacy for creative (e.g., seed money to leverage other funds) use of City fees in-lieu collected from developers who opt to NOT build affordable/workforce housing and there are rumors of possible City discussions of revising its approach to actually building units. We’ll see…

Brickworks & Maryland Deaf Community Center

It appears there’s little willingness to slow the march forward for development of the Brickworks property at South and East Street, regardless of the pending City considerations for adopting a form-based code for construction in the East Street Corridor. Recent investigations into past use of the properties in brick manufacturing and on-site industry and City waste disposal pose a possibility for at least some City or state examination of future impacts of the brownfield site’s development. A Planning Commission (PC) workshop is scheduled for June 20 at which time the developer is expected to respond to the (February) comments of the PC and Planning Staff. Hopefully, the issue of possible soil contamination will be raised as well.

Further north on the Corridor, owners of the East Street location for the Maryland Deaf Community Center, facing unexpected design expenses for the design and construction of its future community center, will not reconsider a redesign to place parking in the rear of the center that would be consistent with the form-based code designs under review by the City. These two projects, therefore, put a substantial crimp in a consistent form design along the Corridor.

Form-Based Code Training Sessions

The City has scheduled 4 training sessions for the consultant-drafted and City-revised form-based code, beginning with a June 6 session at City Hall at 7 PM. The three remaining sessions are scheduled for June 26, July 11, and July 24. All residents, business owners, and NGO representatives are encouraged to attend to become familiar with a final code’s possibilities that will govern future building designs along the Corridor and perhaps as a model for FBC application in other small area plans.

County Data Centers

Construction of large data centers in the southwest portion of the County near Adamstown is moving forward with the site plan for the first center (Align Data Corporation) accepted by a 4–3 vote of the County Planning Commission. Reticence by many commissioners to the proposed plan was nearly universal but again, as with the recent deliberations on the Gordon Mills development in the Linganore area, members' "hands were tied" to its current decision policies, thwarting serious concerns raised re: stormwater capture, impacts, and treatment.

Another submission is expected in July for Phases 2–4 of the Align data center campus which might increase the number of centers on the site to 4, with additional concerns about stormwater and noise. PC members concluded their discussion and vote with a plea for the County Council to revise stormwater requirements above the decade-old MDE regulations that are ineffective with the new climate-driven intense storm volumes. CRG members and power experts in the community are meeting with County Council members to quickly revise the Critical Data Infrastructure Ordinance (CDI) to address stormwater, energy, noise, and water treatment capacities for best protection of the County’s residents, properties, and natural resources. Whether the needed revisions can be adopted quickly enough remains to be seen. Stay tuned!
 
Social Media Launch Celebrating CRG's One Year Anniversary

One year after launching our newsletter, News from Your Neighbors, we recognize (from the feedback we have received) that the information we gather and report is important for dialogue and citizen input on issues and challenges. To be sure that everyone who is interested in/concerned about City and County growth can easily access CRG’s information, we are excited to announce our new Facebook Page, the first iteration of our Social Media Launch. This will serve as a hub for discussion, brief updates, mini articles, and meeting schedules/announcements. Following our Facebook, linked below, will make it easy to keep up to date with the actions of City and County governments and identify ways to take part in the deliberations about our community.

Check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090933252162

Feel free to message us there directly, and like and share the page! And, keep an eye out for our Instagram, officially launching later this month. To make our Newsletter as accessible as possible, the issues from over the course of our first year are posted on our website.

Read previous issues of this newsletter: responsiblegrowthfrederick.com

Thanks to you, our readers, we are even more dedicated to increasing transparency and dialogue surrounding growth in Frederick. We do this by connecting neighbor to neighbor and reader to reader, bringing these issues to light. Thank you for your ongoing support over the last year; we have been heartened by your reception and are looking forward to creating more opportunities for you to stay informed and connect with your neighbors, across the City and County. 

Subscribe to this newsletter: To help us celebrate one whole year of publication, please share this link with friends and neighbors (or forward this email) to sign up for our FREE newsletter: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PNCA_j_nMpWtYDn6jpR1-rWRnm82IrlH8NuPWGOGA-M/viewform?edit_requested=true

Acronyms -  Frederick’s Alphabet Soup

Acronyms are pervasive in our lives and often annoyingly so. To help keep everyone’s blood pressure down, we thought we would explain some of the more used/useful acronyms that can be found in our newsletters as well as the myriad documents in the world of responsible growth. For a more complete description of the codes/organizations/etc., check out the expanded list on our blog (should be available within weeks). And, if you come across an acronym you think we should post, let us know.

AARCH — African American Resources Cultural and Historical Society
ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed
APFO — Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance
BoA — Board of Aldermen
BoE — Board of Education
BYOB — Bring Your Own Bottle
CCO — Carroll Creek Overlay
CDI — Critical Digital Infrastructure ordinance
DPW — Department of Public Works
DRRA — Developer Rights and Responsibilities Act
EFR — East Frederick Rising
FBC — Form Based Code
FIL — Fee-in-Lieu
FCSO — Frederick County Sheriff’s Office
FPD — Frederick Police Department
HPC — Historic Preservation Commission
HPO — Historic Preservation Overlay
LMC — Land Management Code
MDE — Maryland Department of the Environment
MPDU — Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit
NAC — Neighborhood Advisory Council
PC — Planning Commission
PIL — Payment-in-Lieu
RAB — Restoration Advisory Board
VPRO — Vacant Property Registration Ordinance
ZBA — Zoning Board of Appeals

Upcoming Events

Check these webpages for up-to-date information on upcoming City and County meetings and agendas.
Frederick City: https://cityoffrederickmd.gov/901/Public-Meetings
Frederick County: https://frederickcountymd.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=83
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See the CRG blog at: responsiblegrowthfrederick.com

Contributors: M. Currier, S. Jakubczyk, M. Rosensweig, K. Sellner

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.

