Planning commission approves Brickworks Lot 5: 231 townhomes, modifications and forest plan; adds screening requirement

The Frederick Planning Commission on June 9 approved the combined preliminary plat and final site plan (PC24‑834 PSU/FSI) for Lot 5 of the Brickworks mixed-use development and granted associated modifications. The plan covers 18.31 acres and proposes 231 townhomes, rear-loaded on alleys, with internal sidewalks and four pocket parks.

Staff said the plan seeks three code modifications: (1) allow lots to front on private open space rather than exclusively on a public street (Table 4‑17 and LMC 606b2); (2) modify the required street-tree spacing and distribution on some streets (Section 605F); and (3) related frontage/minimum linear frontage adjustments. Staff recommended approval of the modifications because the plan provides compensating design features — private pocket parks, additional trees overall, and improved pedestrian connectivity that follows the adopted Brickworks master plan.

The plan provides the required on-site parking range (staff noted the total required parking target of about 535 spaces falls within the LMC minimum and maximum). The applicant provided an updated on-street parking exhibit showing additional on-street parking to meet required numbers. In response to commissioner questions, applicant representatives said the layout emphasizes pedestrian connections, that Hamilton Avenue was realigned to align with existing Hamilton Avenue north of the railroad, and that unit types will include 16- and 20-foot alley-loaded townhouses.

Public commenters and commissioners raised concerns about a small group of eight townhomes that would front privately owned HOA open space with their rear alleys adjacent to industrial properties (Schuster Concrete and other M‑2 users). After discussion the commission approved the plan with a new, specific condition: the developer must install screening — a minimum eight-foot fence and landscaping — along the common property line between Molding Press Alley and the industrial property to reduce potential impacts for the residences.

The commission also approved the related preliminary forest conservation plan (PC24‑835 PFCP). Staff said Lot 5’s forest-obligation calculations were adjusted in the most recent submittal; the plan provides approximately 2.3 acres of on-site afforestation/credits and carries a fee‑in‑lieu obligation for 2.06 acres. Staff required corrections to the plan’s title blocks and tree-credit calculations, which were incorporated as conditions.

Why it matters: The approvals permit a substantial new townhouse neighborhood in the Brickworks master plan area and resolve landscape, parking and forest-conservation obligations. The added screening requirement responds to public concern about adjacency to industrial uses and is a condition the commission inserted to reduce potential neighborhood impacts.