Frederick City and County News of Interest VOL. 4, NO. 2 | FEBRUARY 8, 2025

 VOL. 4, NO. 2  |  FEBRUARY 8, 2025

Frederick City and County News of Interest

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Learn more about CRG at the bottom of this newsletter.

For quick access, click on a title here and jump to that article, below: City Streetscape Study Affordable Housing MPRP Update County Data Center Update Upcoming Meetings and Events ______________ City Streetscape Study On January 16, the Downtown Frederick Partnership informed the City Council that they were partnering with Montgomery County (MoCo) in the receipt of a $500,000 grant to expand on the initial Streetscape plan submitted in 2021.The (then) Board of Aldermen advised the Partnership at the 2021 meeting that additional information was needed. In response, MoCo and the Partnership secured additional funding to further study parking, utilities, and transportation impact. CRG applauds the Partnership’s initiative but encourages the City and Partnership to not only retrofit Market Street parking slots, tree canopy, and sidewalk width from Carroll Creek through 7th Street, but develop an overall Master Plan of the work to be done in various phases. A first step would repair the storm water drainage system to prevent flooding of streets in the downtown area as documented by the Army Corps of Engineers several years ago. The second step should repair or replace the deteriorating Church Street Parking Garage to relieve reduced parking further north on N. Market Street as it is revitalized as part of the revised project. After aggressively enforcing the Vacant Property Ordinance to finally address the blight caused by recalcitrant landlords, the third step would be to stimulate new businesses and new owners in N. Market’s 3rd–7th Street stretch, particularly focusing on the 300 block of N. Market. This will provide an unbroken chain of commercial opportunities from the Creek to the 7th Street Fountain. The Master Plan should conclude with a summary and timetable for meeting the study’s long-term goal of a cohesive and progressive N. Market Street for residents and visitors. CRG strongly advocated this strategy in 2021 and does so again!   Affordable Housing City of Frederick: Madison on N. Market CRG is excited to see the Madison on N. Market project move forward. It will provide 60 affordable housing 1–3-bedroom rental units in the convenient “Uptown Frederick” location, as well as a non-residential building for a Head Start program. In the works for several years, this is a large step forward for providing housing for individuals or families earning 30–60% Annual Median Income. Go to https://www.hacfrederick.org/development/ for details. While Madison on Market holds out hope for 60 families, three apartment communities in Uptown Frederick, closest to Madison on N. Market (Upper East/Canterbury Station, The Bottling Plant, and East of Market), offer no rental units that would be affordable for householders in 9 of the 10 most common occupations in the County (see discussion below), nor any units priced at the County’s median charged  rental (i.e., $1,777/month). Frederick County and City: Some But Not Enough At a January 23 seminar presented by the Frederick County Department of Housing as one of a series of community sessions on affordable housing revealed, a large portion of residents county-wide are, essentially, locked out of the housing market. The seminar focused on the nature of affordable housing, who needs it, what the gaps are, and how these gaps can be addressed through a strategic plan involving community stakeholders in the process. Through a contract with TPMA, an Indianapolis-based consulting firm that brings “decades of practical experiences…” to help communities “develop actional solutions…” to seeming intractable issues — such as affordable housing, the County’s 2016 housing needs assessment will be updated and a strategic plan developed to help close the gaps found. Key to TPMA’s process is a principle that such a plan will be unique to the current and anticipated status of affordable housing in Frederick County and will not be a “one size fits all” document. To begin, affordable housing is defined as housing that does not consume more than 30% of income, with the total including rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, repairs, etc. Individuals and families are considered “cost burdened” if more than that 30% is required to secure and maintain a safe and healthy domicile. Frederick County and City data expose an existing and growing gap between income and housing affordability in Frederick County.  While housing prices have increased substantially in the past five years (median sales prices rose by 69% in the County and 71% in the City), median income for homeowners rose by 21% and renter income by 23%. As of 2023, the median household income in the County was $114,360, with that of owner-occupied households at $135,851, and renter-occupied households at $64,619. By 2023, the median price of a house was $499,990, and the median charged monthly rent $1,777. Using these data, it is estimated that 26% of Frederick County households are cost burdened. Of these, 19% are owner-occupied households, as are 47% of renter-occupied households. Moreover 7% of owner-occupied households spend 50% or more of their income on housing while 23% of renters (almost 1 in 4) do so as well. A deeper dive into the data indicate that workers in 9 of the 10 most common occupations in Frederick County earn less than the AMI (Annual Median Income) with the housing affordable threshold at $689/month for cashiers and $1,127/month for construction laborers. The median household income of the tenth