Check out our Facebook page!

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Frederick City and County News of Interest VOL. 2, NO. 5 | MAY 8, 2023

Frederick City and County News of Interest

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.
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To our Readers:
 
The newsletter is organized as follows:

• Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) Fee in-lieu (FIL): OUR OPINION
• Development in the City and County
• Charter Review
• Public Safety/Creating a Safe Environment
• City Plastic Bag Ordinance
• VPRO Update
• Upcoming Events/Meetings

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Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) Fee in-lieu (FIL)
OUR OPINION

The Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) program was established in 2008 (City Ordinance Sec. 19-6.,https://library.municode.com/md/Frederick/codes/code_of_ordiances). A MPDU is “a dwelling unit that is constructed, sold or rented under a government program that controls the rental or sale in order to provide affordable housing for families of low or moderate income.” City residential development projects comprised of more than 25 units are required to develop and construct 12.5% of those dwelling units as MPDUs.
 
The housing market changed in 2013, and a substantial number of foreclosed units considered affordable to first-time homebuyers and others seeking moderately-priced housing became available. A 2013 amendment to the original MPDU program allowed Frederick City developers the option of paying a fee in-lieu (FIL) set amount of $16,100 per unit rather than building an MPDU, diminishing the original intent of a program of providing lower priced housing (Sec. 19-6.1). Developers could choose to build MPDUs, take the FIL option, or do a combination of both. The current housing market has changed and the rationale behind the FIL option no longer applies.
 
The Housing and Human Service’s City Housing Fund holds the payments from the operation of the MPDU FIL program. Funds collected may be allocated by the Board of Aldermen for many social services including: purchasing, reselling, or rental of MPDUs; addressing housing needs of lower-income individuals who do not qualify for the MPDU program; addressing affordable housing needs of special populations; providing grants for modification of MPDUs; granting emergency loans to MPDU buyers to prevent defaults; or addressing the health and life safety hazards in owner-occupied housing. 

Since 2008, eight developers have chosen to build MPDUs. Four other developers are going through the required process and the number of MPDUs being currently built is not yet available. To date only 559 affordable units have been built, an average of 37 units per year when estimates of needed affordable housing exceeds 400 annually.
 
From 2013 to the present, 22 developers have chosen the FIL option. Of the 7,457 units being built, 935 units are designated as FILs. Fees totaling $15,053,500 are projected to be paid. To date $5,079,460 has been collected, $365,329 has been disbursed. The Mayor’s FY 2024 working budget shows a proposed expenditure of $475,000. None of the collected funds have been, or will be, spent on building MPDUs.
 
As stated in the April CRG newsletter, there should be no alternative option to building the required number of MPDUs. The social services to which the collected funds have been dedicated are critical components of the City’s array of individuals in need and should be funded by the City but not with FIL payments. The MPDU program must return to its original intent of creating price-appropriate affordable housing. FIL payments should provide homes and living units for a sizable portion of our residential community, like servers, repairmen/women, young and older low-income individuals, grocery store clerks, etc. We are a City of remarkable diversity across all incomes, yet we continue to build for the upper middle class and wealthier individuals and families. Can City funds be prioritized for ALL residents? Officials, let’s step up and walk the walk!
 
Development in the City and County

Huge Increase in new Development: A report on development at a recent City hearing confirmed what residents see every day walking and driving around town. Record numbers of building permits are being issued. It is critical that additional staff are brought in to oversee the dramatic increase. Frederick now is averaging 50% of the new development in the County vs. its traditional average of 35%. Besides the strain on staff, the pressure on City infrastructure (roads, traffic, storm water management, schools) continues to build with particular concern re. inadequate school capacity (see below) in the future due to ad hoc identification of new developments to the FCPS for school construction planning. Finding ways to mitigate the short- and long-term burden of this growth to our residents’ families and their students is a key tenet of CRG, and your input is critical.

Linganore Development: The proposed Gordon Mills development has been passed by the County Planning Commission, with PC members legally unable to alter the Developer Rights and Responsibilities Act (DRRA) requirements and waivers imposed by the 2014 Blaine Young-chaired County Commission for the property. Members were clearly frustrated by the restrictions imposed by the DRRA but, unfortunately, the development has now been accepted. This is worrisome as 2 more properties, the Casey and Calumet developments, pose similar risks for County infrastructure in the area as well as jeopardizing future water quality, drinking water supplies, and recreational use in Lake Linganore and its within-watershed lakes and streams of Merle, Anita Louise, and Marion.

Digital Centers: Multiple digital center issues are now before the County. Quantum MD has requested upgrades and expansion of sewer service, excavation of petroleum hydrocarbons from the Eastalco site, and flood hazard revisions to an area along Tuscarora Creek. The status of recent stop-work orders for stream and floodplain damage for fibre conduit delivery to the Eastalco site remains unknown. An adjacent property, Windridge LLC, sought but was denied a change in zoning to General Industrial to allow future center construction and another property approximately 1 mile away (Suzanne Family Irrevocable Trust) from the Quantum MD site is seeking a similar zoning change for future center development. There are continuing worries re: the County’s commitment to limiting piece-meal center zoning changes, inadequate power supplies for the proposed multi-center operations, as well as necessary revisions to the current Critical Digital Infrastructure ordinance adopted in 2022.

