Public Meetings - Frederick, Maryland

The Planning Commission held a workshop on June 13, 2023, to discuss several items including a proposed text amendment for increased density at Carroll Creek, two annexation applications, and broader policy considerations around the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) ordinance. Commissioners debated the scope of their recommendations, the role of the Land Management Code, and procedural aspects of their authority to shape development conditions. No formal votes were taken, but the commission laid groundwork for future recommendations to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Discussion Items MPDU Ordinance and Text Amendment Recommendations: Commissioners considered whether they could recommend specific MPDU requirements and parking changes as part of a density increase for the Carroll Creek project without having a revised draft from the applicant. Staff advised that while the city attorney cautioned against piecemeal amendments that would create a disconnect in the city code, the commission could make conceptual recommendations (e.g., “require one parking space per unit and a set percentage of MPDUs”) without specific legislative language. The commission acknowledged that such recommendations would then be considered by the Mayor and Board, who might accept, modify, or reject them. Annexation Applications – Two Properties: The commission reviewed two annexation requests for the second time (first hearing). Updates since the workshop included a proposed increase in the square-footage fee from $0.75 to $1.25 per square foot (adjusted for 2016–2017 cost escalation), a call for construction of the logistics park road from Gas House Pike to the southern end of the MERSA property, and an expected letter from the county requesting additional proffers. Commissioners raised questions about the status of an archaeological area on one of the sites and whether the city already owns part of the annexation area (a pumping station on the south side of Gas House Pike). Staff agreed to review the transcript and provide clarification. Meeting Scheduling: Several commissioners expressed frustration with Monday and Friday afternoon meetings, citing conflicts with holidays, travel, and shifting work schedules. They suggested moving meetings to Tuesdays or Thursdays in future years. Staff noted that the commission calendar is reviewed annually in October/November and that boardroom availability would be a factor. Commission Authority to Initiate MPDU Policy Changes: A commissioner asked whether the planning commission could independently recommend amendments to the MPDU ordinance without a pending application. Staff confirmed that the commission could write a letter or a more detailed recommendation to the Mayor and Board, but would not be assigned staff resources to draft language. The commission expressed frustration that applicants often choose to pay a fee-in-lieu rather than provide affordable units, and questioned where those funds are actually spent (MPDU fees go to the Department of Housing and Human Services; school impact fees are passed through to the county). Key Outcomes The commission agreed that they could make conceptual recommendations on the Carroll Creek text amendment (e.g., requiring MPDUs and parking) even without an applicant’s revised draft. Staff will follow up on the annexation questions regarding the city-owned pump station and the archaeological area. Scheduling discussions for the next commission year will be revisited in October/November, with a possibility of moving away from Monday/Friday afternoon meetings. The commission may pursue a formal recommendation to the Mayor and Board regarding MPDU ordinance changes, independent of any current application.

The Frederick Planning Commission met on June 13, 2023, to discuss consent agenda items, continuances for two projects, and a request for a three-year extension of final site plans for the Ren Quarter multifamily component. Key topics included easement issues with Fort Dietrich and Washington Gas, sewer rerouting, and the timing of intersection improvements tied to unit triggers. Consent Calendar - West Park Village VFW architectural review: The applicant revised elevations to recess the entryway by two feet to comply with design standards. Placed on consent agenda and approved. - Rencord architectural review: Not placed on consent due to minor cleanup needed on elevations (duplicate lettering/numbering). Conditioned on staff review of those tweaks. Discussion Items - Madison on North Market continuance: The applicant encountered a sewer easement issue with Fort Dietrich, which prohibits any construction within the easement. The applicant is redesigning the sewer route southward toward the Coke plant, requiring a pump station. The APFO certificate for sewer may need reissuance. Staff recommended continuance to allow the redesign and ensure no domino effects on parking or landscaping. - U-Haul site plan and forest plan continuance: The applicant was previously continued for landscape revisions. Washington Gas now requires an easement relocation that impacts proposed landscaping. Staff advised waiting until the exact easement location is finalized so landscaping plans can be accurately revised. Continuance granted. - Ren Quarter site plan extension: The applicant requested a three-year extension for final site plans for multifamily components. Discussion focused on impacts on APFO certificates, intersection improvement triggers (Monocacy and East Street), and the potential for a roundabout instead of a signal. Commissioners asked whether denying the extension would force faster construction of multifamily housing and how other approved projects affect cumulative impacts. Staff will provide unit trigger numbers and intersection improvement details by the next meeting (Monday). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items for West Park Village VFW and Rencord architectural review approved (Rencord with conditions). - Continuances granted for Madison on North Market and U-Haul. - Ren Quarter extension vote deferred pending additional information on unit triggers and intersection improvements.