category of earners, general and operations managers, is $109,156, the only category above the AMI. The chart below, from the TPMA presentation, is a snapshot of families in need of affordable housing. Here are some hypothetical scenarios facing these households: A schoolteacher at step 10 with one child earning $65,629 has an affordability threshold of $1,647/month. Yet only 4% of 2+ bedroom dwellings are in their price range. The combined income of a cashier and customer service representative with no children is $69,244. Their affordability threshold is $1,731/month. Twenty-two percent of the rentals and 5% of homes are in their price range. A sheriff with a stay-at-home spouse and two children earns $70,000. Her/his affordability threshold is $1,751/month. Twelve percent of two-bedroom rentals, 1% of three-bedroom rentals, and 6% of homes are available for them. And, finally, a senior citizen with a social security income of $23,000 would find there are 0 rentals and 1 home for sale available to her/him with a household affordability threshold of $593/month. An interesting feature of the session was the opportunity for attendee (including virtual attendees) input via online quick surveys with results available for viewing and discussion immediately. These surveys engaged the audience and helped highlight what the community knows and understands about affordable housing and what residents think might help to address the problems. Hopefully future sessions will include the same or similar feedback options. TPMA’s plan and timeline include several opportunities for community input. Residents are invited to participate as the process goes forward. Presenters emphasized the importance of the Community workshops and Community Survey and urged residents to assist in publicizing the survey when it is available. From TPMA's presentation: We encourage readers who want to know more to tune in to the presentation available on the Frederick County website at https://frederick.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=10&clip_id=10150 or at TPMA.com, then click Webinars. MPRP Update The County Executive has officially challenged construction of the MPRP transmission line passing through the County, joining multiple other organizations and governmental bodies in opposing construction of the proposed power project intended to deliver power from southern Pennsylvania through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick Counties. The County Council approved the resolution this past Tuesday, February 4. The opposition has proposed multiple bills in the just-convened state legislature, as we await deliberations at the Public Service Commission where the next decision (to seek a Certificate of Public convenience and Necessity — CPCN) will be vetted. Learn more at StopMPRP.org. County Data Center Update The County Council continues its discussion of revisions to the Critical Data Infrastructure Ordinance that will regulate siting constraints on future centers proposed for construction and operations in the County. The Council will now have sole responsibilities to propose ordinance content because the County Executive (CE) has withdrawn text for both the Data Center Workgroup’s recommendation for a data center floating zone and the siting legislation. CRG is surprised at these CE decisions — data centers are perhaps one of the most critical issues for the County's future economy, power demand, water allocation and treatment, and runoff impacts for our treasured environment. A floating zone and other requirements to protect the environment are imperative. Council member McKay has written amendments to the CE's bill to include a floating zone so data centers would not be a "by right" development in certain zoning districts but instead would need to be approved by a vote of the County Council (our elected officials), rather than receiving final approval at the Planning Commission level. However — rather than Council member McKay's amendments, a revised bill that does not include a floating zone and appears less protective of County water and infrastructure, will be introduced by Council members Knapp and Young on Tuesday at the scheduled Council Workshop. CRG urges County residents to attend Tuesday's meeting (see information below), or send in your comments, to insist on strong requirements for the siting, construction and operations of the data center industry in Frederick County.   Upcoming Meetings & Events City Planning Commission, City Hall, February 10, 6 PM — Church institutional zoning change for on-site affordable housing County Council Workshop, Winchester Hall,  Tuesday, February 13, 5:30 PM — consideration of proposed Critical Digital Infrastructure revised bill regarding data centers. Attend or send comments via email on the Council’s public portal, FrederickCountyMD.gov/CouncilMeetings City Land Use, Public Safety and Community Development Committee, City Hall, February 13, 1 PM — City Small Area Plans City Council Meeting on Districts (mid-February, dates TBD) — Defining district boundaries (important for future small area plans and NAC boundaries). Mobilize Frederick 3rd Annual Climate Summit at Hood, February 28–March 1, 2025 (https://www.mobilizefrederick.org/summit-2025-overview)

__________________ See the CRG blog at: responsiblegrowthfrederick.com Contributors: P. Gallagher, S. Jakubczyk, M. Rosensweig, 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! Reply to the email authors

Frederick City and County News of Interest VOL. 4, NO. 1 | JANUARY 6, 2025

 

