East Frederick Rising

10/13/2026

We’re being featured on Good Morning Frederick on tomorrow Wednesday,October 14th. Tune in at 9am!

10/09/2026

Come learn about the changes coming to the Baker Park Gazebo!

Find out more about the project here (it’s the last item and begins on page 31).

https://cityoffrederick.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6179

Join us for our annual community meeting at The Common Market (927 W 7th Street) next Wednesday, October 14 from 6-7 p.m. to learn about our Gazebo Project! Feel free to bring a neighbor or friend who loves Baker Park and would want to learn about this exciting improvement! 🌱

10/07/2026

Things are coming along at the site of the new Dairy Maid mural! Swing by to check out the progress on a work of art that is sure to brighten your moooooood!

10/07/2026

🌳 STALEY PARK UPDATE

Although Staley Park is outside East Frederick Rising’s boundary, we heard from many residents who were surprised and concerned by the recent renovations—particularly the removal of the fenced playground and sandbox and changes to the tot lot.

EFR reached out to Bob Smith, Director of Parks & Recreation, to better understand what happened and how residents can have a stronger voice in future park improvements.

According to Parks & Recreation, the original playground equipment was approximately 35 years old and no longer met current safety standards. The new equipment meets current ASTM standards and includes play areas designed for ages 2–5 and 5–12.

The City also confirmed:
• The sandbox will not be replaced due to sanitary concerns.
• Four enclosed swings were installed.
• The previous fence did not designate the area specifically for toddlers.
• The City currently has no playgrounds exclusively designed for children under age 2.
• Additional pathways will connect amenities throughout the park.

Mr. Smith indicated that meetings are planned to discuss residents’ concerns and determine next steps.

For EFR, there is a larger question: How can residents be better informed and involved BEFORE significant changes are made to the parks they use?

📣 Residents can share feedback with Parks & Recreation Director Bob Smith at [email protected] and Frederick City Council.

Community spaces work best when the community has a voice.

10/06/2026

Staley Park isn't located within the EFR boundary, but we've heard from many residents that were surprised (shocked) and upset about the renovations to Staley Park, including the removal of the fenced-in playground and the sand box, and the tot lot replacement that is no longer contained by a fence. We reached out to Bob Smith, the director of Parks and Recreation, for answers about how the process for playground replacement works, so the community won't be shut out of the process again, and can advocate effectively for their needs and concerns.

Mr. Smith did share that he was going to some meetings in the coming weeks to determine next steps for addressing residents' concerns. Please send your own email to [email protected] and contact your City Council members (https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/FormCenter/Ask-a-Question-5-5/Ask-Your-Aldermen-37-37) if you would like to share your thoughts on the renovations at Staley Park.

Bob Smith replied to our inquiries to supply the following answers:
Q: How are changes to existing parks approved?
A: Typically, playground renovations do not come before the Parks and Recreation Commission. Those are planned and scheduled in accordance with the Master Parks Plan, the GRASP Inventory Atlas and age/condition of the playground. It was approved at the June 4, 2026 Council Meeting. https://cityoffrederick.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?meta_id=199776
https://cityoffrederick.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?meta_id=199782

Q: Can you please help me understand the justification for removing the fence and relocating the tot lot? Is there a plan to provide another fenced-in park to help parents who relied on the amenities provided at Staley for their toddlers and babies? Also, will the sandbox be replaced? Perhaps there is a site plan containing that information?