The Frederick Planning Commission convened on June 12, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered routine consent items, continuances, architectural reviews, a three-year extension of a site plan, and two major annexation proposals. A lengthy debate on a text amendment to the Carroll Creek Overlay District ended in a tie vote, resulting in a continuance to July 10, 2023. The commission also recommended approval of two annexations (Toms and Mercer properties) totaling 242.7 acres for light industrial zoning, with conditions. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved for May 8, May 15, and June 9, 2023 meetings (unanimous). - PC22-836-04MU – West Park Village VFW Architectural Review: Approved unanimously without discussion. The item was on the consent agenda as routine. Continuances - PC23-74FSI & PC23-75PFCP – Madison on North Market: Continued to July 10, 2023, due to outstanding sewer line connection issues and APFO certificate updates. (Unanimous) - PC22-740FSI & PC22-741FSCB – U-Haul of East Frederick: Continued to July 10, 2023, due to a conflict with a Washington Gas easement impacting landscaping and site design. (Unanimous) Miscellaneous - PC14-913-09MU – Renn Quarter Architectural Review (Hadley and Summit models): Approved unanimously with a condition to correct duplication of elevation lettering and clarify front-loaded vs. side-loaded garage labels. The applicant (DR Horton) stated the changes address four lots requiring side-loaded garages. - PC18-275FSI – Renn Quarter Lots 6 & 7 Final Site Plan Extension: Approved unanimously for a three-year extension to September 27, 2026. The applicant (Matten Companies) cited conservative investor pools and financing challenges post-COVID. Commissioner Beattie asked about traffic improvement triggers; the applicant confirmed escrow contributions are up to date and that improvements (e.g., Monocacy Boulevard widening) are triggered by 800 residential permits and phase three start. The extension was found compliant with APFO and phasing. Old Business - PC22-370ZTA – Carroll Creek Overlay District Text Amendment: The commission voted 2-2 on a motion to recommend approval to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Chair Strawson and Vice Chair Menelas voted no; Commissioners Beattie and MacShane (City Council liaison) voted yes. The tie resulted in no action. The applicant (represented by Bruce Dean) sought to increase maximum density from 75 to 150 units per acre for DB-zoned properties in the overlay and eliminate the Level of Service C traffic standard. Staff supported the amendment, citing consistency with the Comprehensive Plan (land use policies for downtown density and infill) and the Mobility Fee District. Commissioners Menelas and Strawson opposed due to lack of tie to Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs) and concerns about density not being based on service adequacy. Staff recommended against amending MPDU requirements piecemeal. The item was continued to July 10, 2023, to allow for a full commission (with both absent members) to vote. New Business - PC22-1018ANX – Toms Annexation (136.1 acres): The commission recommended approval (motion by Commissioner Beattie, second by Menelas) to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen with conditions from the staff report (including a $1.25/sq ft regional road fee, shared use path, completion of Logistics Park Road, and a prorated share of water tank costs). Condition 8 (satisfy infrastructure improvements required by Frederick County and State Highway) was kept in the motion after discussion; the applicant objected to its open-ended nature but agreed to negotiate later. Commissioner Beattie initially sought to remove it but withdrew after discussion. A public commenter, Steve Wisner (resident of Long Branch Road), adamantly opposed any connection to Linganore Road, stating it is a narrow, curvy road unable to handle more traffic. The applicant acknowledged the concern and proposed only emergency access. The commission added a recommendation that the Linganore Road connection be limited to emergency vehicles only. - PC22-1017ANX – Mercer Annexation (106.6 acres): The commission recommended approval unanimously with conditions similar to the Toms property. The motion included the staff recommendations and an additional recommendation that the Linganore Road connection be limited to emergency vehicles only. The applicant noted the property has minimal frontage on Linganore Road and agreed to an avigation easement if within the airport runway protection zone. Public commenter Steve Wisner reiterated opposition to any access to Linganore Road. Staff clarified the property is within the airport's avigation easement zone, and the applicant was amenable to recording an easement. Key Outcomes - Minutes and Consent Item: Approved unanimously. - Continuances: Four items continued to July 10, 2023. - Renn Quarter Architectural Review: Approved with condition. - Renn Quarter Site Plan Extension: Approved to September 27, 2026. - Carroll Creek Overlay Text Amendment: Tie vote (2-2); continued to July 10, 2023. - Toms Annexation: Recommended to Mayor and Board with conditions, including emergency-only Linganore connection. - Mercer Annexation: Recommended to Mayor and Board with conditions, including emergency-only Linganore connection. - Public Comments: One resident spoke against both annexations, citing traffic concerns.