VOL. 4, NO. 1  |  JANUARY 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: City: A New Look for City Governance in 2025 City: Winchester Update County: Data Center Update / Water County: Water Resources Element Report Upcoming Meetings & Events ______________ City: A New Look for City Governance in 2025 Happy New Year to all! Looking forward to 2025, we here at CRG are reflecting on the progress made during 2024 as well as the opportunities and challenges for the coming year. Certainly, a major challenge — for CRG and all City residents — is how to assess and respond to the changes in City government resulting from approval of the recommended Charter Amendments which includes the separation of local government into distinct executive and legislative branches. The Mayor will lead and guide the former and an expanded City Council the latter. As an aside, we note with pride that community residents, comprising the majority of the ad hoc Charter Review committee members, were instrumental in formulating the adopted recommendations which will guide us all through the 21st century. Although we are not in the business of endorsing candidates, we certainly hope the elected mayor and 7 council members (5 district and 2 at–large) are as invested as we are in “responsible growth” — our guiding principle. To that end, we highlight here our guiding vision, and pose questions for our readers and others to ask the candidates so that you can determine who, from your perspective, is most closely aligned with your vision for the City’s growth and development. First, the vision as we state on our blog: 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. Based on that vision, we will ask (and ask you to do so, as well) each candidate to tell City residents: What are the most important considerations to assure adequate affordable housing in the City? Which comes first — growth or infrastructure to accommodate said growth? If a candidate’s response focuses on growth first, ask how the City will deal with the inevitable traffic, school, and water/sewer problems. The City continues to annex properties outside the current City boundary, with neither long-range assessments of long-term cost recovery nor school construction requirements. How does the candidate stand on the short-term increase in property tax revenue vs. long-term costs that exceed the short-term tax gains as well as school construction that is not required of the developer? What steps can the City take to mitigate flooding, damage to older homes, rental properties, and health issues arising in individuals or families with limited incomes from water damage? How can the County control the inevitable data center development/operations and the impact on the community’s electricity, water, neighbors’ properties and wells, local streams, etc.? How will you and other council members work with the County to advance much-needed school construction in light of significant state budget deficits that will affect the Maryland Blueprint? How can you assure that new development in the historic district honors its unique character? During the campaign, which will culminate in a September 2025 primary and a November general (City) election, CRG plans to hold informal candidate forums as often as possible with as many candidates interested in participating. We will also attend forums sponsored by other organizations and by the candidates themselves to ask these, and other, questions to more clearly understand where the candidates stand on the issues. We urge you to do the same. A final plea. One of the most critical open issues is the need for serious and qualified candidates to step forward and run for the 8 elected offices (mayor and 7 council members). With districting now in place (pending only boundary details), no longer will one section of the City be the dominant voice at the table. For true accountability and representation, the primary ballot should reflect several candidates for City Council from each district, with the primary qualification being residence in the district a candidate wishes to represent! The recent Charter revisions require an “all in” approach by City residents. Without a spirited commitment in each district, there is a risk of non- or under-representation by an unopposed candidate who doesn't reflect the overall values and needs of the majority of the district’s community. Information on how to register, along with additional details, can be found on the City website or by contacting the City clerk, Phyliss Hane (click for her email address).   City: Winchester Update As mentioned in a recent Frederick News Post article, on December 12, 2024 the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approved a motion by Commissioner Anne Hart that the Winchester site as a whole (including the on-site house and stable/garage) is Historically Contributing. This was a very favorable turn of events and again, as in the neighbor-led opposition to construction of a Hood NCAA baseball field in the Max Kehne Memorial Park, neighborhood residents acting together can challenge and alter proposed City developments that exclude resident opinions and interests!   