A: The old play area at Staley Park was not intended for toddlers simply because it was fenced. The first public playground safety standards for children younger than two years old were published in 2005. This recently removed equipment was installed around 1990 and was not designed for small toddlers. Both the old and new play equipment are designed for children ages 2 – 12 years old per ASTM guidelines. This standard is the recognized consumer safety performance specification for public playgrounds and does not cover children younger than two. While there is a separate ASTM standard for children 6 months to two years of age, it is intended to provide safety guidance for more controlled playground environments such as private daycare facilities rather than public parks. These separate standards also account for the fact play equipment is designed and engineered specifically by age group based on differences in development, physical ability, average body size, center of gravity, etc. We do not currently have any playgrounds in our system that would be exclusively for use by children younger than two. For more information, a helpful guide from the Consumer Product Safety Commission can be found here: https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/325.pdf

Playground supervision is highly recommended for all children and none of the playground equipment at Staley Park would be considered suitable for a 16-month-old be left to play independently, even inside a fence. Adult supervision is vital for keeping children safe on playgrounds and preventing the majority of serious accidents. One of the key components is to ensure age limits so that younger toddlers do not wander onto high, complex structures meant for older kids. Parents and guardians should be aware that not all playground equipment is appropriate for all children. Please note posted labels and direct children to equipment appropriate for their age. All the new equipment at Staley Park is labeled for the targeted age group. The ropes course is intended for children 5 – 12 years old. The new platform, slide, and climber near the swing set are designed for 2 – 5-year-olds. While the sandbox will not be replaced for sanitary concerns, the activities designed for the preschool 2 – 5 year age group have been replaced with the new composite structure. Yes, there are fewer slides included but more climbers and similar number of play elements as were on the old, removed structure. All swings have been replaced in kind with a total of four enclosed seats. All new equipment meets current safety standards, and the paved path will be expanded to connect amenities throughout the park.

At 35 plus years old, the original play equipment has simply outlived it’s time at Staley Park. Parts have been discontinued, it was no longer practical to maintain, and most importantly, did not meet current safety standards that have been revised multiple times since it was first installed. All the brand-new equipment might have a different look but will provide fitting play activities for families and children to enjoy for many years to come. While it was not designed and intended for a 16-month-old, as [they grow children] will enjoy a correct balance of adventure and excitement in a safe environment to make new memories.

10/01/2026

This morning, the City of Frederick and Frederick County Government unveiled two new online dashboards that track implementation of their Community-Wide Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP). Through those dashboards, Frederick City and County residents can now follow the community’s progress toward a more resilient, sustainable future.

In his remarks at the unveiling event this morning, Mayor O’Conner acknowledged that “Some projects will happen quickly, some will take years to complete. Funding, design, construction all affect how quickly we can move and residents should be able to follow that process, including when a project is taking longer than we want it to.”

Mayor O’Conner said that “after all of their advocacy, residents should be able to see how the City and County are following through on their climate commitments. They should be able to find out what projects are underway, how far along they are, and what work still remains.”

The climate dashboard “makes it easier to follow for projects featured on the dashboard. Residents can see the status, they can see budgets and estimated timelines, and as that work progresses, this is our way to keep the community informed of our progress”.

According to the Mayor, “Transportation accounts for nearly half of the city's greenhouse gas emissions. Projects like the East Street Rails with trails and the Golden Mile Multimodal Lane will give residents more options for getting where they need to go. The dashboard will help people follow these projects as they move forward.”

“Our tree planting and stream restoration work serves another important purpose, more shade helps during hot weather, healthy streams and green spaces help us manage water and protect the places that people use every day. Projects at Abraham Fall Run [in Monocacy Village Park] and along Carroll Creek are part of those efforts.”

He continued, “I encourage everyone to explore the dashboard, to look at the projects that matter to you and to your neighborhood, to follow the progress, and to ask us questions. We have much more work ahead, and this gives the public a better way to see how we're doing. Thank you.”

We will be making full use of this dashboard and hope you do too! Check it out here:

Frederick Climate & Energy Action Plan Performance Dashboard https://performance.envisio.com/dashboard/city-of-frederick

Frederick City & County launch public dashboards to track community climate and energy progress.

New online tools give residents a clearer view of City and County projects, priorities, and progress.