The Historic Preservation Commission met on June 8, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing and a workshop. Commissioners approved multiple applications, including a partial demolition for the new police headquarters, a window replacement with conditions, a security camera installation, roof and skylight work, window/door replacements on a non-contributing resource, a mural, and found a resource contributing. The workshop discussed a replacement plan for the police headquarters and a new construction project at 401 N. Market Street, with significant feedback on massing and design. Consent Calendar - No items were on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. Discussion Items - HPC23-258 (100 E. All Saints St.): Partial demolition of a 1995 office building for adaptive reuse as police headquarters. Staff found the building non-contributing and recommended approval conditioned on a replacement plan. The applicant argued the reuse brings a productive use to a vacant building. Approved unanimously. - HPC23-402 (185 W. All Saints St.): Post-installation of four windows. Staff recommended replacement with six-over-six wood windows; applicant had installed one-over-one composite windows. After discussion about visibility and precedent, the commission approved (3-2) a motion allowing two concealed windows to remain as installed, with the other two replaced with six-over-six wood windows, plus a sill repair. - HPC23-426 (25 E. 2nd St.): Installation of a security camera on the facade of Grace United Church of Christ. Staff recommended denial due to obtrusiveness. The applicant stated only this location provided full view of doors. A motion to deny failed (2-3), then a motion to approve passed (3-2). - HPC23-432 (314-316 W. Patrick St.): Replacement of black metal roof, chimney cap, and skylights on a contributing 1880s twin dwelling. Staff found black roof appropriate as replacement in-kind. Approved unanimously. - HPC23-466 (116-118 S. Bentz St.): Replacement of windows and doors on a 1967 non-contributing building. Staff recommended flexibility; applicant proposed one-over-one composite windows and fiberglass doors for a charity project. Approved unanimously. - HPC23-493 (401 N. Market St.): Partial demolition of a rear garage/warehouse on a second-empire building. Staff recommended finding the resource contributing. The commission unanimously found the resource contributing to the historic district. The demolition was not voted on in the hearing but discussed in the workshop. - HPC23-495 (28 E. 6th St.): Installation of a mural on a non-contributing building. Staff recommended approval. The applicant noted the Public Arts Commission supported the project. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved actions: - HPC23-258: Partial demolition approved unconditionally on replacement plan approval. - HPC23-402: Approved with conditions (3-2). - HPC23-426: Approved (3-2). - HPC23-432: Approved unanimously. - HPC23-466: Approved unanimously. - HPC23-493: Resource found contributing to the historic district. - HPC23-495: Approved unanimously. - Administrative Approval Report for May 2023 (15 approvals) approved unanimously. - Minutes of May 25, 2023 approved unanimously. - Workshop items: HPC23-242 (1730 N. Market St.) postponed to June 22, 2023. HPC23-259 (replacement plan for police HQ) and HPC23-493/494 (demolition and new construction at 401 N. Market) were discussed with extensive feedback from commissioners on massing, height, materials, and compatibility. No votes were taken for these workshop items.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland held a public meeting on June 1, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The meeting opened with a Pride Month proclamation, followed by approvals of minutes, consent agenda items, and a public hearing covering 10 items. All votes were 4-0, with Alderwoman Kazemchick absent. The meeting included public comments on several agenda items. Consent Calendar - Grants: Acceptance of a $13,000 Dugas Family Foundation Grant. Approved 4-0. - Special Ordinance: Amendment of the FY2023 budget to include the grant revenue and expenditure. Approved 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Annette Breeling (member of Health Care as a Human Right, Frederick chapter) spoke in favor of the Medicare for All resolution, presenting 996 signatures collected over two years. She argued that a single-payer system would reduce administrative costs and improve health equity, noting that other developed countries provide universal coverage at lower cost. - Gabrielle Beans (Phoebus Avenue) shared her personal experience with chronic illness and difficulty obtaining insurance, supporting the Medicare for All resolution and urging creative solutions for part-time workers. - Unnamed speaker (76 years old, Section 8 housing) criticized