For the Winchester site, it’s looking good that both the house and the stable/garage on the site will be preserved and the applicant’s demolition request denied. However, the Commission’s discussion, and their formal vote on the developer’s demolition request, still must take place. These proceedings are scheduled for this Thursday, January 9, 2025 at the 6 PM HPC Hearing at City Hall. Despite the positive developments from December 12, there may yet be surprises, and the local community is taking nothing for granted. Verbal comments at the January 9 hearing, as well as written comments in advance to City staff (for forwarding on to the Commission), are very welcome. Please contact Jim Wagner (click for his email address) or 301-682-4836 for more information. Thank you for your continued engagement and help to save this site and its contribution to City character. And on that point regarding City character: We suggest you check out a Letter to the Editor (LTE) in the Frederick News Post (FNP) written in response to a recent newspaper Board of Contributors column challenging the CRG position regarding the trend towards “contemporary” architecture in the Historic District (https://www.fredericknewspost.com/opinion/columns/group-will-advocate-for-protecting-established-identity/article_3002a8ff-755d-5eb9-a962-967c28562e63.html). At CRG, we firmly believe in smart, measured growth and development but, as was asserted by two of our members in the letter, it is incumbent on the City and its planners to cherish (as we do) and preserve the historical context and expression of our downtown by following City documents (the Frederick Towne Historic District Design Guidelines and the 2020 Comprehensive Plan) as well as guidance from national experts and organizations.  County: Data Center Update / Water In a surprise decision for everyone involved in development of the Eastalco site near Adamstown, Quantum Loophole (QL) will no longer be leading preparation of the property for future data center construction and operations (https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/continuing_coverage/quantum_loophole/updated-quantum-loophole-removed-as-manager-developer-of-its-data-center-projects/article_27636b9e-846e-5f1d-9ed1-a3fe4b8bea83.html). The decision has resolved differences between QL’s activities on the site and those expected from QL’s major financial backer TPG (a global asset manager). As a result, QL is withdrawing from its primary management role for the property. Water issues must be dealt with right away. Consequences of this dramatic change are unknown at this time, but an important consideration will be the commitment QL made to building water recycling infrastructure to supply future cooling water for prospective Eastalco data centers, which must remain a priority — there is insufficient water, otherwise, for center operations. This must be resolved quickly, as the County Planning Commission has accepted the proposed site plan for two data center projects at the Eastalco property near Adamstown. The projects — owned by Rowan Digital Infrastructure — are called Bauxite II and III, and include 7 data center buildings on the property. The potable water usage Rowan has proposed for its data centers alone is the maximum allowed for the entire Eastalco property, implying that any future center applications will require identification of other sources, such as the QL proposal for the non-potable water recycling infrastructure noted above. CRG joins the Sugarloaf Alliance and the Fellowship of Scientists and Engineers to encourage the County Executive to quickly revise the County’s Critical Data Infrastructure ordinance (CDI) so that the now-accepted 11 data center buildings (the 7 above plus 4 for the Align computing campus) at the Eastalco site will be bound by the more comprehensive requirements proposed by the County’s Data Center Workgroup and multiple other organizations. Otherwise, inadequate protections for County residents, water supplies, adjacent neighbors, and the area’s environment will prevail if those properties permitted under weak regulations are ‘grandfathered’ to only follow the regulations under which they were permitted, and not the more rigorous requirements likely needed, as we learn more about data center operation impacts that will be identified in future years. See Events list below for upcoming presentations and hearings on the County's Critical Data Infrastructure Ordinance. County: Water Resources Element Report In an additional County project relevant to data centers, County staff have also drafted a state-mandated Water Resources Element report, a comprehensive summary of water usage now and into the future for the County. Unfortunately, the report has largely ignored water demand by data centers. On December 17, at least 3 Council members and 4–5 residents asked County staff multiple questions about likely underestimates of water demand by centers on the Eastalco site and potentially elsewhere in the County where the IWW (Investing in Workers & Workplaces advisory group) has identified other possible areas for potential center development and operations. CRG congratulates County Council members focusing on future water demand and possible County intervention to revise the CDI ordinance by this water-thirsty industry. CRG hopes Council commitment expands well beyond a minority of 3 members to a unanimous agreement on specific water use requirements that data centers must meet to begin operations in the County. Upcoming Meetings & Events County Council, January 7, 2025, Winchester Hall, 7 PM — Information/presentation for revised Critical Data Infrastructure ordinance, Water Resources Element hearing (https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/15600) City Historic Preservation Commission, January 9, 2025, City Hall, 6 PM — Demolition of contributing historical house and barn/stable at 127 E. 6th Street, Frederick. Agenda here: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/920/City-Archived-Meetings County Council, January 28, 2025, Winchester Hall, 7 PM — Critical Data Infrastructure ordinance hearing Mobilize Frederick 3rd Annual Climate Summit, February 28–March 1, 2025, Hood College (https://www.mobilizefrederick.org/summit-2025-overview)

__________________ See the CRG blog at: responsiblegrowthfrederick.com Contributors: P. Gallagher, S. Jakubczyk, M. Rosensweig, K. Sellner, J. Wagner 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!

