Dear East Frederick Community,
Welcome to the latest edition of the East Frederick Rising newsletter. We’re excited to share the latest news, events, and updates with you. This season, we celebrate “Connections,” from advocating for shared-use paths, to hosting events that bring our community together.
In This Issue:
- Letter from the President:Heather Goddard
- Community Spotlight: East Frederick Rising’s First-Ever Double Decker Bus Tour
- Upcoming Events & Public Meetings
- Community News & Updates
- Business Spotlight: Hinzi’s Kitchen
- Contact Us
Letter from the President by Heather Goddard
Dear East Frederick Community,
Welcome to our Fall 2024 edition of your East Frederick Rising Newsletter.
It’s been a gorgeous fall in East Frederick and the community has come together to celebrate the season in many ways. With so many of us taking advantage of fall events to connect with our loved ones and local community, it’s fitting that our theme this season is connections. At East Frederick Rising, we advocate for the creation of connected neighborhoods, with the understanding that building connective infrastructure sets the stage for the people who live here to gather and build community. The key to a strong community is in building thriving public places, with easy ways to get there.
Here’s a few examples of ways your EFR Board of Directors is advocating for connections on the east side: When we track upcoming developments, we go in looking to advocate for maximum community connectivity. Sometimes that looks like going out to a planning commission meeting and sitting for three hours on a hard chair at dinnertime, waiting for our three-minute chance to advocate for increased funding for a shared-use path that would literally connect our East Frederick neighborhoods with beloved public spaces like Carroll Creek.
Other times it’s social connections that we promote, like hosting a community event, where we can hang out with like-minded neighbors and talk about our favorite thing: East Frederick! Other times it looks like phone calls, emails, and coffee chats that keep East Frederick issues alive and moving along towards progress. In each case, our work is done in small steps and is strengthened by the support and energy from neighbors who walk this path with us together towards a bright future.
Did you know that besides Connected, there are six other planning principles in the East Street Corridor Small Area Plan? Along with Connected, we have Walkable, Vibrant, Safe, Complete, Attractive, & Sustainable. Stay tuned for our next newsletters, and we’ll show you how EFR works towards all 7 principles to support the vision and goals of the City of Frederick.
Thanks for caring, and we’ll see you around the East Side!
Sincerely,
Heather Goddard, Board President
Community Spotlight: East Frederick Rising’s First-Ever Double Decker Bus Tour!
East Frederick Rising hosted its first-ever East Frederick Bus Tour and what a success it was! The double-decker bus was packed with community members, business owners, such as Hinzi’s Kitchen and Escape This! as well as residents, all eager to get an inside look at the transformative projects underway in East Frederick. With the vibrant energy of our tour guides and the scenic backdrop of Frederick’s emerging east side, participants enjoyed an immersive experience, learning about key developments that will shape the area’s future.
We began the tour at Overlook East, a transformative project designed to bring a mix of affordable residential units that are located in a prime location in Downtown Frederick with proximity to transit and walkable neighborhoods. Next, we explored the Rails with Trails project, an exciting effort to enhance connectivity and walkability by linking neighborhoods and businesses along a scenic rail corridor. With Rails with Trails still in the design phase, what’s with the current construction happening right now? We contacted Tracy Coleman from the Department of Public works to find out. According to her, the work you see currently is a water loss reduction project. The city is replacing 100+ year-old leaky water pipes. The new lines are 12 inches in diameter and will replace pipes between 8th and 16th street.
Our second to last stop was at Renn Quarter, where we described the vision for the creation of new connections into Downtown Frederick through the future extension of Bond Street and the Renn Quarter Riverwalk project, enhancing accessibility and further integrating East Frederick into the fabric of our city.
A heartfelt thank-you to Maryland Double Deckers for hosting us and for their partnership in ensuring this event was a success. Thanks to everyone who participated, and a special thank-you to those who supported East Frederick Rising through this event. We can’t wait to continue building a brighter future together!
