Frederick Planning Commission Meeting – November 12, 2024

The City of Frederick Planning Commission met on November 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall (101 N. Court Street) to consider several agenda items including a zoning map amendment for Hillcrest Park, a text amendment for catering uses, and a preliminary plat for the Brickworks development. Chair Joan Strawson presided. The meeting included public comments and votes on multiple actions.

Minutes Approval

• October 14, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes: Approved (motion by Commissioner Lee, second by Commissioner Valencia; Commissioners MacShane and Menelas abstained).
• October 21, 2024 Planning Commission Workshop Minutes: Approved (motion by Lee, second by Valencia; same abstentions).
• November 8, 2024 Pre-Planning Commission Meeting Minutes: Approved (motion by Valencia, second by Beattie; all in favor).

Miscellaneous

• PC18-189PSU/FSI – 800 E. Patrick Street Extension: The applicant requested a one-year extension for the combined preliminary plat/final site plan and APFO certificates (water, sewer, school). Staff supported, noting the applicant is working with an engineering firm. The commission approved both extensions unanimously to November 11, 2025. (Motions by Beattie, second by Valencia.)

Old Business

• PC24-658ZMA – Hillcrest Park Rezoning (Zoning Map Amendment): The City requested a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen to rezone 4.15 acres at Hillcrest Park from Open Space (PRK) to Institutional (IST) for a future Frederick County public library. Staff (Pam Reppert) and applicant (Mark DiCicco) presented. Discussion included park usage data (low reservations, outdated ball field), population growth from 26,319 in 1975 to over 88,000 in 2024, and the need for a west-side library. Commissioner Beattie raised concerns about preserving two play areas and existing tree stands. Two actions were taken:
  1. Removal of PRK floating zone: Approved unanimously (motion by Lee, second by Beattie) with findings that the city intends to discontinue park use and the request is consistent with Comprehensive Plan Policy 6.
  2. Placement of IST floating zone: Approved 3-1 (motion by Beattie, second by Valencia; one opposed) with a stipulation that the county maintain current play areas and existing tree stands on the site. Findings cited population growth and availability of public facilities.

New Business

• PC24-765ZTA – Text Amendment: Catering in MU-1 and MU-2 Districts: Applicant (Clark Adams of Pal LC) sought to add caterer as a permitted use in mixed-use districts. Staff (Sherry Kelly) presented the proposed definition requiring that on-site retail food sales be less than 50% of annual receipts to remain accessory. Commissioner Valencia proposed 70% to protect new startups, citing potential foot traffic and parking concerns. Staff and applicant argued that 50% is standard and provides a clear threshold for enforcement. The commission voted to recommend approval as submitted (motion by Lee, second by Beattie; 3-1, Valencia opposed). A written public comment from Jim Schmierer was entered into the record.
• PC24-621PSU – Brickworks Preliminary Plat: Applicant (Eric DeVito, Greenberg Gibbons) requested approval to subdivide 64.61 acres into six lots, three outlots, and dedicated parkland. Modifications to engineering street detail 9.0 (reverse shared-use path on Southeast Street to preserve trees) and to LMC Section 605F (eliminate street trees on west side of Southeast Street and along Monocacy Boulevard due to dam safety) were presented. Staff recommended approval with 14 conditions. Public comments included:
  • Heather Goddard (East Frederick Rising) requested exploring shared-use paths on outlots A, B, and C under power lines to connect to South Street and the MARC train station, suggesting dedication to the city for parkland credit.
  • Hannah Nickerson (415 Sherman Avenue) supported bicycle and pedestrian connectivity and asked about bioretention and dignified relocation of any individuals on site.
  • The applicant responded positively to considering shared-use path dedications and noted ongoing site plan work for lots one, four, and six.

The commission voted on four modifications and the final plat:

1. Modification to street detail 9.0 (Southeast Street): Approved (motion by Beattie, second by Valencia, unanimous).
2. Modification to LMC Section 605F (eliminate street trees west side Southeast Street): Approved (motion by Lee, second by Valencia, unanimous).
3. Modification to LMC Section 605F (eliminate street trees along Monocacy Boulevard): Approved (motion by Valencia, second by Beattie, unanimous).
4. Recommendation to City Council for acceptance of parkland with forest conservation easements: Approved (motion by Beattie, second by Lee, unanimous).
5. Approval of preliminary plat subject to 14 conditions: Approved (motion by Lee, second by Valencia, unanimous).

Key Outcomes

• 800 E. Patrick Street: One-year extension granted to November 11, 2025, for both the plat and APFO certificates.
• Hillcrest Park Rezoning: Commission recommended to the Board of Aldermen to remove the PRK zone (unanimous) and apply the IST zone (3-1) with a stipulation to preserve existing play areas and tree stands.
• Catering Text Amendment: Commission recommended approval of the text amendment as proposed (3-1).
• Brickworks Preliminary Plat: Approved with modifications and conditions; the related preliminary forest conservation plan (PC24-622PFCP) was continued to the December 9, 2024 meeting.
• Meeting Adjourned: Approximately after Brickworks decisions.