Dear East Frederick Community,
As East Frederick continues to grow and evolve, we’re excited to share updates on the community-driven progress shaping our neighborhood. In this issue, you’ll hear from our Board President, see how residents are rallying for walkability, updates on key development projects, explore business highlights, and discover upcoming events that bring us together. All of this reinforces our shared vision of a walkable, connected, and thriving East Frederick. Let’s dive in!
In This Issue:
- Letter from the President: Heather Goddard
- Community Spotlight: Residents Rally for a Walkable East Frederick
- Upcoming Events & Public Meetings
- Community News & Updates
- Business Spotlight: The Cook’s Kitchen & Healthy Homestead Personal Chef
- East Frederick Business Card Exchange
- Contact Us
Letter From the President by Heather Goddard
Dear East Frederick Community,
Welcome to the Spring 2025 edition of your East Frederick Rising Newsletter.
At East Frederick Rising, we advocate for the seven planning principles outlined in the East Street Corridor Small Area Plan (ESCSAP). This plan is our city’s way of moving forward with intention towards the common goals of our community: Walkable, Connected, Complete, Attractive, Sustainable, Vibrant and Safe.
Now that warmer weather is upon us, a surge of Frederick City Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) have progressed! In this issue, we will share a few updates from the busy bees at the City of Frederick Department of Public Works. If you have noticed construction activity along East Street in front of Monocacy Village Park, that is due to the Motter Avenue Area Stormwater Improvement Project, CIP 350008. Federal pandemic relief funds closed a funding gap, enabling the construction of this long-awaited project, which will relieve the dangers of flooding in a 400-acre drainage basin including the downtown YMCA on Market Street. You may have noticed separate construction activity inside Monocacy Park near the parking lot. This is due to the construction of the new Asbury SeniorScapes Senior Park in Monocacy Village Park. This project, which will enhance the health and well-being of our senior community, is set to be complete in June/July.
As for road improvements, exciting changes are happening near Renn Quarter and also for the communities along Church Street. Monroe Avenue is back open (for now)! Also newly open is the 5th Street extension, which is a road connection that extends 5th Street past FoodPro and EDE Apartments to connect with County Lane! This road connection gives travelers one more option to get from East Street to Church Street. Offering traffic route choices relieves traffic congestion and improves connectivity. Another welcome project that is progressing quickly is the addition of a stop light and pedestrian crossing at Church Street and Highland Street. The pedestrian signals and curbs are complete as of this newsletter release, and the signals are next to be installed. These road improvements are helping to keep people moving safely and efficiently around East Frederick.
Safety and connectivity have been top of mind for us as we continue to advocate for safe pedestrian-bike paths in developments such as Renn Quarter and the Brickworks. We know you want to be able to walk and bike to Downtown via Carroll Creek, and we are working to make your voices heard! We are also tracking the progress of two major projects on the horizon, that will be soon moving through the site plan approval process, such as a potential new cricket stadium, and the massive, transformational development known as the Galleria. The Galleria site is approximately 1.71 acres and is located at 107 S East Street, on the corner of S East Street and East All Saints Street with frontage along the Carroll Creek Linear Park. The Applicant proposes to construct a 60,500 sq.ft., 7-story building for 235 multi-family units and a 13,500 sq.ft. of retail. As always, East Frederick Rising evaluates projects through the lens of planning principles set forth in the ESCSAP and advocates where appropriate for development that reflects the vision of this plan in a way that meets the needs of all stakeholders. We will keep you informed on ways you can make your voice heard. Thank you for your support!
This issue is also full of events, business spotlights, and many reasons why East Frederick is your choice to live, work, and play. Thanks for caring, and we’ll see you on the East Side!
Sincerely,
Heather Goddard
Board President, East Frederick Rising
Community Spotlight: Residents Rally for a Walkable East Frederick
On Monday, April 14th, East Frederick residents showed up—and spoke out.
The City of Frederick Planning Commission was scheduled to review final site plans for Lots 4 and 6 of the Brickworks development. But in a surprising turn, developer Greenberg Gibbons pulled their site plans at the 11th hour, requesting a continuance to incorporate public feedback. The plans are now expected to be resubmitted for review at the Commission’s May 12th meeting.
This action came after more than 30 residents submitted written testimony, urging the Commission to reconsider the current car-centric designs in favor of something that better reflects the vision for a walkable, people-first East Frederick.
What’s at Stake?
Located at the critical intersection of Monocacy Boulevard and East Street, Lots 4 and 6 serve as a major gateway into historic Downtown Frederick. While growth and revitalization are important, the current proposals fall short of community expectations for thoughtful, pedestrian-oriented development.