Frederick City and County residents can now follow the community’s progress toward a more resilient, sustainable future through two new online dashboards that track implementation of their Community-Wide Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP).
City and County staff, together with the support of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, jointly produced the CEAP in 2025. The CEAP establishes a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting Frederick’s quality of life as the region prepares for the impacts of a changing climate. The CEAP was developed with extensive participation from residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners. More than 500 people participated in public meetings, workshops and events during development of the plan, and more than 650 residents responded to community surveys on climate impacts.

The City and County CEAP Dashboards serve as centralized platforms for climate strategies, ongoing projects, and actionable data. Residents can easily view Frederick’s commitments and track progress being made toward the shared goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent below 2010 levels by 2030, with the aim of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
“Setting goals is important, but so is showing our residents how we are working toward them” said City of Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor, “This dashboard gives our community a window into the work.”

Both dashboards highlight projects in key areas, including transportation, energy, forestry, waste, and buildings. The City CEAP dashboard tracks City-specific projects while the County dashboard tracks countywide data.

“Creating a Climate and Energy Action Plan was an important step, but what matters most is putting that plan into action,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “This dashboard gives our community a transparent way to see the work underway, follow our progress, and hold us accountable to the commitments we have made for Frederick County's future.”

Residents can explore efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and participate in projects that help the community prepare for and respond to climate-related impacts such as flooding, drought, and extreme heat.

Frederick City and County expect to update the dashboards regularly as new data becomes available. Dashboard metrics will also be incorporated into the City’s Sustainability Annual Report, creating another way for the public to follow progress over time.

Explore the Climate Action Progress Dashboards and read the Community-Wide Climate and Energy Action Plan:
City of Frederick: frederickmd.gov/climate-action
Frederick County Government: www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ClimateAction

For More information visit: https://cityoffrederickmd.gov/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/8296

09/24/2026

The City of Frederick invites residents, commuters, business owners, parents, students, and neighbors to provide input on the future design of North Market Street, from 7th Street to Routzahn Way.

The City is launching a study on how to make North Market Street safer and easier to navigate for everyone. To achieve this, the City is evaluating safer bicycling infrastructure along North Market Street and Routzahn Way and evaluating the feasibility of modern roundabouts at the intersections with North East Street and Routzahn Way.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, September 29, from 6:30-8:30pm at the Municipal Annex, 140 West Patrick Street. To provide input or to register to attend, please visit https://bit.ly/n-market. Late arrivals welcome.

At the workshop, residents will be able to:

• Learn how protected bike lanes and modern roundabouts work to improve safety;

• Share their thoughts, concerns, opportunities, and firsthand knowledge of the North Market Street corridor;

• Talk with your community about how proposed improvements can best meet the needs of the North Market corridor.

Since North Market Street serves as a critical corridor for Governor Thomas John Middle and High Schools, activities will be available for middle school and high school students to give their feedback, too.

The project is supported by a $288,000 grant from the US Department of Transportation’s Carbon Reduction program, matched with $72,000 in City funds. The project is funded through 100% design, and it is expected to take two years to be shovel-ready.

https://cityoffrederickmd.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/8286

The City of Frederick invites residents, commuters, business owners, parents, students, and neighbors to provide input on the future design of North Market Street, from 7th Street to Routzahn Way.&nbs

09/19/2026

A message from our friends at Citizens for Responsible Growth:

The Planning Commission will be considering data centers within City of Frederick limits.

Please submit your comments or attend.

City Planning Commission Workshop
Monday, September 21 at 2:00 pm — City Hall


Land use attorney Bruce Dean and Texas builder Trammell Crow have proposed a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA)/Ordinance to build massive hyperscale data centers and AI Factories in the City of Frederick on Gas House Pike, next to the Monocacy River.

We do not want to go down the road of Frederick County, where the Industry had significant say in writing the county ordinances.

If you believe, as we do, that these massive facilities do not belong in densely populated Frederick City, we ask you to urge the Planning Commission to deny Dean/Trammel Crow their proposed Zoning Text Amendment / Ordinance.

