Whittier Elementary School plans modular classroom and forest conservation upgrades

The Frederick City Planning Department's recent community outreach meeting highlighted significant developments in local education and infrastructure, focusing on the Whittier Elementary School and a new professional office campus.

The meeting opened with a discussion about Whittier Elementary School's proposal to replace eight existing portable classrooms with a single 10-room modular classroom. This change aims to enhance security by connecting the new classroom directly to the main building, eliminating the need for students to move outside between classrooms. Importantly, there will be no increase in student capacity, ensuring that the school's enrollment remains stable. The project also includes a forest conservation plan, which addresses the lack of a previous plan when the school was built. This plan will enhance the site's landscaping with additional trees and shrubs, aligning with city standards for forest conservation.

In another key discussion, the planning team reviewed a site plan for a new professional office building at 108 Thomas Johnson Drive. This project, part of the Governor's Place office campus, involves subdividing the existing lots to accommodate a new 53,000 square foot medical and professional office building. The development is set to unfold in phases, with the first phase focusing on the new building and a future phase planned for an additional office structure. This project is currently at the planning commission level, allowing for public input during its review process.

Additionally, a minor site plan revision for the Woman's Mill Village Center was discussed. This revision involves relocating a dumpster enclosure, which will take up two existing parking spaces. The change is straightforward and aims to better accommodate the center's waste management needs.

These discussions reflect ongoing efforts to improve educational facilities and expand professional spaces in Frederick, addressing community needs while ensuring sustainable development practices. The planning department continues to encourage public engagement as these projects progress, emphasizing transparency and community involvement in local development initiatives.