Upcoming Events and Public Meetings
Maryland Deaf Community Center Town Hall & Meeting
- Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
- Hours: Doors open at 12:30pm | Begins at 1pm
- Location: MSD Frederick Campus @ Ely Auditorium (101 Clarke St.)
- For more information, visit: https://www.deafmdcc.org/event-details-registration/annual-town-hall
Description: Please join the Maryland Deaf Community Center as the organization shares exciting updates on the new Community Center project to be located on East Street (adjacent to Rockwell Brewery parking lot). We are excited to welcome members of our deaf and hard of hearing community to East Frederick so be sure to stop by and learn more on how this project will shape the future of East Street!
Annual Maryland Christmas Show
- A two-weekend Event: November 22, 23 & 24 and November 29, 30 & December 1
- Hours:10am – 5pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday
- Location: Frederick County Fairgrounds (797 East Patrick St. Frederick, Md. 21705)
- Admission: Adults: $10.00 / Children: $4.00 (10 and under) $2.00 Parking Fee.
- For more information, visit: https://www.marylandchristmasshow.com/
Description: The 41st season of the Maryland Christmas Show is just around the corner! This premier Christmas event features seven beautifully decorated buildings filled with the unique works of talented artisans and merchants. From fine art and handcrafted pottery to stunning jewelry, clothing, wreaths, and festive ornaments, there’s something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Celebrate the season at the Maryland Christmas Show!
Frosty Friday
Friday, November 24 | All Day | Downtown Frederick – Start the holiday season with a festive day of shopping and live holiday music throughout Downtown Frederick! From 9am to 9pm, local businesses will offer special deals, giveaways, and holiday treats. Don’t miss the Snowflake Tree for a chance to win prizes, and enjoy FREE parking all day.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 25 | All Day | Downtown Frederick – Celebrate Small Business Saturday by exploring over 200 locally owned shops, restaurants, and services. Downtown Frederick is your destination for unique holiday gifts and personalized shopping experiences while supporting local businesses.
Give us a follow on social media for the most up to date information on public meetings, workshops and more!
To view the City of Frederick’s public meeting schedule, click here: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=14
To view public meeting agendas, staff reports and supplemental information, please visit: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/348/Planning-Commission
Community News and Updates
Community Updates: Overlook East and Sites J&K
The Overlook East project represents a significant step forward in addressing our community’s need for affordable housing options. Nestled just east of Downtown Frederick, this development is positioned to provide residents with easy access to nearby transit and cultural, dining, and business amenities. Overlook East has been thoughtfully designed to support both the urban character of the area and the needs of Frederick’s growing community. This new complex will offer 85 affordable units across three buildings, ultimately accommodating over 300 people. Overlook East is intended to serve individuals and families making up to 60% of the area median income (AMI), broadening access to quality, affordable housing close to the heart of Frederick. Two of the buildings are newly constructed, while the third—a historic structure formerly known as the Schley House—is being refurbished to host apartments and shared public spaces for residents. The project has received $78,234 in joint funding from the City of Frederick and Frederick County for low- and moderate-income housing, along with a 4% low-income housing tax credit from the state. With construction well underway, the project is scheduled to open in late 2025.
Adjacent to Overlook East are Parcels J & K, two historic properties with a rich industrial heritage that dates back to the mid-1800s. Originally, Parcel K operated as a lime quarry under Brengle’s Lime Corporation and later, Schley Lime Kiln, where lime was burned for agricultural use. In the early 1900s, Gilmer Schley advanced operations by introducing steam drills and dynamite for mining, which changed the scale and speed of quarrying at the site. Over time, the quarry transformed from a bustling industrial site into an unregulated swimming hole, and eventually, a municipal dump site in the 1950s. Parcel J, adjacent to Parcel K, has a history of its own as the intended site for an electric plant in the 1950s, although it was never used for that purpose and instead became home to a paving contractor until it was sold to the City of Frederick in 1989. These sites are now recognized as prime locations for development that can enhance Frederick’s connection to Carroll Creek’s regional park network.