Lot 4 proposes a 76,000+ sq. ft shopping center including:
- A Whole Foods grocery store
- Three multi-tenant retail buildings
- A restaurant pad site with a drive-through
Though the developer has removed one drive-through previously proposed for the site, they’ve stated they intend to submit a new application for another once a tenant is secured. This layout prioritizes car access and parking over pedestrian safety and connectivity—despite repeated calls from both the public and the Planning Commission to create a more urban, walkable experience that complements Downtown.
Lot 6, a proposed 340-unit apartment building on a 4.5-acre site, presents similar concerns. The long, uninterrupted building mass limits pedestrian access to nearby retail areas, forcing residents to detour via Monocacy Boulevard or Brickworks Street. This design undermines the potential for a connected, livable neighborhood by defaulting to car travel—even for short distances.
A Missed Opportunity—or a Turning Point?
Rather than reinforcing suburban-style development patterns, residents have called on the developer to consider a more human-scale design—one that breaks up building mass, incorporates public access points, and prioritizes walkability over vehicle throughput.
The community’s voice clearly made an impact. Greenberg Gibbons’ decision to pause and revise their plans shows that public input matters—and that our neighborhood can influence the future of East Frederick.
This moment represents a critical opportunity to ensure that the project truly feels like an extension of Downtown Frederick—not a disconnected, car-centric development. A more walkable, vibrant neighborhood is within reach if the momentum built by the community continues. East Frederick Rising is committed to voicing the community’s concerns and working collaboratively with the developer to improve the design. The city only has one chance to get this right, and decisions made now will shape East Frederick for generations to come.
What’s Next?
The revised site plans are expected to return to the Planning Commission on May 12th. Let’s keep the momentum going! Continue sharing your thoughts and show up at the May Planning Commission meeting to ensure your voice is heard.
You can read the current staff report for Lot 4 and 6: https://cityoffrederick.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=12&event_id=4186
Upcoming Events and Public Meetings
2025 Maryland Craft Beer Festival
- Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick
- Price: Tickets are still available! Get yours at https://www.mdcraftbeerfestival.com/
Description: The Brewers Association of Maryland returns to Carroll Creek for the annual Maryland Craft Beer Festival, presented by Visit Frederick! Festival entry includes unlimited beer samples from dozens of Maryland breweries (including a few not open to the public) featuring more than 200 unique beers — all brewed in Maryland. Enjoy live music, local food trucks, and a variety of craft vendors throughout the day. East Frederick Rising will be there! Stop by our table to learn more about our work and upcoming projects.
Battle of the Bands – Benefiting the Boys and Girls Club
- Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Great Frederick Fairgrounds
- Price: $10 at the door
Description: Join the Boys and Girls Club for a day of live music, food, beer from Rockwell Brewery, games, and more — all to support Frederick County youth! 100% of proceeds benefit local youth programs.
Brickworks Planning Commission Meeting
- Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Location: City Hall, Frederick | Planning Commission Meeting
Description: The Applicant, Greenberg Gibbons, is expected to resubmit final site plans for Lots 4 & 6, and the application will now be reviewed at the May 12 Planning Commission meeting (previously scheduled for April 14). This project is a major development proposal for East Frederick. East Frederick Rising encourages all community members to attend and stay engaged in the review process.
Unrivaled Gym Expansion & Supplement Center Grand Opening
- Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: 605 E Church St, Frederick, MD 21701
- Price: FREE
Description: Celebrate the grand opening of Unrivaled’s Supplement Store! Join us for food trucks, a live DJ, local vendors, and special guests from the Chamber of Commerce and local government. Stop by and see what makes Unrivaled a new cornerstone of fitness in East Frederick!
Frederick Pride 2025
- Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick
- Price: Tickets are available at https://www.mdcraftbeerfestival.com/
Description: Enjoy drag performances, a full lineup of musical guests, a curated food truck court, a kids’ area, local vendors, a beverage garden featuring top breweries and wineries, and more. East Frederick Rising will be tabling at Pride! Come find us and say hello!
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, visit: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=14
To view public meeting agendas, staff reports and additional meeting materials, visit: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/901/Public-Meetings
Community News and Updates
Frederick Gateway
A bold new proposal—Frederick Gateway—is generating buzz across Frederick as plans take shape for what could become a regional anchor for sports, cultural programming, and community gathering. The centerpiece of the project is a proposed international-standard cricket stadium, designed to accommodate 7,000 to 10,000 spectators with additional lawn seating and capacity for up to 25,000 during major events. If approved, it would be the first stadium of its kind in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and only the third in the United States.