the city's dental insurance agreement for not covering low-income seniors, and raised concerns about fire access on Bauman Lane, tree removal for a new car wash on Route 40, and safety issues in the Taskers Chance area. - James Wagner (121 East Sixth Street) advocated for on-street EV charging infrastructure for residents without off-street parking, calling it an equity issue. - Darren Clark (owner of Clark Computer Services) thanked the board for awarding the security camera contract to his company, promising excellent performance. Discussion Items - Pride Month Proclamation: Mayor O'Connor read a proclamation declaring June 2023 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Chris Fair (Executive Director of the Frederick Center) noted that Frederick Pride moved to the city 10 years ago and now draws over 30,000 attendees, making it one of the largest prides in Maryland. - Annexation Resolutions (Toms and Mercer Properties): The board introduced resolutions to annex 136.091 acres (Toms property, western boundary) and 106.59 acres (Mercer property, eastern boundary). These were forwarded to the planning commission for processing, with a public hearing to be scheduled. - Medicare for All Resolution: The board approved a resolution supporting Medicare for All, citing 70% public support and co-sponsorship by four Maryland congressional delegation members. The resolution will be sent to federal and state representatives. - Maryland School for the Deaf MOU: The board approved a renewed MOU providing a school resource officer (Officer Maggie Lee) to the Frederick campus. Lieutenant Corbett noted Officer Lee's commitment, including learning ASL and declining promotion to stay in the role. - East 5th Street Extension MOU: The board approved a 50/50 cost-sharing MOU with FPC East Church LLC to design and construct an extension of East 5th Street (CIP 320038). The estimated cost is $1.93 million, with construction expected to start fall 2023 and complete by summer 2024. Staff emphasized pedestrian safety improvements and complete streets compliance. - Christopher's Crossing Design Change Orders: The board approved $754,453.50 in change orders to Fox & Associates for design of segments between Rocky Springs Road and Old Camp Road. Staff noted that the design will include traffic calming and a robust communications plan with residents. - Cigna Dental Insurance Agreement: The board approved a one-year agreement with Cigna for group dental coverage, with an option to renew for four additional years. The city's cost is approximately $353,000. The new plan includes orthodontia and an 80/20 cost share, resulting in 161 employees selecting the enhanced plan. - Security Cameras in Parks: The board approved a $200,000 purchase order (agreement $181,426) with Clark Computer Services for security cameras in 15 locations, prioritized by crime trends and pedestrian/vehicle traffic. The cameras will comply with the city's security camera policy and be managed by the Office of Emergency Management. - Electric Vehicle Charging Contract: The board approved a contract with Blink for 20 level-2 charging stations across four parking decks (excluding Church Street deck due to demolition). The city will pay $63,048, with revenue from usage fees (50% city share). Staff noted that users will pay for electricity and parking fees, and that signage and enforcement for time limits will be developed. - Modular Offices for National Park Service: The board approved a modification to the MOU with the National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) to install temporary modular offices at Westside Regional Park. The modulars, previously used at Antietam Battlefield, will accommodate a 25% staff increase. A permanent facility is targeted for 2027. - City Hall Safety and Security Upgrades: The board approved a $120,000 contract with Popowski Brothers, Inc. for City Hall improvements, including a redesigned reception desk, ADA-compliant routes, and restoration of the historic Terrazzo floor. The project is funded by ARPA SLFRF funds. - Appointment: Todd Troutman was appointed to the Weinberg Center for the Arts Board of Directors, term expiring June 30, 2024. Key Outcomes - All votes on the consent agenda (grants and special ordinance) passed 4-0. - All public hearing items (items 1-10) passed 4-0, including the Medicare for All resolution, the East 5th Street MOU, the Christopher's Crossing design change orders, the Cigna dental agreement, the security camera contract, the EV charging contract, the NPS modular offices, and the City Hall safety upgrades. - The annexation resolutions were introduced and forwarded to the planning commission. - The board acknowledged public comments on Medicare for All, dental insurance, EV charging equity, and other concerns, but no additional actions were directed based on those comments.