Frederick City and County News of Interest VOL. 3, NO. 12 | DECEMBER 11, 2024

 

VOL. 3, NO. 12  |  DECEMBER 11, 2024 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: Editorial: Resident Advocacy Works! City: Hillcrest Library & Brickworks City: A Hood Baseball Field on the City Max Kehne Park City: Community Outreach Meeting Summary City: Hotel and Conference Center Moving Forward City: Winchester Property/E. 6th Street Update City: Districts County: Data Center Update — Is the County Stepping Up? County: MPRP Transmission Line Update City-County Joint Session Upcoming Meetings and Events ______________ 1. EDITORIAL Resident Advocacy Works! CRG has always supported grassroots advocacy throughout the City and the County through our own initiatives and those of others. We especially want to call out recent efforts to make a positive change and to encourage caring and concerned residents to keep up the good work!   The articles below on the Hillcrest Library, Brickworks and Max Kehne Park are excellent examples of where and how resident involvement has had a significant impact. In addition, support of a Community Center at Westside Regional Park, the public outcry against re-establishing a downtown “after hours” BYOB on North Market Street, and County-wide efforts to fight the intrusive and unnecessary high-voltage transmission lines, and review of the planning guidelines for Data Centers are especially admirable.   One critical factor in these united “neighbors helping neighbors” actions is that in most cases the Neighborhood Advisory Councils (NACs) are no longer “invited in” to discussions about projects and programs that affect their communities. Thus, residents’ concerns are not given the City’s consideration at a point at which they (the residents) can help shape the discussions/outcomes. For example, NAC 11, which used to meet monthly — at which time residents (and area business owners) could weigh in at an early stage on proposed development activities — now meets only 4–5 times year. The result? A lack of continuity and loss of NAC 11’s history of effective vocal advocacy by and for its residents. Hence it becomes even more critical for people to stand up and make their voices heard however possible. CRG is proud to have initiated and partnered with efforts throughout the City ensure residents’ advocacy and will continue to do so. ______________ 2. City: Hillcrest Library & Brickworks On December 5, the City Council zoned the Hillcrest property in west Frederick as institutional (https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/economy_and_business/real_estate_and_development/city-council-rezones-park-property-for-library-site/article_d3c57483-5572-52cc-9b6c-82189c40498b.html), paving the way for the City Council to agree to a Memorandum of Understanding with the County to build the Hillcrest Library. This action was long overdue and needed. The Brickworks property has been further characterized in the November 12 City Planning Commission meeting: several modifications proposed by Greenberg-Gibbons for trees on the Brickworks property include, unfortunately, removal of 85 specimen trees to accommodate contaminant mitigation on the property and 140 new trees to be added by the developer; and 6 lots for the property with 3 outparcels (under power lines) with the latter explored for shared use paths to the MARC train station and Monocacy Blvd. Lot 4 has been described as a commercial 79,000 sq ft lot with 2 pads for restaurants and a grocery store, with a pocket park and surface parking screened from East Street. Lot 6 is proposed for vertical mixed use with 9,000 sq ft of commercial property (probably a restaurant) and 4–story multi-family buildings with 340 units. Wormald is proposing purchase of Lot 1, a 7–acre lot for 99 4–story townhomes with rear-loaded garages, and each townhome featuring varied designs and rooftop decks. Parkland in the lot will total 1.5 acres as a passive recreation area, with 3 acres total in the entire east side of the Brickworks property. A storm water pond is necessary for stormwater management. Contaminants have been identified on this lot so the eventual owner will submit an application to MDE’s Voluntary Cleanup Program for acceptance of lot mitigation through an acceptable Response Action Plan to reduce lot pollutants. Two separate conversations highlighted the possibility for an urban school on Lots 2 and 3. CRG will follow FCPS queries to the U.S. EPA on the agency’s recommendations for treatment of the lot and will rigorously pursue all avenues to assist Greenberg-Gibbons and the Frederick County Public Schools to reach an agreement to plan an urban school on-site! 3. City: A Hood Baseball Field on the City Max Kehne Park Hood College was proposing a college baseball field at Max Kehne Park to the dismay of many local residents. The college had approached the mayor’s office for an NCAA-defined baseball field for future college games, independent of the Planning Department, Parks and Recreation, and the City’s normal channels for redevelopment. Five meetings were scheduled, the second on November 12 at Hood