The applicant is proposing to rezone 24.33 acres of the 48.66-acre parcel—previously annexed into the City—from General Commercial (GC) to the Institutional (IST) floating zone. This zoning change is necessary to allow for the establishment of the stadium and associated facilities on the site.
The stadium would operate primarily from April through October, hosting cricket instruction, league practices, youth and professional matches, and even international competitions under the banners of Major League Cricket and USA Cricket. With the rise of cricket’s popularity in the U.S., Frederick could soon become a nationally recognized destination for the sport.
Outside of cricket season, the site is envisioned as a vibrant, year-round cultural and community venue. Proposed uses include music performances, multicultural festivals, artisan markets, and civic celebrations like graduation ceremonies. Additionally, local sports leagues—including soccer and lacrosse clubs—may have access to field rentals during the fall, helping meet the growing demand for youth sports space in the region.
As part of the plan, the applicant is also proposing to dedicate parkland to the City and improve it with a linear trail, a boat launch onto the Monocacy River, and to provide access to these improvements from a public street. Thus, development of the IST Parcel of the property will allow the City to establish a much-desired linear park and improvements along the Monocacy River.
The potential benefits of the Frederick Gateway project extend beyond entertainment and recreation. With the capacity to attract thousands of visitors from across the region—and internationally—it could generate significant economic activity for local businesses, increase demand for hospitality services, and help catalyze other investments on the east side.
As the project moves through the city’s review and approval process, East Frederick Rising will continue to monitor updates and advocate for community input to ensure the development aligns with our shared values of accessibility, equity, and inclusive, sustainable growth.
You can learn more about this project here: https://cityoffrederick.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=20&clip_id=6155
Renn Quarter Delays and Proposed LMC Text Amendment
The developer of Renn Quarter has applied for a text amendment to the City’s Land Management Code (LMC) — the zoning ordinance — seeking to alter the required timeline for delivering mixed-use development. Currently, the code mandates that 25% of the required nonresidential development be constructed incrementally as residential units are built. The proposed amendment would allow the developer to propose their own schedule for completing the commercial portion of the site.
The property was rezoned in 2015 from Light Industrial (M1) to Mixed-Use (MU-2), with a master plan approved at the same time. Since then, residential phases of the project have consistently moved forward — from plan approvals to building permits — but the nonresidential components have yet to begin, as noted in the applicant’s submission dated February 23, 2025.
East Frederick Rising has heard from many community members expressing growing concern over the delay in delivering key public amenities associated with Renn Quarter — particularly the 73-acre parkland and the Shared-Use Path (SUP), which were conditions of the original rezoning.
The SUP is intended to provide a vital east-west connection along Bond Street, extending past Husky Park to Highland Street, and eventually linking East Patrick Street through Sites J & K — a registered Brownfield formerly used as a quarry and landfill. These sites also border Overlook East, a new affordable housing development on East Patrick Street slated for completion later this year.
East Frederick Rising is especially concerned that, without timely delivery of these amenities and the commercial components, Renn Quarter — envisioned as a balanced mixed-use community — is becoming an isolated, residential-only enclave. The lack of retail, services, and park infrastructure limits walkability, convenience, and livability for current residents.
While the developer has cited challenges in attracting commercial tenants, several points must be kept in mind:
- Reduced Mixed-Use Requirements: The City already granted a major concession by lowering the nonresidential requirement from 15% to just 6% under MU-2 zoning — significantly reducing the developer’s obligation to deliver nonresidential uses.
- Alternative Development Strategy: Rather than waiting for a large national tenant, the developer could pursue a more flexible, community-oriented approach by constructing mixed-use buildings — with ground-floor retail and residential or office units above — consistent with the original vision for the site.
- Zoning Responsibility: When the property was rezoned from Industrial to Mixed-Use, the developer accepted known risks such as proximity to the Frederick Municipal Airport and slow commercial growth nearby. These factors do not excuse the obligation to meet the zoning requirements.
Ultimately, the developer remains responsible for delivering the (already reduced) nonresidential components of Renn Quarter to fulfill the intent of the MU-2 district. The existing schedule in the Land Management Code ensures that development occurs in a way that serves the community and maintains the integrity of the City’s vision for East Frederick. Modifying the code to accommodate developer convenience would undermine that vision and compromise future planning efforts citywide.
To learn more, visit here: https://cityoffrederick.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=20&clip_id=6155 (agenda item #7)
Major Stormwater Project Underway on East Street and Monocacy Village Park
Project name: Motter Avenue Area Stormwater Improvements
Construction began in January 2025 on a large-scale stormwater improvement project to address chronic flooding in the area between East Street, Motter Avenue, and Market Street—roughly from 7th Street to 14th Street. This project covers a 400-acre drainage basin that ultimately flows into Monocacy Village Park. Led by Triangle Constructing L.L.C., the work includes installing a new 60-inch drainage pipe to improve water flow alongside an existing 72/78-inch pipe near the YMCA.