East Street Corridor Update (Brickworks, Community Center for the MD School for the Deaf, and Form Based Code): East Street Corridor redevelopment has been under consideration for more than a decade with input from East Frederick Rising (EFR), the East Street Corridor Advisory Panel (ESCAP), and currently form-based code (FBC) consultants. Unfortunately, anticipated design criteria for the corridor outlined in the FBC developed over the last 2 years have been ignored for 2 pending projects, the Brickworks (1260 units, 130,000 sq. ft. of commercial space) and a Community Center for the MD School for the Deaf across from Dairy Maid on East Street. These 2 projects, if accepted/permitted soon, will supersede FBC-desired construction designs and parking layouts thereby thwarting a consistent FBC-defined architecture along the corridor. City staff have just distributed the FBC draft report to residents and will set up approximately 4–5 training sessions on the code and implications for its implementation along the corridor in the coming months. Regrettably, convincing the developers of the 2 projects to wait for and subsequently adopt FBC guidelines for construction appears unsuccessful at this point.

Education/FCPS/"Perfect Storm”:  The County calls the issues caused by the growth noted above, coupled with inflation, and increases in student numbers and needs, a "perfect storm" and that we are "at a crossroads" (FNP, 4/25/2023). CRG is not sure why this would come as a surprise as CRG and other organizations and individuals for several months have been calling for a comprehensive view of growth in the context of built and planned-for infrastructure to support anticipated growth. The City’s reported permits for 2022–2023, with the absence of any new school construction, is particularly concerning as planning, funding, building, and opening a new school may take up to 10 years. The crisis was further detailed in the May 4th article discussing redistricting of approximately 2500 students due to inadequate capacities at several schools, exemplified by Frederick County’s Board of Education member Karen Yoho saying the development figures (and associated school capacity needs) are “mind boggling.” A plan and a solution are overdue and CRG calls for all City and County stakeholders to acknowledge the need and work together to address the crisis!  

Charter Review
The City’s Charter Review Committee has identified several key areas of focus during the initial stages of their deliberations, each with significant impacts on how the City is governed. It is important for residents to understand what recommendations are under consideration now and during the next two months.

Top issues under consideration include:

• Enhancing district voices with alderpersons elected by district rather than the current practice of all at-large representation.
• Creating distinct legislative and executive functions with alderpersons responsible for legislation and the mayor focused on his/her executive responsibilities.
• Changing the timing of the elections to conform with the presidential voting cycle.
• Establishing open primaries so independents can have a more active role in selection of candidates.
• Approving voting rights for undocumented and young residents.

It is important that residents provide comment at the upcoming meeting on May 18, as whatever is recommended could guide City elections, current at-large alderpersons or district representation, term limits, referenda policies, and checks and balances in City government. These matter!

Public Safety/Creating a Safe Environment
The City has released early 2023 data showing that serious crime "is up vs. 2022.”  Between the shootings and the stabbings that have resulted in 2 murders in the last 9 months, CRG challenges the City and FPD to work together and present a comprehensive plan to the residents to assure the safety of residents and visitors.

Although four officers will be added in the coming months, more can and should be done as their responsibilities in addressing violent crime are unclear. Despite considerable conversation about community policing, foot patrols are rare in the area where these crimes have occurred. CRG wonders if the City has budgeted overtime for the FPD to help ensure adequate coverage during late night hours. The City and our elected officials can also follow up on the request by the FPD and District 3 State Delegates to pass and/or support ordinances that close loopholes that allow some businesses to have unregulated consumption of alcohol from 6:00 AM until 2:00 AM without any basic regulation or oversight.

Building strong relationships between/among the City’s elected and appointed officials and residents and instilling confidence through specific actions designed to ensure a safe community is the best approach.

City Plastic Bag Ordinance
 After 2 months of the Board of Aldermen (BoA) coming to terms on a compromise to ban plastic bags and implement a small paper bag fee, on May 4, the BoA adopted the plastic bag ban, but not the recovery of a small fee for reimbursing a shop owner for the expense associated with providing patrons paper bags for final purchases. CRG and residents could be happy with the ban on one-time plastic bags but it would have been quite easy to have worked out an option for merchant cost recovery incurred with a shift from 1–2¢ plastic bags to >10¢ paper bags while not posing a negative impact on lower income individuals. Yet after 2 months of deliberations, no potential remedies for this impact were found. Several jump to mind such as providing usable bags to residents, working through grants to secure funds for bag access, or working with corporations for free bag distribution.

The concern for equity impacts can be overcome when multiple options are possible to prevent undue economic hardship on any member of the community. BoA, please amend the just adopted ordinance to help all stakeholders, residents, and businesses cease using one-time disposable bags.

• https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/if-you-receive-food-assistance-heres-where-you-can-get-free-reusable-bags/
• https://keepvirginiabeautiful.org/2022/06/21/gloucester-clean-community-bags-a-1000-green-grant/
• https://newsroom.heb.com/h-e-b-giving-250000-reusable-bags-to-customers-across-texas/

 
VPRO Update
The City’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is completing inspections of properties registered as vacant for more than a year and will issue fines along with required repair completion dates. In addition, staff will remind each property owner of the need to update their registration.

This procedure follows the guidelines set out in the resident-driven vacant property registration ordinance (VPRO) approved unanimously by the Board of Aldermen in December 2020. While it seems like an extended and often frustrating process, the procedure enables the City to build a case file for eventual court challenges that may occur following a vacant property owner’s challenge to meet the ordinance requirements:

• In year 3, the City can raise property taxes to be paid for failure to improve the property. Taxes can continue to be raised over the subsequent 5 years. Hopefully, this "hammer" will discourage owners from continuing to sit on properties to the detriment of the City’s character and its long-term growth.
• In year 4, the City can initiate legal steps to force rehabilitation through a court-designated 3rd party to find appropriate options for resolution of these habitually vacant properties.

Finally, as the VPRO is a complaint-driven enforcement system, any long term vacant property can be identified by a resident who can submit a complaint online (https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/FormCenter/Code-Enforcement-4/Code-Complaint-35). Help ensure our City remains vibrant and attractive!

