Planning commission backs prioritizing E Street safety projects, urges evaluation of painted walking zones

The Frederick City Planning Commission on March 9 recommended that the mayor prioritize completion of the E Street rails‑with‑trails and give staff permission to evaluate painted walking zones as lower‑cost safety improvements.

In a motion approved 4–0, Commissioner Temple said the Active Mobility Advisory Committee’s emphasis on functionality — sidewalks and safe pedestrian routes — should guide the commission’s FY27 recommendations. “I agree with their prioritization of function over beautification,” Temple said, urging the commission to “prioritize the completion of E Street rails with trails” while deemphasizing the downtown streetscape effort in the commission’s letter to the mayor.

Staff told commissioners the E Street design work in the CIP currently carries a $750,000 design line item; staff also said lower‑cost painted walking zones could be much less. Heather Goddard of East Frederick Rising urged the commission to consider the cheaper options first, telling the commission that “painting walking zones akin to Maxwell Alley” — staff estimated such paths could cost as little as $60,000 — would “present a significant safety and accessibility improvement.”

Commissioners pressed staff on feasibility and design safety. Zach Kershner, staff, said painted pedestrian zones on an arterial like E Street would need a careful safety and design review: “We would really need to take a look at that design, and see whether or not that can be incorporated in a safe manner.”

The commission instructed staff to draft the recommendation letter to the mayor reflecting the new CIP priorities and to include evaluation of painted walking zones where feasible. The letter was approved by the commission and will be sent to the mayor’s office ahead of the FY27 budget process.