The City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) convened on May 25, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The commission considered a consent item, two regular cases, and a zoning map amendment for a historic preservation overlay. All votes were unanimous. The meeting was chaired by Commissioner Carrie Alby, though the agenda lists Robert Van Rens as Chair. Consent Calendar - HPC23-425: 212 E. 5th Street – Synthetic slate roof (applicant Derek Jubach, agent Mitch Earle). Approved unanimously without objection. Cases to Be Heard HPC23-81: 17 S. Carroll Street – Painted Sign - Staff (Christina Martinkosky) reported the application sought approval to paint a commercial sign on a brick masonry wall. The guidelines generally prohibit painted signs on masonry, but staff recommended a deviation because the building has historic and non-historic painted signs, and the sign would not affect the streetscape. The applicant, Alison Hegamyer, noted a similar sign was approved in 2018. Public comment was none. Commissioners supported the deviation, citing the industrial history and the sign's low visibility. Motion to approve as proposed was unanimous. HPC23-253: 17 W. 2nd Street – Repointing with Mechanical Equipment - Applicant Gareth Frank, owner, sought to use a mechanical grinder for repointing. Staff recommended approval with conditions: use lime-based mortar (with optional Portland cement up to 1:1:3 ratio), hand tools only on the front elevation, mechanical grinder limited to chimney and roof line on the side, and mortar must match existing in color, texture, and tooling. Applicant accepted conditions. No public comments. Motion to approve with conditions was unanimous. HPC23-437ZMA: 401 Rosemont Avenue – Strawn Cottage Historic Preservation Overlay - This was an HPC-initiated application for a historic preservation overlay zoning map amendment on Strawn Cottage, a building on Hood College campus. The HPC had voted to initiate the application at an April 27, 2023 hearing following a demolition request. Staff (Lisa Mroszczyk Murphy) presented extensive research, arguing the property meets designation criteria 1 and 4A as a purpose-built domestic science practice house, the first in Maryland, and retains sufficient integrity. The proposed boundary was 0.47 acres. - Owner representatives (Ian Rollins, attorney, with Hood College officials) opposed the overlay, arguing the building has been substantially altered (enclosed porches, rear addition), suffered $105,000+ water damage, and no longer retains historical integrity. They also cited the college's financial constraints and argued the college is a good steward. - Public comment: Brian Slagle, a neighbor, spoke in favor of designation, expressing concerns about future campus plans and piecemeal changes. - Discussion: Commissioners debated the boundary. Commissioner Hart suggested including the extant lawn on the west and south sides. Commissioner Fitzgerald suggested reducing the southern boundary from 60 to 45 feet, but later withdrew. The commission voted unanimously to send a positive recommendation to the Planning Commission and Board of Aldermen, with the boundary revised to incorporate the extant lawn on the west and south sides. Key Outcomes - Approved HPC23-425 (consent) unanimously. - Approved HPC23-81 with deviation, unanimous. - Approved HPC23-253 with conditions, unanimous. - Recommended approval of HPC23-437ZMA with revised boundary (incorporating west and south lawn) to the Planning Commission and Board of Aldermen, unanimous.