Upcoming Events/Meetings

• City Planning Commission Meeting, May 8, 2023, City Hall, 6 PM. Change in the City Land Management Code for number of units allowed along the Carroll Creek Overlay.
• County Council, May 9, 2023. Winchester Hall, 5:30 PM. Public hearing of expanding Priority Funding Area for Quantum Frederick (sewer expansion) and second reading for adjustment of FEMA County Floodplain Regulations.
• County Planning Commission, May 10, 2023, Winchester Hall, 9:30 AM. Two digital center submissions, decision of a site plan for the first digital center (Align Data Centers) as the first center on the Quantum MD Eastalco site. A second for traffic upgrades and associated developer costs for the Noffsinger property, a likely future data center development area.
• City Mayor and Board of Aldermen, May 10, City Hall, 3 PM. Change zoning in Golden Mile Westridge Square Shopping Area to allow mixed used development (housing).
• Growing Pains? Development in Frederick County: Learn to Effectively Advocate. Saturday, May 13, 2023, 10 am – 12 noon. Urbana Regional Library, Upstairs Conference Room, 900 Amelung Street, Frederick, MD 21704. Speakers include Kim Gaines, Director, Frederick County's Livable Frederick Planning and Design Office; Richard Klein, Founder, CEDS | Author: How to Win Land Development Issues; and Steve McKay, County Council Member, District 2. REGISTER HERE for this FREE event!
• Green Drinks: Bee City! How Middletown Did It & Why; Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 6–8 PM. Speaker: Cindy Unangst, Middletown Green Team Co-Chair and Town Planner. The Main Cup, 14 W. Main Street, Middletown MD 21769. Free event!
• City Planning Commission Workshop, June 20, City Hall. Brickworks discussion. The meeting, agenda, and relevant documents for this discussion should be posted on the City’s website by May 9 or 10.

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See the CRG blog at: responsiblegrowthfrederick.com

Contributors: P. Gallagher, S. Jakubczyk, M. Rosensweig, K. Sellner, K. Thomassen

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 Jacubczyk (jakubczyksteven@gmail.com) for consideration of your issue.

 

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Frederick City and County News of Interest VOL. 2, NO. 4 | APRIL 10, 2023

VOL. 2, NO. 4  |  APRIL 10, 2023
Frederick City and County News of Interest

Citizens for Responsible Growth (CRG) is a grassroots coalition of Frederick residents who strongly favor development to accommodate the projected increase in the County’s and City’s population, but want to ensure it is undertaken in a way that considers the cumulative impact on our infrastructure, i.e., housing (market-driven and affordable/workforce), green space, schools, traffic, and the environment. Current practice is to consider each project as it — alone — affects its immediate surroundings. We contend that each project must be considered as an integral part of multiple land uses that work together to protect public safety, provide accommodation, minimize congestion, and guarantee easy access to a functional natural environment that surrounds our built and arable lands.
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To our Readers:
 
Articles listed below are organized by topic with dynamic links to connect readers to specific articles below.
 
PUBLIC SAFETY
Focus on recent violent crime

DEVELOPMENT AND RESTORATION/REHABILITATION PROJECTS

• FCPS School Construction
• Gordon Mill development in Lake Linganore
• Brooklawn Condominiums
• Senior and Affordable Housing: Woodsboro Bell Ct. Apartments and Brunswick PILOT Project

DEVELOPMENT-RELATED CODES AND ORDINANCES

• Form-based Code
• Proposal to Revise Chapter 19 of the City Code re: MPDUs
• Affordable/Workforce Housing Update
• LMC Text Revision for Increased Density in the Carroll Creek Overlay (CCO)

UPCOMING EVENTS
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PUBLIC SAFETY

Focus on recent violent crime

The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of its citizens. The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data for Frederick City show a 17% increase overall in crime from 2021 to 2022 and many residents question whether the City has in place resources to assure an adequate response.  

We suggest the City can undertake immediate steps to address safety and security issues before they become large problems as a commonsense approach to minimize the risks of walking the streets of Frederick:

• Although more policing is only a short-term fix, review where most incidents occur and authorize overtime to increase police presence. Persistent challenges must be addressed. The more an undesirable situation is allowed to fester, the more dangerous it becomes and the more difficult it is to resolve. South Market Street area residents assert, and data support, that a police presence around S. Market and South Streets was helpful and we are encouraged that this presence will be reinstated shortly.
• Identify additional initiatives, resources, and support the City can provide. Legislatively the City could develop guidelines and ordinances that limit the actions of unregulated BYOB’s, especially those that operate in heavily residential areas. An earlier closing time, alcohol training, enhanced security, and increased accountability through the issuing of a license to operate would go a long way in preventing further escalation.

A strong community can help maintain the peace and respect we all deserve. However, the City needs to be proactive in doing all possible to create a safe environment throughout Frederick. In that regard, we all agree more can be done. 
 
Development and Restoration/Rehabilitation Projects

FCPS School Construction

A continuing development issue across the City and County is the overcrowding of many public schools and the seeming lack of planning for new school construction. An East Frederick Rising (EFR) contingent met with several FCPS staff on March 14 to learn of City and County policies for assessing current school enrollment and future capacity estimates. It appears that the County quickly informs the FCPS of new developments to be built in the area, thereby enabling rapid school assessments and planning for possible school redistricting, additions, or new construction.

