Frederick Planning Commission Workshop - August 21, 2023

The Planning Commission held a workshop on August 21, 2023, at 2:00 PM in City Hall. The agenda included five items: an informational presentation on the draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan, architectural reviews for two residential developments, a final plat subdivision, and a final site plan revision. No formal votes were taken; the workshop facilitated discussion among commissioners, staff, and applicants.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up or spoke during any of the five agenda items. The chair asked for public comment after each item, and none was offered.

Discussion Items

• Item 1: Informational Item – Draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan

  • Presenters: Bob Smith (Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation), Tom Deal and Lisa Wolf (Barry Dunn consultants).
  • The plan, initiated in 2021, includes a community engagement process with over 2,000 participants, eight focus groups, nine stakeholder meetings, and over 1,000 statistically valid surveys.
  • Key demographic data: Frederick population 79,400, median age 37.2, median household income $351,555 (reported as such), and average household size 2.81.
  • Park users preferred trails, open spaces, and pathways; communication was identified as an area for improvement.
  • The proprietary GRASP system scored each park; two parks ranked in the top 130 of 5,000 parks nationally, and three in the top 10.
  • Six top recommendations: improve organizational efficiencies, increase financial opportunities, develop recreation programs, invest in existing/facilities, expand trails/greenways, and improve indoor facilities.
  • Implementation plan added after presentation to Mayor and Board in fall 2022; final draft is now ready for formal adoption.
  • Commissioners discussed the use of parkland dedication fees and fee-in-lieu, noting that current policy restricts fee-in-lieu to new park construction, while some commissioners suggested using funds for improvements to existing parks, especially in infill areas.
  • Next step: Presentation to Mayor and Board on September 7, 2023, for adoption.

• Item 2: Architectural Review – Kellerton Land Bay B (PC13-195-12)

  • Applicant: Ed Mangold (Keystone Custom Homes) presented a new elevation (the sixth) for the Devonshire home model, designed to have an English cottage look and meet design guidelines.
  • The elevation meets at least five of nine design requirements (main entrance, windows/entries, exterior finishes, high visibility, front facade/streetscapes).
  • High-visibility sides include stone water table and landscaping, consistent with prior approvals.
  • No questions or concerns from commissioners; staff noted continuity across the development.

• Item 3: Architectural Review – West Park Village (PC17-1077-03)

  • Applicant: Paul Crone (representing Ryan Holmes) introduced the Symphony series, a 22-foot-wide townhome with three new elevations (Tempo, Overture, Sonata) featuring thicker 2x6 walls for better insulation, more stone masonry, and board-and-batten siding.
  • An outdoor living space (patio within building footprint) is included for privacy.
  • The new elevations are consistent with the overall community and meet the Land Management Code (LMC) requirements.
  • Commissioners requested the new product be placed at the front of the packet for easier reference at the hearing.

• Item 4: Final Plat – 704 & 706 Trail Avenue (PC23-472FSU)

  • Applicant: Steve Wenth (Meridian Surveys) proposed subdividing an existing duplex into two fee-simple lots to allow sale of each unit.
  • Variances for lot width, size, and side setback were approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals in April 2023 due to the neighborhood’s lot configuration.
  • Discussion included the wellhead protection overlay (an antiquated restriction) and the need for a firewall between units; staff confirmed that a firewall must exist and will be verified before recordation.
  • No changes to the existing structure; the subdivision is for zoning compliance only.

• Item 5: Final Site Plan – 550 Highland (PC23-525FSI)

  • Applicant: Luke Zeller (Harris, Smariga & Associates) presented a revision to a previously approved site plan for two warehouse buildings at the former AirPax site.
  • The revision adds a 15,000 sq ft building along Monroe Avenue (Phase 1) to allow existing tenants to relocate, enabling demolition of the old AirPax building.
  • A new third entrance on Monroe Avenue is proposed to separate commercial and vehicular traffic.
  • One new modification requested: use of truck parking spaces for vehicular parking to reduce imperviousness, since employees drive larger trucks.
  • Previously approved modifications (for minor light spillage and secondary connection) remain applicable; no new lighting is proposed.
  • Staff noted that APFO roads exemption and water/sewer certificates are still valid and need only minor updates.
  • Commissioners asked about traffic brief availability and parking totals; the applicant clarified parking counts (475 total, including 112 truck spaces).

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; all items were discussed in workshop format.
• The Parks and Recreation Master Plan will be presented to the Mayor and Board on September 7, 2023, for adoption.
• The architectural reviews for Kellerton and West Park Village were well-received and will proceed to a public hearing (date not specified).
• The final plat for 704 & 706 Trail Avenue requires confirmation of a firewall before the hearing; the item will be brought back for a formal decision.
• The final site plan revision for 550 Highland will proceed to a hearing with the noted modification regarding truck parking spaces; the previously approved modifications remain in effect.