Planning commission approves Brickworks Lot 4 final plan, Lot 6 apartment plan and forest-conservation plan; Lot 5 continued 30 days

The Frederick Planning Commission on a unanimous vote approved a preliminary forest conservation plan for Brickworks Lots 4 and 6 and separately approved final site plans for Lot 4 (a shopping center) and Lot 6 (a 340‑unit multifamily building). The commission also granted a 30‑day continuance for the Brickworks Lot 5 combined preliminary plat and final site plan to the June 9, 2025 meeting.

Why it matters: The decisions clear two major pieces of the Brickworks redevelopment — the retail core and the first large housing parcel — allowing the developer to move toward environmental remediation and infrastructure work the applicant said are needed to start the broader project.

The site and forest plan decisions Staff presented the preliminary forest conservation plan (PC 24‑932 PFCP) for Lots 4 and 6, describing 14.54 acres of forest on site and the project's overall conservation obligation of 16.42 acres after clearing and retention figures were applied. The applicant proposed using a mix of on‑site planting, parkland plantings and street‑tree credits and, where necessary, a fee‑in‑lieu for up to 50 percent of remaining planting obligations. Staff recommended approval with conditions. The commission approved the PFCP with staff conditions (motion by Commissioner Manelas; second by Commissioner Valencia) and recorded the requirement that any off‑site planting/easement be documented in subsequent plan sheets if used to meet obligations.

The commi…