Unfortunately, a similar rapid notification on new developments within the City is often delayed, spotty, or never delivered resulting in less than optimal planning. It was immediately evident that FCPS recognizes the need for additional schools in the eastern portion of the City but staff were unaware of multiple new developments within the corridor area, thereby jeopardizing planning for future student access to adequate schools and education. EFR participants posed several solutions to remedy communications between City planning staff and FCPS and these ideas will be raised with the City in coming weeks. If you care about public education within the City and County, please be prepared to comment in the coming months on needed revisions to City and County procedures to ensure identification of all new developments to the FCPS for future school construction planning. Additionally, revisions to current codes on developer requirements for assessing school capacities on first construction vs. acceptance of a final site plan (which can be 5–10 years before actual construction begins) are critical to adequate education opportunities for our young residents entering our public school system — it’s only through public pressure that these changes will occur!

Gordon Mill Development in Lake Linganore

The Planning Commission (PC) held another hearing on March 15 to review and vote on the preliminary plan for the Gordon Mill development, and after substantial discussion and public input on school capacity, stormwater threats, and access to/from other Linganore areas, the Commission could not find sufficient member interest in voting on the plan at this time as much more content still had to be examined. Points to be resolved on April 23 include adequate road infrastructure, sidewalks and crosswalks, housing along Boyer’s Mill Road, and developer commitment to collaborating with owners of a local nature school on a tree-shrub buffer. Stay tuned as this is the first of 3 large developments to be reviewed by the PC that were adopted by the County Council in 2014 with construction and fees determined by regulations of that time and not current conditions or regulations 9 years later.

Brooklawn Condominiums

This project, on a parcel of land zoned for multi-family development and located between Mercer Court condominiums and Rte. 15, has been on the books in one form or another for more than 30 years. The March 20 Planning Commission (PC) workshop discussion and public comment revealed the potential for 37 additional condominium units as well as the many concerns of owners of single-family homes and existing condominiums abutting the proposed construction. Developers have been working with homeowners to address their concerns which include traffic patterns, access by children to the playground and gazebo areas, and screening between the site and neighboring Brooklawn apartments and Mercer Court condominiums. The next step is a PC hearing on the matter. Stay tuned for the date/time and links to on-line documents.

Senior and Affordable Housing: Woodsboro Bell Ct. Apartments and Brunswick PILOT Project

Through a Federal block grant, the County has provided repairs and renovations to 28 single-story townhome-style units in  the senior center apartments in Woodsboro, for seniors earning less than 30% of the local Area Median Income (https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/342878/ 03072023 ---02282023---SECOND-PUBLIC-HEARING-re-CDBG---Capital-Improvements-at-Bell-Court-Apartments-in-Woodsboro---Citizens-Services-Div). Kudos for these upgrades to protect one group of our most vulnerable residents! Similarly, CRG appreciates the provision of 45 low-moderate income housing units in Brunswick, one of the very few projects that actually provides housing. The developer, Residences at Railroad Square, LLC, has outlined an impressive project that will ease, even if small, the huge deficit in affordable/workforce housing throughout the County. The resolution was presented at a March 7th County Council meeting (https://frederickcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/342877/ 03072023---02092023---PILOT---The-Residences-at-Railroad-Square---Housing--Community-Development-Citizens-Services-Div---CC-Mtg-02212023).

DEVELOPMENT-RELATED CODES AND ORDINANCES

Form-based Code

On March 8th, the City’s consultants presented a summary of their suggested form-based code (FBC) that will define possible building design standards, the road network, and location of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings along the East Street Corridor. It is based on the multiple charrettes the consultants held this past summer; the draft has been reviewed by City planning staff and several community leaders have received a copy.

Aldermen and women asked penetrating questions focusing on 1) whether development applications submitted prior to the adoption of the FBC under current Land Management Code (LMC) requirements (e.g., the Brickworks) could be requested to follow new FBC rules or was the initial application under the LMC locked in with no possibilities for revision; 2) how to include public comment at the earliest possible time for Code adoption and pre-application review of submitted development applications; 3) protection of existing businesses and small business owners and their ability to expand using FBC principles; 4) embedding affordable housing obligations into the FBC; 5) setting up tutorials for the public to understand the FBC that defines their vision for the Corridor; and 6) ensuring compatibility of the Corridor’s character with that of the adjoining streets/neighborhoods.

Multiple suggestions were offered by residents, both at the meeting and through e-comment. Several included mandating pre-application review of any proposed development at the earliest submission of a developer’s sketch plans for the Corridor, eliminating waivers and fees-in-lieu for new construction, distributing the FBC for public review plus scheduling tutorials on the Code, consistency of the FBC with the Land Management Code, and role of the community in a proposed FBC Review Committee. Commenters were unified in their concern about projects that might be approved before FBC is in place (mirroring alderpersons’ concerns—see #1 above).

At a Mayor and Board workshop on March 29, Planning Staff announced that a draft will be presented to elected officials and others in the next week or so and will be available to the public soon after for review and comment. Alderwoman Katie Nash submitted a resolution on City commitments to Small Area Plan scheduling as well as City rapid consideration of FBC adoption. The resolution proposes adoption of FBC for all future Small Area Plans that will be developed individually every 3 years, beginning with the East Street Corridor.

The County is also considering adopting FBC for the South Frederick Corridor development in its small area plan (March 15 County Planning Commission meeting), a huge change from Euclidean zoning embedded in County planning. The Plan will be submitted to the state for a 60-day review.