Attend the workshop on Monday, Sept. 21 at 2 pm. If you can’t attend, write to the Planning Commission. Copy the City Council on your correspondence — the ZTA/Ordinance will be considered by them, next. (see email addresses below)

Planning Commission Workshop info
(See Item III – for the Data Center Discussion)

As voiced in their Workshop on June 15, the City Planning Commission seemed likely to recommend denial of the ZTA. Commissioner Montes was emphatic that hyperscale data centers do not belong in Frederick, a densely populated city. Chair Llewellyn and Vice Chair Robey were equally concerned about the negative effect on this city. The Planning Commission needs to hear that you support their convictions.


Concerns about the proposed ZTA/Ordinance

The ZTA calls for “a Permitted Use, allowed 'by-right'” (P); “by-right” use means that if an applicant complies with the standards established for the use, the development plans must be approved. This privilege is being asked for massive buildings, 90 feet tall and 250 feet long. This means any property already zoned “Light Industrial” can have an AI Factory approved with no further review and no community input. Additional land could be annexed into the city for the same purpose.

Imagine the hundreds of emergency diesel generators needed for each hyperscale AI Factory. Each 16-cylinder diesel generator is equivalent in size to the ones that pull MARC trains. The diesel generators must be tested on a rotating basis, producing daily noise and pollution.

Diesel exhaust is assigned Class A carcinogen status by the EPA. In an emergency, the pollution from the diesel generators will pollute the air in the area (Dearbought, Gas House Pike, etc.), which consists of thousands of homes and a proposed elementary school. Transmission towers 90 feet high would be visible to hundreds of homes. Intense security lighting will be visible at night from many homes, and noise and vibrations from a mass of generators and chiller equipment will cause a constant 24/7/365 annoyance.

The large number of generators will require storage of huge amounts of diesel fuel on site near the Monocacy. If a rupture occurs, it could pollute the river that supplies water for many communities downstream.

Rather than a prescribed setback measured from the data center property line, the ZTA/Ordinance calls for a complicated method of measuring distance to the nearest home or school, which adds unnecessary complication.


We propose a rejection of the ZTA/Ordinance and a moratorium on data centers at least until July 1, 2027, the new date set by the County. This will allow our elected officials to study the impact that hyperscale data centers and AI Factories could have upon this community, so they can create the necessary guardrails. That seems reasonable for a densely populated city like Frederick. Many communities in Maryland have declared data center moratoriums and outright bans.


What you can do

Don’t be a passive observer. We do not want to become another Adamstown.

We urge you to write and support the Planning Commission. Please ask your friends and neighbors to do likewise. A data center hub in the City will affect all of us.


Write the Planning Commission at: [email protected]

Write the City Council at:

Council President, Cesar Diaz, [email protected]

Council Vice-President, Katie Nash, [email protected]

Council Member Peter Brehm (Gas House Pike is within his district), [email protected]

Council Member Joe Atkins (Dearbought is within his district), [email protected]

Council Member Libby Taylor, [email protected]

Council Member Derek Shakleford, [email protected]

Council Member Sarah Hemple Irani, [email protected]

09/18/2026

City Council Meeting
September 17, 2026

At last night’s City Council meeting, and also at the council workshop last week, the new City Council seemed poised to review the rezoning conditions that promised a $1.18 Million-dollar contribution to the Rails with Trails project by Standard Communities, the developer of 315 affordable housing units near North Market Street called Joyfeild at Worman’s Mill. The Council also discussed increasing property tax credits (already costing the city $10 million dollars of lost revenue over 40 years), and reducing the parkland impact fee of $240,000.

East Frederick Rising’s board President was there to remind this new council of the work of the planning commission and the prior City Council - and to make the case that every developer, no matter what the project, needs to share responsibility for providing the supportive infrastructure for adding new residents to our community. Infrastructure includes:
✅ Connectivity - roads and trails for cars, bikes, and pedestrians
✅ Access to retail and services
✅ Access to parks and open space

With large developments taking up to 5,6,7 or more years to build, the critical work of East Frederick Rising tracks developments to make sure that promises made, are kept.