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Frederick County advisory group frames goals for 'Investing in Workers & Workplaces' plan, schedules public outreach
Summary
On July 9, 2024, an advisory group continued drafting the Investing in Workers & Workplaces plan, emphasizing expanding the nonresidential tax base, aligning County and municipal growth areas, and preparing public outreach in September; staff said another advisory meeting is set for July 23.
Denis Superczynski, a Division of Planning & Permitting (DPP) staff member, opened the July 9 advisory group meeting and outlined the purpose of Frederick County's Investing in Workers & Workplaces (IW2) plan: expand the nonresidential tax base, prioritize targeted industries, ensure an adequate supply of developable employment land and preserve the County's character. The group has been meeting since May and will hold one more information‑gathering meeting on July 23, followed by public outreach in September.
The advisory group reviewed the planning process. Superczynski said the Planning Commission will submit recommended plan language to the County Council, which may approve, deny or modify the recommendation, and that public input opportunities exist at multiple stages. Kimberly Gaines, Director, Livable Frederick Planning & Design Office, told members that County staff have been coordinating with municipal planners to align the IW2 plan with municipal comprehensive plans.
Members emphasized that employment sites should be sited where housing for employees exists or is planned and urged protection of green infrastructure. Staff described focus areas identified in a recent small‑group mapping exercise, including municipal growth areas for the City of Frederick, City of Brunswick, Town of Thurmont and the New Market I‑70/Route 75 area.
The advisory group will not be asked to take votes during this information‑gathering stage; staff said they will record areas of agreement and disagreement to inform drafting. Public outreach is scheduled to begin in September; the Ballenger/New Design area north of the Eastalco/Quantum site will be discussed at the July 23 meeting.