Proposal to Revise Chapter 19 of the City Code re: MPDUs

Alderman Derek Shackelford has proposed a revision to Chapter 19 of the City Code to bring City and County codes regarding MPDUs into alignment to help with development of affordable (or as the Alderman termed it, “price appropriate”) housing. Of significant interest to CRG is Section 19-6.1 of the proposed ordinance that speaks to fees in-lieu (FIL) which allow builders to pay a set amount (in the City) or per square foot amount (in the County) to not construct affordable units. This provision applies to 25+ unit developments, 12.5% of which must be MPDUs. For the past several years, we have heard developers assert they plan to pay a fee in-lieu of building MPDUs, increasing school capacity, assuring water/sewer sufficiency, etc. We suggest that Section 19-6.1 of the City’s code be eliminated. There should be no alternative option to building the required number of MPDUs. If developers want to be part of our growing and vibrant County and City, they should be prepared to do whatever it takes to make that happen — and expanding the availability of “price appropriate” housing is key (see Affordable/Workforce Housing Update below for a continuation of the FIL discussion).

Affordable/Workforce Housing Update

The County’s Transition Report (https://frederickcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/343208/ Transition-Report-032023) has identified multiple commitments for the County in the next few years, increasing several affordable housing programs and provision of targeted tax relief to ALICE (asset limited income constrained employed) families. As noted above, the City is considering modifying its code (Chapter 19 Affordable Housing) as well (https://cityoffrederick.granicus.com/ MetaViewer.php?view_id=12&event_id=4512&meta_id=139822). The real issue is: If only more housing could be built! The CRG is actively exploring City progress in collection and use of Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) fee in-lieu funds since 2014 for unit construction as these funds should provide homes and living units for a large portion of our residential community like servers, repairmen/women, young and old low-income individuals, grocery clerks, etc.

As a contrast to our local progress, Montgomery County is celebrating a 50-year commitment to providing affordable housing next year, with annual summaries of the numbers of units provided over that time span. It appears those data are unavailable for the City and County, a glaring omission for an area with a current need for 11,000–15,000 units according to recent estimates. Local data will be presented in coming newsletters and your help in changing public commitments to providing housing to valued members of our community is sorely needed, including consideration of removing or dramatically increasing fee-in lieu options (Sec. 19-6.1. Payment in lieu of building MPDUs) for all new developments, so the HOUSING IS ACTUALLY BUILT!

LMC Text Revision for Increased Density in the Carroll Creek Overlay (CCO)

At its March 20th workshop, the City Planning Commission (PC) reviewed the text amendment offered by Ausherman Properties and Wormald Construction to increase the density allowance in the CCO. The “envelope” of the building(s) would not change; the use of space within the envelope will. This amendment, if passed, will allow builders to almost double the number of residences/units in their buildings while providing structured (i.e., within the building envelope) parking. These changes would result, according to the developers and commenters in favor of the proposal, in more affordable, though smaller, residential units as well as greater economic viability for developers. At the same time, the developer will adhere to CCO height, massing, and scale requirements. The next step for this proposal will be a PC hearing in the upcoming months.

UPCOMING EVENTS

— Ad Hoc Neighborhood Engagement & NAC Committee meetings, April 11 and 25, City Hall, 4:30 PM. Review of previous NAC-related documents and resident-identified issues for formation of sub-committees to undertake in-depth examinations of possibilities for future NAC responsibilities, areas, and membership (https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1638/Ad-Hoc-Neighborhood-Engagement-NAC-Commi).

— County Council hearing, April 18, Winchester Hall, 5:30 PM for Windridge rezoning from Agriculture to General Industrial for future data center development.

— City Charter Review Committee meetings, April 20, City Hall, 1 PM. Moving into critical review and discussions of possible Charter revisions on elections and structural issues within City government (https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1626/Ad-Hoc-Charter-Review-Committee).

— County Council hearing, April 25, Winchester Hall 5:30 PM for Quantum Frederick Priority Funding Area expansion for current sewer service classifications.

— County Board of Appeals Hearing, April 27, Winchester Hall, 7 PM. Quantum Loophole, MD is seeking an exemption of requirements for construction activities in the floodplain at the Monocacy River. After substantial damage without permits, Stop Work orders have been issued for ongoing QL activities and QL is appealing.

— City Mayor and BoA Public Meeting, May 4, City Hall, 7 PM. Plastic bag ordinance hearing.

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We’re going “social”—see the CRG blog at: www.responsiblegrowthfrederick.com

Contributors: S. Jakubczyk, R. Robey, M. Rosensweig, K. Sellner

 

www.responsiblegrowthfrederick.com

 

Frederick City and County News of Interest VOL. 2, NO. 3 | MARCH 4, 2023

 VOL. 2, NO. 3  |  MARCH 4, 2023

Frederick City and County News of Interest

1. Linganore Area Development and Impact on Roads, Schools, etc.
   
2. Digital Centers
   
3. Urbana Development
4. Sugarloaf Overlay
5. City Charter Review
6. BYOB Update
7. NAC Update
8. Form-based Code and Brickworks Update
9. Tax Credits for Veterans and Seniors
10. Upcoming Events

 Citizens for Responsible Growth (CRG) is a grassroots coalition of Frederick residents who strongly favor development to accommodate the projected increase in the County’s and City’s population, but want to ensure it is undertaken in a way that considers the cumulative impact on our infrastructure, i.e., housing (market-driven and affordable/workforce), green space, schools, traffic, and the environment. Current practice is to consider each project as it — alone — affects its immediate surroundings. We contend that each project must be considered as an integral part of multiple land uses that work together to protect public safety, provide accommodation, minimize congestion, and guarantee easy access to a functional natural environment that surrounds our built and arable lands.
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Linganore Area Development and Impact on Roads, Schools, etc.
In 2014, the Frederick County Board of Commissioners (the County’s governing body before the current Charter Government was enacted) established three development areas (2608 units in Gordon Mills, Casey, and Calumet properties) surrounding Lake Linganore. These DRRAs (Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreements) waived many of the requirements of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) that address developer responsibilities for roads, schools, stormwater, etc. As a result, these developments, now coming online and having already submitted preliminary site plans for construction under the old regime, have modest requirements for local school and road needs in the coming years.