As Overlook East moves toward completion, Parcels J & K presents an exciting opportunity to expand on this vision, offering spaces that could enrich the community through parks and public spaces that celebrate both the area’s historical legacy and its future. This alignment of affordable housing and public space development is expected to enhance Frederick’s East Side, creating a destination that balances livability, history, and recreation.
Research by: Ella Auderset & Hannah Nickerson
404-420 East Patrick Street Project Approval
We’re excited to share updates on a new project that recently received final approval by the Planning Commission for its site plan and forest conservation plan. The 404-420 East Patrick Street project, located next to Steinhardt Brewing, will bring 106 multifamily units to an area that has seen limited development since the Carroll Creek Overlay District’s adoption in 2023. This project is led by Ausherman Properties and will involve consolidating six lots into a nearly one-acre development site.
In compliance with city requirements, the project will contribute to community amenities through a combination of fees and on-site provisions. The developer will pay a parkland dedication fee of $1,000 per unit, enhancing city resources for public green spaces. For forest conservation, the project will plant street trees and pay an additional fee to fully meet conservation standards. The development will also include 99 parking spaces, exceeding the minimum requirement, to support local mobility needs. Unfortunately, the developer has opted to pay a fee in lieu for the MDPU ordinance which would have required the construction of at least 13 affordable units.
Community members can look forward to the positive impact of this project, which aligns with the city’s need for more housing options. As we continue to see growth in East Frederick, projects like 404-420 East Patrick Street are helping shape a vibrant future for our neighborhood.
Public Art in East Frederick
In 2017, East Frederick Rising began envisioning public art for the S. East St. traffic circle, a key gateway into downtown Frederick and the future site of Brickworks. Partnering with groups like the FAC and Rotary Club, EFR gathered community input to spark ideas for this space. As we continue exploring public art possibilities at the East St. Circle, we’re also seeking new art opportunities throughout East Frederick. In January, EFR will join the city in a collaborative cultural mapping exercise to enrich these efforts.
The City invites residents to help identify meaningful cultural landmarks — including arts organizations, local businesses, venues, and iconic spaces. Stay tuned for more updates on public art initiatives in East Frederick!
To participate in the mapping exercise, please visit: Arts and Culture – Cultural Asset Inventory – ViewPoint Cloud
Business Spotlight: Hinzi’s Kitchen
Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of interviewing Hinzi’s Kitchen, one of East Frederick’s freshest culinary additions, and we’re excited to reintroduce them! Founded by Hina “Hinzi” Awan and her husband, Malik Awan, Hinzi’s Kitchen brings the vibrant flavors of Pakistan to our community. Hina’s passion for cooking started in her middle school kitchen, and over time, she has perfected her family’s recipes. Every dish at Hinzi’s Kitchen is crafted from scratch daily, transforming simple ingredients into a celebration of her cultural heritage.
What’s Cooking at Hinzi’s Kitchen?
Hinzi’s Kitchen is more than a restaurant; it’s a place to connect, share stories, and experience something new. With a warm, inviting ambiance and a focus on authentic flavors, it’s quickly become a favorite for those looking to try something fresh in Frederick. Conveniently, there’s plenty of free parking for guests to make their visit even easier.
Why East Frederick?
Hina says that East Frederick’s unique character and energy make it a perfect place for small businesses like hers to thrive. “We believe that people of Frederick are ready to experience a new style of cuisine offered in a clean, comfortable, and welcoming ambiance,” she says.
Favorite Part of Being in East Frederick
Hina loves the area’s rich history, friendly community, and cultural diversity. As one of the few Halal dining options in Downtown Frederick, Hinzi’s Kitchen adds to the area’s vibrant culinary scene.
Be sure to give them a follow on social media and next time you’re in the neighborhood, don’t miss the chance to experience Hinzi’s Kitchen!
Stay Connected With Us!
We value your feedback and suggestions. Feel free to reach out to us at: info@eastfrederickrising.com.
Thank you for being an essential part of the East Frederick community. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. Be on the lookout for our next Winter Edition Newsletter on February 1, 2025.
See you on the east side,
East Frederick Rising