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on May 23, 2023, at 7:00 PM at City Hall in Frederick, Maryland. The board approved the minutes from the April 25, 2023 meeting and considered one variance application for an accessible home addition. The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of the requested variance. Consent Calendar - Approval of the April 25, 2023 meeting minutes was moved by Bob Sisson, seconded, and approved by a 5-0 voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No general public comment was offered. - No public comment was made on the variance case. Discussion Items - ZBA23-374V, Variance for 278 Pinoak Lane: The applicant, Melissa Hanson, requested a variance from Section 405-1 of the Land Management Code to allow a rear-yard setback encroachment of 3 feet (the agenda listed the request as 2'10", but the staff report and testimony consistently referred to a 3-foot encroachment) for the construction of an accessible bathroom and bedroom addition. The property, built in 1964, is legally nonconforming due to current 30-foot rear setback requirements. The applicant explained that the addition is needed to care for her disabled mother-in-law, who will eventually require a wheelchair. Staff reported that the lot is not exceptional, but the house placement predates current setbacks, and the variance is the minimum necessary to allow an accessible addition without altering the front character. The board noted that neighboring properties also have nonconforming setbacks and that in-home elder care benefits the community. The applicant attested that all adjacent neighbors and neighborhood advisory council coordinators were notified, and no objections were received. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve the variance (ZBA23-374V) was made by Dixon Hicks, seconded by Bob Sisson, and passed unanimously (4-0 votes: Knapp, Aronow, Sisson, Hicks in favor). The motion included findings that the variance is not contrary to public interest, will not alter the neighborhood character, is in harmony with the Comprehensive Plan, the applicant did not create the nonconformity, and in-home elder care is a valuable pursuit. The board granted the variance with no conditions.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a regular public meeting on May 18, 2023, at 7:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included a proclamation for Kids to Parks Day, four public hearings on FY2024 budget and related ordinances, and two appointments to city boards. All items were approved unanimously. Proclamation - Mayor Michael O'Connor proclaimed May 20, 2023, as Kids to Parks Day in the City of Frederick. Recreation staff described activities at Baker Park from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, including bubbles, chalk art, kite making, and wildflower seed balls. Public Comments - No members of the public spoke during either public comment period. Public Hearings - Item 1 – Master Schedule of Administrative and Regulatory Fees (FY2024): City Clerk Phyllis Hane presented the annual fee schedule, noting two corrections: (1) the sidewall permit fee of $75 was moved from the Building Department to the Engineering Department, and (2) the payroll lien admin fee, previously missing, was set at $2. The Board approved the ordinance with the added $2 fee by a 5-0 vote. - Item 2 – Employee Positions, Grades, and Civilian Pay Scale (FY2024): Budget Director Katie Barkle presented the proposed position schedule, which had been part of the FY2024 budget and discussed at nine public hearing sessions. The Board approved the ordinance 5-0. - Item 3 – Tax Rate for Assessable Property (FY2024): Staff presented a special ordinance to adopt the tax rate unchanged from the previous year: 73.5100 cents per $100 of assessed real property value and $1.55 per $100 of assessable business personal property. The ordinance was approved 5-0. - Item 4 – FY2024 Budget Adoption: The budget, including a mayor-issued amendment on May 12, 2023, was presented. The Board noted the extensive public input process (nine hearings) and approved the special ordinance 5-0. Appointments - Tara Zachariah was appointed to the Sustainability Committee for a three-year term (May 19, 2023 – May 18, 2026). Approved 5-0. - Zachary Buono was appointed as Neighborhood Advisory Council 11 Coordinator for a two-year term (May 19, 2023 – May 18, 2025). Approved 5-0. Key Outcomes - All four public hearing ordinances were adopted unanimously (5-0) for FY2024: fee schedule, employee pay scale, tax rate, and budget. - Two appointments to city boards were approved unanimously. Aldermanic and Mayor Comments - Alderwoman Ash thanked staff and the mayor, emphasized the collaborative budget process, and raised concerns about population growth exceeding the comprehensive plan, noting six annexations in process. She called for greater advocacy for city residents on county-level issues such as school redistricting and infrastructure (e.g., US 15, Hillcrest Elementary). - Alderman Russell promoted the “Behind the Garden Gates” garden tour hosted by Celebrate Frederick on May 20–21, 2023, as a fundraiser for the city’s Fourth of July celebrations. - Alderman McShane and Alderman Shackelford thanked staff and residents for their input. Alderman Shackelford also recognized upcoming high school graduations. - Mayor O'Connor praised the board’s thorough budget process, noting that the budget document underlies all city actions, and thanked staff for their early planning and responsiveness.