Many County schools are currently over-enrolled but per Maryland State Department regulations schools are not considered “over capacity” until they reach 120% of State Rated Capacity (SRC). According to the FCPS (Frederick County Public Schools) master plan, enrollment projections for September 30, 2023 indicate that 24 (of 43) elementary schools (ES) are “closed to out of district transfers”. Of those, 21 are at 100% or more capacity. Three (of 17) middle schools (MS) are closed to transfers, one of which is over 100% enrolled, two are at 99%. Four of the six “closed” high schools (HS, of 12 schools) are more than 100% enrolled and 2 are between 95–99% full. As charts below show, by 2031, enrollment at 22% of ES will be over the SRC as will 6% of MS and 30% of HS.

In the Linganore feeder area, 5 of 8 elementary schools, 1 of 2 middle schools, and 2 of 2 high schools are “closed to transfer”. As a step forward, the FCPS Plan indicates that 2 schools are under construction or renovation and one is in planning which might alleviate some of the future overcrowding for this feeder area, but will that be sufficient for children from 2608 units? Moreover, roads and intersections in the Linganore area are already congested. For the first project (Gordon Mills), development is dependent on construction of the New Market By-pass with no definite funding currently in place. Even with >20 residents requesting rejection of the 2014 contracts, the County Planning Commission is obligated to follow the 2014 contracts, supported by the MD Court of Appeals in 2015 (https://thedailyrecord.com/2017/01/03/md-appeals-court-rules-against-environmentalists-in-zoning-case/?ep=1 and https://www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/unreported-opinions/1273s14.pdf.)

We are now about to pay the price for these poor decisions from 8+ years ago with children surrounding Lake Linganore attending very overcrowded schools and a dim future with only limited construction planned for the next decade (within 8 years, one school will be over 200% capacity). For the Gordon Mills development (https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/14065), the developers have provided property for future school construction as well as school funds approximating $25M but these are inadequate for the current and future elementary, middle, and high school capacities in the Linganore community. Join the County Planning Commission in the near future to challenge these threats as responsible growth should mean planning for student education! And, please be prepared to assist revising County and City school capacity requirements for all future developments — if it takes 3 years to build the first homes of new developments and school capacity is assessed starting on Planning Commission acceptance of a final site plan years before construction actually begins and homes are occupied, schools will always be overcrowded!

Digital Centers
Quantum MD LLC has received County Planning Commission support for subdivisions within its Eastalco site, expected as the company has provided extensive reforestation plans for its 2100-acre property. Several County residents continue to discuss Quantum plans for the site, focusing on stormwater, power, neighbor impacts, and company collaborations with Adamstown just south of the area. An adjacent 223-acre property to the west has received County Planning Commission rezoning from Agriculture to General Industrial, thereby setting up future data center development directly adjacent to the Eastalco site. The County Board of Appeals will also review Quantum’s request for laying its 42 mile fibre conduit from Virginia to the Eastalco site and its return. Based on the extent of the centers and fibre in the southwestern portion of the County (https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/analysis/quantum-loophole-heads-out-of-virginia-and-into-maryland/; https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/aligned-buys-plot-of-land-on-quantum-loopholes-gigawatt-campus-in-maryland/), it is crucial to revise the current Critical Digital Infrastructure Ordinance within a few months, prior to digital companies building on the two areas and along its data fibre route, to ensure protection of our County’s lands, natural resources, water supplies, and character of surrounding communities. To that end, the County has just announced formation of an Architectural Review Committee “…to review site development plans for proposed Critical Digital Infrastructure Facilities” with an application due date of March 17. If you have appropriate skills, provide a letter of intent and resume to Ms. J. Grossnickle, County Executive’s Office, Winchester Hall, 12. E. Church Street, Frederick, 21701. Let’s ensure minimal impact from these huge centers that will bring in substantial County revenue for needed schools, roads, and other infrastructure in our beloved area.

Urbana Development
The Urbana developer Natelli Communities has submitted several applications to complete construction planned when the community was initially established (https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/14058). A particularly sensitive area is directly in front of the town’s library where, on March 1, 43 townhouses were accepted by the Planning Commission eliminating substantial portions of the open area in front of the library that has hosted various community festivities for the past several years. The County Planning Commission acceptance, to the dismay of multiple Urbana residents attending, calling in, or providing voice mails to the Commission members at a previous workshop and hearing, was particularly disappointing.

It appears that many residents were unaware of the long-term construction planned for the Urbana Villages (Villages), reflecting poor communication from the developer or lack of buyer understanding at the time of sale for many properties. In the City of Frederick, there is no requirement that a seller must notify a buyer of requirements of living in the Historic District of the City, putting the burden on the buyer to read at settlement the >50 page Historic Preservation Guidelines on what can and cannot be done in this area. Is that the same process for the Villages, with a buyer notified of documents detailing future long-term construction on the settlement date? What buyer, after months of exploring the area, selling their other property, finding schools, moving from another locale, etc. is going to delay signing at the very last minute so he/she can read the long-term Village development plan? Perhaps a local if not state option is a requirement that all future construction in a community, particularly a planned community, must be identified on initial property inspection? That would at least minimize unexpected new construction threats for homeowners. That type of buyer notification is now under consideration by the state legislature for developments around contaminated sites like Ft. Detrick. Will it be adopted? Development keeps rolling, but early notification on future construction planned for an area might be an option to at least have informed property purchases, “knowledge of what you’re getting into”. Having answers to these questions would help current and prospective residents make better decisions about one of the largest investments in their lifetime.