College. Many local residents attended and the majority suggested that neither the City nor Hood had notified them of this possible change in land use AFTER discussions had been held between Hood and the mayor’s office. Hood and residents believed there are other possible locations to be examined, as noise, safety, lights, parking, and mandatory Hood use remained issues. All hope Hood secures a baseball field, but due to the substantial resident pushback, Hood has withdrawn its interest in the park. Congratulations to local residents for convincing the college of their concerns, and to Hood responsibly stepping back from its proposal! Residents can be heard, HOORAY! This case suggests the mayor’s office should abstain from bypassing normal development procedures, as well as strongly encouraging all future entreaties from individuals, groups, or organizations to ensure immediate outreach to residents for any such request. 4. City: Community Outreach Meeting Summary A Wawa gas station is proposed at Mill Pond Road and Monocacy Boulevard that would require a change in conditional use and will therefore go before the City Zoning Board of Appeals. Apartments are located behind the proposed site and single family homes in front and across Monocacy Boulevard. Residents of the area are concerned with safety since it will be open 24/7, as well as apprehensive about substantial lighting, noise, and health problems associated with gas station operations. 5. City: Hotel and Conference Center Moving Forward At its November 20 public hearing, the City Council took two steps to move forward the long-planned Marriott Hotel and Conference Center: Approval of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a mitigation plan to preserve the historic elements of the site; and approval of a reimbursement letter with Plamondon Hospitality Partners (PHP) to formalize the process for reimbursement of (up to) $1 million for pre-development activities. The hotel/conference center site contains several historic buildings, as has been discussed at prior City workshops and hearings over the past several years. Accordingly, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Maryland Historic Trust (MHT) have determined that the project will have an adverse effect on archaeological properties and have resolved the adverse effects of this undertaking through the execution of a legally binding Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DHCD, MHT, and the City, with the City’s selected developer, PHP, as an invited signatory. The Development Team will use this Treatment Plan to secure professional services to complete the data recovery effort and will coordinate review and approval of the final Treatment Plan (which will identify the personnel, schedule, and selected methods for implementing the work) with MHT prior to implementation. This link to Exhibit B fully describes the background and history of the Birely Tannery: https://cityoffrederick.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=15&clip_id=6088&meta_id=172838. Council members acknowledged that the mitigation plan is suitable overall (and voted 4–0 in favor) although some concern was raised that the contribution of the original (enslaved) labor would not be recognized; and Council members subsequently requested greater on-site recognition of the Birely Tannery in site development. As for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) grant for the Strategic Demolition Fund approved in August 2024, the approved (again 4–0 in favor) letter allows the City to disburse the grant funds and specifies the way the City will reimburse requests, what specific activities can be reimbursed, etc. There is no “clawback” provision in the grant, thus the presumption is the funds are to be used for all types of pre-development activities. A question was raised regarding the time frame for vendor reimbursement as smaller companies cannot wait months to be compensated for work performed. City staff advised that a 10-day turnaround is anticipated, that the developer pays vendors for their performance, and submits an invoice to and is subsequently reimbursed by the City through the grant. Council members agreed that the hotel/conference center is a “gigantic project” and the City cannot make mistakes. They applauded the details incorporated in the agreement and the partnership with the State. 