Frederick Planning Commission Workshop – April 20, 2026

The City of Frederick Planning Commission held a workshop on April 20, 2026, to review several development applications, including a gas station consolidation, a mixed-use subdivision, a revised site plan for a shopping center, and airport hangars. The meeting also continued discussion on updating the commission's rules of procedure. No votes were taken; the workshop served as a forum for presentations, commissioner questions, and public comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kevin Solner (5th Street) commented on the Brickworks site plan, expressing concern that the proposed white-paneled buildings deviated from the brick aesthetic of the surrounding historic area. He urged the commission to consider requiring more brick.
• Sharon (last name not given) offered public comment on the Rules of Procedure, thanking the commission for their work and supporting the proposed changes, stating they provide necessary tools for the commission to do its job.

Discussion Items

• Carroll's Fuels Gas Station (PC 25-628 FSI / PC 25-629 FSCB):

  • Applicant Cole Hayden (Polar Engineering) and Jesse Newman (Carroll Fuel) proposed consolidating two existing fueling stations at 1180 and 1200 West Patrick Street into a single station with six fueling pumps (12 MPDs). Modifications requested included reduced landscaping along West Patrick Street due to utility constraints, adjustment to site sign setbacks, and a trash enclosure screened on three sides (the building screens the fourth).
  • Staff noted a lighting plan was still needed; any light spillage would require a modification. Signage variances would go to the Zoning Board of Appeals, not the commission.
  • Commissioners praised the reduction of driveways from four to two and encouraged additional street trees if possible. No public comment was made.

• Canterbury Subdivision (PC 25-247 PSU FSI):

  • Applicants Chris Mariga (Harris Mariga) and Tim Comas (Duffy Companies) presented the final phase of the Canterbury subdivision, which includes a historic overlay. The plan calls for renovation of three historic buildings (Banner/Odd Fellows) into multifamily units and amenity space, plus new construction of eight rental townhomes, multifamily buildings along the perimeter, and fee-simple townhouses to complete the grid. A central quad green space will be preserved as required by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC).
  • Modifications requested pertain to landscaping shifted to fit the overall project rather than individual lot lines; more street trees and parking lot landscaping than required are proposed.
  • The applicant originally considered a waiver for parkland dedication but now plans to dedicate 2.34 acres adjacent to the existing dog park on Shifferstat, which received a positive recommendation from Parks and Rec. The parkland will be passive green space and floodplain.
  • Regarding connectivity to Thomas Johnson Middle School, the applicant proposed a sidewalk connection from a public road, but FCPS rejected it citing adequate sidewalks along North Market Street and a desired path through the school's rear yard. The applicant will rebuild and widen the sidewalk on Market Street and work with FCPS to improve a grade issue on an existing connection.
  • Commissioners asked about screening new buildings from historic structures; the applicant noted that new buildings sit behind the rear of the historic wings and that the quad and extensive tree planting (nearly 200 new trees) will provide visual screening. Commissioner Robey suggested more screening around the green space perimeter.
  • No public comment was received.

• Brickworks Mixed-Use Central District Lot Four Revision (PC 26-32 FSI):

  • Eric DeVito and Jay Diamond (Greenberg Gibbons) presented revisions to the previously approved site plan. Two changes: (1) Building 3 (retail pad) increases from 10,441 sq ft single-story to 30,550 sq ft two-story for a new fitness concept called Club Studio (an LA Fitness brand with about 18 locations nationally). The fitness use requires limited glazing (dark rooms for classes) – only 19% of the façade would be transparent, whereas code requires 50%. To compensate, trellises and ivy walls are proposed. (2) Pad 1 (previously a drive-thru) is now a multi-tenant dry retail building with no drive-thru, consistent with project design.
  • Modifications requested: parking setback (25 ft from right-of-way) reduced – previously approved for other lots, now continued; loading space reduced (9x20 ft) – also previously approved; temporary dumpster location without full landscaping (future pad 2 will include a shared enclosure); building orientation setback due to a major stormwater outfall.
  • Staff opposed the glazing modification, stating that internal design could mitigate the need for dark rooms (e.g., hallways) and that lease terms are not a sufficient justification for such a large reduction. They recommended improvements.
  • Commissioners discussed the long-term viability of the fitness user and suggested incorporating architectural features (e.g., recessed panels) that could later be converted to windows. Commissioner Temple echoed a request for more brick rather than fiber cement panel, to better match the surrounding brick architecture. Public comment by Kevin Solner raised the same aesthetic concern.
  • The applicant offered to reconsider materials and noted that glazing could be added in the future if the tenant changes. No decision was made.

• West Side Community Center (PC 26-29 FSI):

  • The applicant was not present; the item was continued.

• FDK Airport Hangars (PC 26-34 FSI / PC 26-37 FSCB):

  • Ian Diaz (Adsec Engineering) presented a proposal by High Flying Hangers for eight rows of private airplane hangars, a clubhouse, and parking accessed via a private road from Aviation Way. The site will have gated access crossing an active taxiway. 78 hangar bays are planned. Modifications requested: reduced tree planting due to airport restrictions (shrubs and wetland grass used instead); utility buildings in different colors to aid navigation; sidewalk elevation modifications because no new street exists.
  • Staff confirmed the modifications and noted that design standards were difficult to meet due to airport constraints. Commissioner Roby suggested exploring solar panels on the large roofs, but FAA glare restrictions would need assessment. Commissioners noted strong demand (50% presold). No public comment.

• Rules of Procedure Update:

  • Staff (Gabrielle Collard) reviewed the latest draft, which incorporates several workshops. Two key changes: (1) Section 1.1 – added language to handle elections when vacancies prevent a full election; (2) removed a previous change allowing the council liaison more latitude because city code requires the liaison to adhere to the same code of conduct as commissioners. All other feedback has been incorporated. The updated rules will be placed on the May hearing for approval. Public comment by Sharon supported the changes.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken on any agenda items; these were workshop presentations.
• Carroll's Fuels Gas Station: No objections raised; commission expressed general support and encouraged additional street trees. Staff will require a lighting plan and address signage separately.
• Canterbury Subdivision: The applicant committed to dedicating 2.34 acres of parkland, obviating the need for a waiver. FCPS’s position on school connectivity was confirmed. The commission provided feedback on screening and walkability; no final decision.
• Brickworks Lot Four Revision: The commission did not support the glazing modification as presented. The applicant was asked to explore architectural alternatives (e.g., faux windows, more brick) and to provide more details on lease term and future adaptability. Staff will continue to work with the applicant.
• West Side Community Center: Continued due to applicant absence.
• FDK Airport Hangars: Commission was supportive of the project and the proposed modifications. Commissioner Roby suggested investigating solar panels; staff and applicant will consider.
• Rules of Procedure: The revised draft will be presented for a vote at the May hearing. Staff noted all public and commission feedback has been addressed.