Sugarloaf Overlay
The County Planning Commission (PC) held a Commissioner-resident-stakeholder charrette in February to identify multiple public and private concerns for future development and environmental concerns on Sugarloaf Mountain. In the recent PC meeting summarizing the charrette input, uncertainties on input as well as the absence of representatives from Stronghold landowners resulted in a deferred decision on establishing an overlay on Sugarloaf Mountain until March 15. If you are concerned with future access, existing landowner concerns, and potential construction on the mountain, be prepared to attend or provide comment on the overlay for the area. A meeting agenda will be posted on the County’s website approximately 7 days prior to the meeting on the 15th.

City Charter Review
The City’s Charter Review Committee (https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1626/Ad-Hoc-Charter-Review-Committee), meeting the first and third Thursday of each month, continues their deliberations. They have identified four focus areas to be explored in sub-groups (Election Issues and Administration, Legislative Body, Structure of Government, and Sections in Charter v. Code and Procedural Issues), likely indicating Charter sections for possible revision. Of concern is communication with residents. While currently limited, public comment is encouraged; one member with considerable communication and outreach experience is taking on that responsibility and all members are optimistic for much greater access for the community. The ‘meat’ of the committee’s tasks now begins. Stay tuned and participate as it’s your future government that will be defined!

BYOB Update
We want to thank Senator Karen Lewis Young and Delegate Kris Fair for drafting and sponsoring a comprehensive bill that would have had a major impact on how BYOB establishments in Frederick County are regulated and would contribute to the safety of City and County residents and visitors. Unfortunately, their hard work was unsuccessful as the County’s delegation to the Maryland General Assembly voted 8–4 along party lines against supporting the legislation (with the District 1, 2, 3, and 5 representatives voting against and District 4 representatives voting in favor).

This disappointing decision along with the City of Frederick’s reluctance to support the legislation — despite support from the Frederick Police Department (FPD) — were the main factors that resulted in the bill being pulled at the last minute. Undeterred, Senator Young and Delegate Fair have vowed to start again and intend to reintroduce the bill in 2024 with a focus on BYOB establishments in the City of Frederick. Here’s hoping our various officials across all channels can work together for the good of the people who elected them.

NAC Update
The City established an 11-member Ad Hoc Neighborhood Engagement and NAC Committee with a first introductory meeting on February 28. As stated in the last newsletter, the CRG believes this is the City’s last opportunity to remake a functioning resident body to work collaboratively with the City on neighborhood concerns as well as learn of City ideas on future policies under consideration for improving infrastructure and quality of life of its nearly 80,000 residents. NACs (Neighborhood Advisory Councils) were first established in September 2002, clarified in December 2002, and updated by Resolution 12-05 in 2012. The stated purpose of the NACs is to “…serve in an advisory and partnership capacity to:

1. Bring neighborhood issues and concerns to the attention of the appropriate City staff and elected officials.
2. Propose responses and solutions to address these issues and concerns.
3. Work collaboratively with existing government agencies and other civic and community organizations; and
4. Provide City staff and elected officials with advice and feedback on City initiatives, proposals, and policies, as well as land development and other private proposals affecting neighborhoods.”

CRG believes that these responsibilities have largely been minimized with the most important — #4 — completely lost as official City implementation of NAC-suggested options on “…initiatives, proposals, and policies, as well as land development and other private proposals affecting neighborhoods” no longer exists. At the first meeting, the committee members suggested that it’s very likely that more than the initially proposed 5 meetings would be needed for the deliberations and submission of a final report. The big question remains: can an effective NAC structure and its responsibilities be re-created and implemented? Fingers and toes crossed…

Form-based Code and Brickworks Update
Support in the community is strong for Form Based Code (FBC) and the need for the Brickworks project to comply with the code’s principles among City planners, elected officials, residents, and others who have weighed in over the past several weeks and months.

Form Based Code (FBC): The City has been reviewing a draft of the FBC since late December and a revision, incorporating comments from City staff, may be completed and then made available to the public for review in approximately one month. Advocates strongly recommend that the City support a series of classes on FBC to educate residents and other stakeholders on how the code can be used to guide/control building design quality. These lessons will be invaluable in preparing the public for making an informed response to the code that will guide development for decades to come. At this time the FBC is planned for two corridor small area plans in the City: East Street and the Golden Mile. In the long-term, it is understood that a small area plan based on FBC principles will be executed for all sections of the City. There will be transition issues to work through between the FBC and the existing Land Management Code (LMC) as it is anticipated that the FBC will supersede the LMC over time.

For a first complete review of the FBC, follow the presentation on March 8, 3 PM at City Hall (https://cityoffrederick.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=12&event_id=4717&meta_id=138719).

Brickworks Development:  As noted above, while the FBC has not been finalized and adopted by the Mayor and Board, it is hoped that the Brickworks development will follow the intent of the code in the Master Plan now under review and comply with the code, should it be adopted prior to submittal of site plans for this large project that will serve as a major gateway into the City’s unique downtown. Watch this space for more clarity on the topic as, currently, much discussion is occurring behind the scenes and decisions are yet to be made.

Tax Credits for Veterans and Seniors
To the dismay of many County residents, recently released tax assessments for many properties increased 20–30% indicating a substantial increase in property taxes will follow shortly. These large increases may be major financial calamities for home/property owners, particularly those on fixed incomes. To potentially ease this burden, the County held a February 28 workshop on veteran and senior property tax credits as a prelude to eventual hearings to revise fiscal impacts of the tax increases. If you know of veterans or seniors, please share with them this growing effort to help reduce the fiscal impact on these groups of valued citizens.

Upcoming Events
City Charter Review Committee: March 16, 1:00, City Hall
 
Contributors: S. Jacubczyk, R. Robey, M. Rosensweig, K. Sellner

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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 Jacubczyk (jakubczyksteven@gmail.com) for consideration of your issue.