On May 15, 2023, the Frederick Planning Commission held a workshop to review seven items: architectural reviews for Renn Quarter and West Park Village, a site plan revision for Gambrill View Area A, final plats for Linden Hills and 328 Madison, a preliminary plat and forest conservation plan for Highland Trail, and a zoning map amendment and master plan for Westridge. No formal votes were taken; all items were discussed and will return for public hearings or further refinement. Public Comments & Testimony - Charlene Eastburn (NAC 5): Attempted to comment on Gambrill View but was redirected; later commented on Westridge. She expressed support for Golden Mile redevelopment but raised concerns about parking allocation, traffic on Key Parkway and Bel Air Road, building height (4-5 stories), impact on Lincoln Elementary and Frederick High schools (120% capacity), and affordability of townhouses and multifamily units. She requested answers on intended prices and rental vs. condo status. The applicant, Bruce Dean, responded that peak-hour trips would decrease by nearly 50% (from 193 to 101), parking is ample, and detailed traffic and parking data will be provided before the hearing. Discussion Items - PC14-913-09MU – Renn Quarter Architectural Review: DR Horton presented side-load garage elevations for four lots (Hadley and Summit floor plans) to meet civil engineering requirements. No commission or public questions; staff confirmed the submittal. - PC22-836-04MU – West Park Village Architectural Review: Zavos Architects presented an elevation package for a standalone building. The commission liked the design. A discussion clarified that the non-recessed entrance would be listed as an element (not a modification) to satisfy code requirements. - PC23-186FSI – Gambrill View Area A: The applicant requested modifications for front patios (uncovered, no roof) and side entries for end units on 300 units (about 115 condos, rest townhouses). Modifications sought for front-yard setback encroachments (patios) and side-yard setback encroachments (steps/stoops). Staff asked for resubmission clarifying fencing vs. landscaping, plant lists, and justification for modifications, referencing safety and aesthetic guidelines. - PC23-157FSU – Linden Hills Final Plat: Applicant proposed reorienting two lots (fifth and sixth) from Linden Avenue frontage to Poplar Avenue to create buildable envelopes. The lots are 7,000 sq ft each, undersized for current code. Staff noted the lots are not buildable as platted; the subdivision meets Section 507C criteria. - PC23-168FSU – 328 Madison Final Plat: Applicant requested a simple subdivision to create a 25-foot-wide lot from an oversized duplex lot. No modifications needed; the lot matches adjacent lots. A survey issue with party wall alignment was resolved. - PC22-1097PSU and PC22-1098PFCP – Highland Trail Preliminary Plat and Forest Conservation: Applicant presented subdivision creating three lots and two new roads (Highland Trail and Big Al Cohen Boulevard) with modifications to street standards (lane widths, shared-use paths, parking). Fourteen specimen trees will be removed due to grading for drainage. Staff noted the forest conservation plan will rely on fee-in-lieu for a portion, with potential for future credits. APFO compliance was confirmed. - PC22-650 and PC22-651 – Westridge Zoning Map Amendment and Master Plan: Applicant seeks to rezone 20.59 acres from General Commercial to Mixed Use (MU) and redevelop the eastern portion of Westridge Shopping Center with 41 townhouses and 203 multifamily units. Key features: new public streets, a pedestrian portal through the multifamily building, connection to adjacent shopping center to the east, and improvements to remaining retail. Modifications requested for building setbacks, frontage on open space, sidewalk on one street, and alley width. Traffic analysis shows a reduction in peak-hour trips; school capacity at Lincoln Elementary and Frederick High is at 120% (fee-in-lieu accepted). Parking is ample. Public comment raised height and parking concerns; applicant stated the building height (4-5 stories) is within MU zone limits and on the lowest part of the site. Key Outcomes - Renn Quarter: No action needed; item complete. - West Park Village: Applicant to treat entrance design as an element rather than a modification; no further action at workshop. - Gambrill View: Applicant to resubmit with clarified fencing/landscaping details, plant lists, and justification for modifications; changes to be reflected in the design booklet. - Linden Hills: No further action; item will proceed to public hearing. - 328 Madison: No further action; item will proceed to public hearing. - Highland Trail: No action taken; staff encouraged the applicant to explore additional forest conservation credits in future site plans. APFO certificates pending. - Westridge: The commission will make a recommendation to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen; the applicant will provide additional traffic and parking data before the public hearing. The related text amendment was reviewed by the Mayor and Board in June. No vote at workshop.