6. City: Winchester Property/E. 6th Street Update Two recent articles in the Frederick News Post, as well as Facebook postings, have helped to present the community’s case for preservation of the entire homestead and gardens of 19th century Frederick luminary, B.F. Winchester on E. 6th Street. However, as alluded to in the November CRG Newsletter, City staff’s recommendation of “noncontributing” for the stable/garage (despite compelling evidence to the contrary presented to them in a recent Community Statement) threatens to allow development to proceed. On Thursday, December 12, at the 6:00 PM hearing, the Historic Preservation Commission is scheduled to vote “contributing” or “noncontributing” regarding both the house and the stable/garage on the property. Verbal comments at the Hearing, as well as written comments in advance of it to City staff (for forwarding on to the Commission) are encouraged. Please contact Jim Wagner at your.james.wagner@gmail.com, 301-682-4836, for more information. Thanks for your continued engagement and help to save this site! 7. City: Districts First drafts of possible City Council districts were presented to the City Council on December 3. A consultant was hired by the City to draw five district boundaries within the City, for purposes of electing City Council members that each represent a district, as recommended by the Charter Review Committee and adopted by the City Council in the last month. Two maps of potential council districts raised considerable discussion by City Council members. Go to https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/politics_and_government/elections/city-council-expects-to-vote-on-districts-in-february/article_257f484e-8872-55be-b5db-9e882923592b.html to review the session discussion and early options. The City is in the process of gathering feedback on these maps between now and the middle of January. There is a webpage on the City homepage, where information will be kept updated and where residents can respond to a survey about the maps. The webpage can be found here: https://cityoffrederickmd.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7628. A final vote on district distributions will likely occur February 6, 2025. Top image is Map 1 / Bottom image is Map 2 Map 1 Map 2

8.County: Data Center Update — Is the County Stepping Up? The County seems to be pushing the new data center corporations to meet more stringent siting and operations requirements. The County’s Data Center Workgroup and multiple external organizations have provided comprehensive revisions to the County’s CDI ordinance to ensure protection of residents’ health and the environment surrounding the Eastalco center site. And, on Tuesday, November 19, the County Council received revised requirements for the new County corporations, to the dismay and objections of several corporations. The County’s position included minimizing noise generation from the entire site, not just the individual corporation site, and storage of only 1100 gallons of fuel for center backup generators (a consultant for the property indicated that the centers would require 60,000 gallons of diesel fuel on-site). CRG is impressed, as protection for residents must be THE priority. Aligned, one of the data center occupants for the Quantum Loophole data center campus, has submitted a permit request to the MD Department of the Environment to allow 170 diesel-powered generators for their four data center buildings at the Eastalco site. Governor Moore relaxed the requirements for decisions on use of diesel generators last year, so CRG and multiple other concerned residents and organizations anxiously await the department’s decision as the emissions from the generators counter the state’s stated greenhouse gas emission deadlines [maximums?] for 2030 and beyond. Additionally, storage of the 60,000 gallons of diesel fuel at the campus poses serious hazard risks for local groundwater contamination and streams in the area. Go to https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/continuing_coverage/quantum_loophole/aligned-applies-to-state-environment-department-for-permit-to-build-generators/article_23c0cbf4-99cb-53e0-8601-812edea108cf.html for more details. 9. County: MPRP Transmission Line Update The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP), a 70-mile-long transmission line proposed to be built through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick Counties, was the subject of three public meetings November 12 (in Baltimore Co.), November 13 (in Carroll Co.), and November 14 (in Frederick Co.). The public presentations by the contractor, a New Jersey-based company PSEG (Public Service Enterprise Group), are required by the MD Public Service Commission (PSC) before PSEG may apply for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). The CPCN allows the company to build the transmission line but is not automatic; the PSC may choose to accept or reject PSEG’s application to build. PSEG plans to submit an application to the PSC late this month or in early January.   Several activities are in place to oppose the transmission lines: Legislation for the 2025 legislative session Senator Karen Lewis Young is developing legislation to initiate a Datacenter Study. Participants would principally be drawn from state agencies. An unbiased economic evaluation of the costs and benefits of data centers is needed. Several Frederick-based power engineers are advising Senator Young on possible legislation to require utilities that operate in MD to produce Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs — long-term plans examining utilities’ energy demand and supply and identifying risks that could prevent them from best serving their ratepayers with low-cost and reliable energy, as is done in other states, such as VA). Also, other Maryland legislators plan to introduce legislation in