Phase 1 (now underway):
- Runs from Mews Alley to the Monocacy Village Park outfall.
- Includes design, permitting, easement acquisition, and construction.
Phase 2 (in progress – 60% design):
- Focuses on stream restoration within Monocacy Village Park, improving water quality and habitat downstream.
- Construction is planned for 2026.
Questions? Contact: engineeringreview@cityoffrederickmd.gov
Business Spotlight: The Cook’s Kitchen and Healthy Homestead Personal Chef
This season, we’re proud to highlight two growing businesses making an impact in East Frederick: The Cook’s Kitchen, a shared-use commercial kitchen space, and one of its thriving tenants, Healthy Homestead Personal Chef.
The Cook’s Kitchen was started by Mike Winder, who recognized a rising need for affordable commercial kitchen space for small food businesses. His first venture, The Cutting Board, quickly filled up, prompting the expansion to a second facility, now known as The Cook’s Kitchen. Located on opposite ends of a shared gravel parking lot, both spaces cater to caterers, bakers, charcuterie artists, food trucks, and farmers market vendors — offering a cost-effective place for small entrepreneurs to launch and grow.
Mike shares, “We’ve seen several clients move on to open their own brick-and-mortar shops. That’s a pretty cool thing to see!” Staying rooted in East Frederick made sense for Mike, who already owned other businesses nearby and appreciated the character of the area, including local favorites like Everedy Square and Shab Row.
One of the many small businesses working out of The Cook’s Kitchen is Healthy Homestead Personal Chef, founded by chef Jason Stum. Jason brings more than 25 years of professional culinary experience to his business, which focuses on whole-food-based meal prep made entirely from scratch. After recovering from serious injuries through nutrition and lifestyle changes, Jason was inspired to launch Healthy Homestead Personal Chef to help others fuel their lives with high-quality, nourishing meals.
“The Cook’s Kitchen has allowed me to steadily grow my business,” Jason explains. “Starting a food business is expensive and risky — but having access to a shared kitchen space lets entrepreneurs build a client base without the overhead of a full restaurant.”
Both Mike and Jason share a strong commitment to East Frederick’s future. Jason envisions a community with more public spaces to host open-air markets where local farms and producers can sell fresh goods as well as support local artisans.
Looking ahead, Jason hopes to expand into his own facility offering fresh-made meal prep, soups, and salads to the public — bringing even more wholesome, handcrafted options to Frederick residents.
Fun Facts:
Healthy Homestead Personal Chef was created with a purpose that goes beyond profit — Jason founded the business out of a genuine desire to help people improve their daily nutrition. His focus is on providing wholesome, from-scratch meals that can support busy, modern lifestyles.
Jason’s extensive background includes fine dining, multiple business ownerships, and working in the mental health and eating disorder recovery fields. This unique experience gives him a well-rounded approach to food and nutrition, and a fearless spirit when it comes to launching and supporting small businesses within the culinary landscape. He also remains a strong supporter of fellow start-ups and the growing food community in East Frederick.
Favorite East Frederick Hidden Gems:
Mike loves the historic charm of Everedy Square and Shab Row, while Jason’s list includes Frederick Coffee Company, Food Pro, Gilbert’s Restaurant Supply, and other beloved East Frederick businesses. There’s too many to name!
Save the Date: East Frederick Business Card Exchange – July 10!
East Frederick Rising is excited to announce that we’ll be hosting an East Frederick Business Card Exchange on July 10 — and we want YOU to be part of it!
This will be a great opportunity for all East Frederick businesses to come together, meet your neighbors, build connections, and learn more about how East Frederick Rising is working to support and advocate for businesses like yours. Whether you’re a longtime business owner or new to the community, this event is a chance to grow your network and have a little fun, too.
Sponsorship opportunities are available!
We invite you to consider sponsoring this event to showcase your business and support East Frederick’s growing community. Sponsors will be recognized leading up to and during the event. Interested? Reach out to us to learn more!
Mark your calendars now and stay tuned — we’ll be sharing more details soon about the time, location, and how to RSVP. We can’t wait to see East Frederick’s vibrant business community come together and continue to strengthen the connections that make our part of the city thrive!
Questions in the meantime? Feel free to reach out to us at info@eastfrederickrising.com
Contact 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. Be on the lookout for our next Summer Edition Newsletter on August 1, 2025.
See you on the east side!
East Frederick Rising