the 2025 session addressing both transmission lines and data centers. Interveners A number of organizations and individuals will be filing to act as “interveners” during the PSC hearings on the MPRP transmission lines after PSEG submits their application. To learn more about becoming an intervener, go to https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GFmBcTKTRdu5GcMyr2cftw#/registration. Volunteers A variety of actions are being taken by several organizations that have formed the “Tri-County Coalition,” made up of residents from the three affected counties. If you’re interested in lending a hand, please write to smartergrowthfc@gmail.com. Sending comments to the PSC The PSC will decide whether the MPRP will be built. Any resident may write to the PSC to oppose the transmission line. You may submit your comments to this email address, which is dedicated to comments on the MPRP: piedmontcomments.psc@maryland.gov.   For more information on the MPRP, visit www.StopMRPR.com.   How data centers and transmission lines are directly related: In 2023, PJM (the regional transmission organization for the area) determined that MD had sufficient power into 2030. However, after studying the effect of data centers — primarily in VA — PJM signaled that there were now going to be massive power deficiencies requiring $5Billion investment.  PJM says its call for more power is for reliability, but the system has been reliable prior to data centers, and could continue to be so without them. PJM recently redrew the MPRP design to bypass the only substation in MD (Doubs).  Therefore, power will travel directly from PA to VA, providing no power to MD. No one in MD, including Governor Moore, wants the MPRP.  In fact, Moore said the line is of no benefit to Marylanders (see https://www.foxbaltimore.com/news/local/state-lawmakers-encouraged-by-governor-moore-in-transmission-line-fight). The two data centers on the QL site both wrote to the PSC that they did not need any power from the MPRP. Therefore, it is clear that the power is intended for VA data centers. PSEG's threats — that without the MPRP line, there will be blackouts and brownouts — is not true. If the line is denied by the PSC, PJM may bring power from Ohio and WV for the VA data centers. MPRP would improve PSEG's bottom line as the company owns 50% of Peach Bottom Nuclear which will supply the line. PSEG is guaranteed full repayment for building the line plus a guaranteed profit per right of investment. PSEG will charge for power transmitted on this line for the 40 years it will operate.   Specific to the third bullet above, in a very recent development (https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/possible-maryland-power-project-reroute-would-benefit-virginia-data-centers-a-proposed-change-to-the-maryland-piedmont-reliability-project-may-connect-the-power-line-development), PJM has removed the MPRP proposed connection to the Doubs Substation near the Eastalco site, thereby indicating that the MPRP transmission line is solely for powering northern Virginia data centers with NO BENEFIT for Maryland data centers nor residents. So why would any MD official not oppose this line’s construction and costs to Maryand residents?   10. City-County Joint Session A joint meeting of the Frederick City and County Councils was held on November 20 at City Hall. Ostensibly convened for highlighting common concerns and possible approaches to addressing mutual problems like housing and schools, the primary topics were only minimally discussed, perhaps in 2–3 sentences. CRG strongly encourages both City and County representatives to prepare detailed summaries of each government’s approach to common problems to bring to each quarterly meeting and through those details perhaps identify procedures to move each government forward on ways to jointly alleviate the identified problem(s). Working together should generate action by the other government, certainly a new approach for the next decade. 11. Upcoming Meetings and Events   County Planning Commission, December 11, Winchester Hall, 9:30 AM: Rowan’s Bauxite Data Center site plan decisions   City Historic Preservation Commission, December 12, City Hall, 6 PM: Odd Fellows property Level I and demolition at 127 E. 6th Street.   Stop MPRP documentary, Unyielding Ground, December 14, 1–4 PM, Black Locust Hops Farm Brewery, 21305 Heathcote Road, Freeland, MD.   County Budget Town Halls District 2 — Monday, January 13, 7pm, Twin Ridge Elementary School cafeteria, Mount Airy District 4 — Wednesday, January 22, 7pm, Oakdale Middle School cafeteria, New Market District 5 — Saturday, January 25, 1pm, Walkersville Middle School cafeteria, Walkersville District 3 — Monday, January 27, 7pm, Waverley Elementary School cafeteria, Frederick District 1 — Thursday, January 30, 7pm, Middletown Library community room (will be streamed live) _________________ See the CRG blog at: responsiblegrowthfrederick.com Contributors: P. Gallagher, S. Jakubczyk, E. Law, M. Rosensweig, K. Sellner, J. Wagner 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.

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