Spring has arrived in East Frederick, bringing renewed energy, exciting growth, and meaningful community progress. Our neighborhood continues to evolve with new development, local business openings, and ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure East Frederick remains a connected, vibrant, and livable community for all. Let’s take a look at what’s happening across the East Side!
In This Issue:
- Letter from the President: Heather Goddard
- East Frederick Announcements:
- East Frederick Rising Silent Auction Fundraiser
- East Frederick Rising Awards Overlook East with Facade Improvement Program Grant
- Wavelength Grand Opening
- Upcoming anniversaries, grand openings and grant recipients
- NEW! East Frederick Rising Business Directory
- Development News and Updates:
- Cricket Stadium Development
- Canterbury Station
- EFR CIP Letter
- Business Spotlight: Dairy Maid Dairy
- Community Engagement: Downtown Frederick Partnership Survey & Results
- Upcoming Events & Public Meetings
- Contact Us
Letter From the President by Heather Goddard
Welcome to the Spring 2026 edition of your East Frederick Rising Newsletter!
Spring is a time of growth and renewal, and that’s certainly true in Frederick. New businesses are popping up like flowers, and Fredericktonians are heading outside for spring festivities like this weekend’s Frederick Running Festival, and next weekend’s MD Craft Beer Festival. The warmth of the season is matched only by the warmth of community connections happening in parks and plazas as we party our way through wedding and graduation season.
The spring construction boom is in high gear as well, as impossible-to-miss as the bulldozers chugging up and down mounds of dirt throughout East Frederick. Notably:
- Next to the Bottling Plant apartments, construction is underway at 1724 N. Market Street, featuring 60 affordable housing units and 4,000 of non-residential space, (likely a daycare or remote work center.)
- Frederick Logistics Center (Monocacy Blvd. near the Rt 70 interchange), a 166,000 sq. ft. warehouse and 2,500 sq.ft. office, is currently under active construction.
- EastPark, at the corner of Schifferstadt and Church St., has broken ground, bringing the possibility of a grocery store site to the EastChurch/Renn Quarter area.
- Highland Logistics Center, (on Highland Street) which has 453,000 sq.ft. of warehouse space, is almost complete with a Spring 2026 delivery date.
- The Downtown Hotel and Conference Center is well underway, excavating an enormous hole for the underground parking garage.
Projects that have been working through the winter and are complete and almost-complete include:
- The Banyan (216 E. Patrick St., former FOE building) is complete and is open for business, featuring a speakeasy-style restaurant, a live music venue for 200+ guests, and Downtown Frederick’s largest Rooftop bar.
- The MD Deaf Community Center (720 N. East St.) is almost fully complete, with a Spring 2026 delivery date.
EFR is pleased to announce that we have been assigned a City Council Member liaison. Joe Adkins is the District 4 representative who succeeded Scott Lasher after Councilmember Lasher’s tragic death. Councilmember Adkins brings an impressive resume with 35 years of experience in the City of Frederick’s planning department, having served as Frederick’s Deputy Director of Planning for 15 years, until his retirement in 2023. As a Councilmember, he is currently also liaison to the Planning Commission. We are thrilled to have him join the Board of Directors as our City liaison and look forward to a rich partnership of learning, collaboration and advocacy for East Frederick.
Also, East Frederick Rising has submitted their first CIP Letter of Support! We analyzed the CIP plan and selected projects to support that would yield the highest impact on the East Frederick region for connectivity, liveability, and resilience. We urge our Mayor and City Council to fund these critical projects.
This newsletter features updates to new developments moving forward through the pipeline of our permitting process, with special sections for the Cricket Stadium Rezoning application and Canterbury Station Phase 2 (site of the former Oddfellows Hall/Banner School Building at 1730 N. Market St.). We were thrilled to learn that soon, a Retail Lot of Renn Quarter will be moving forward. More details coming soon!
In news of upcoming Capital Improvement Projects, a revision of the site plan of Renn Park will soon be submitted, showing a relocation of the parking lot, to be closer to the cemetery. Since the developer of East Park (St John’s properties) will be constructing the Renn Park parking lot as part of an agreement with the City (in exchange for allowing St. John’s to build EastPark’s stormwater pond within Renn Park), and since construction is underway for EastPark and they will need to build the stormwater pond soon, we hope and anticipate that the construction of the Renn Park parking lot will happen soon as well. As neighbors will agree, any progress in developing Renn Park is good news!
We also have a special interview with Dairy Maid Dairy, an East Frederick supplier of delicious local dairy products for generations. They also generously provide the space for East Frederick Rising to hold our monthly board meetings, and are kind supporters of our work. We are so grateful that they are part of our community.
This issue is also full of East Frederick events sure to inspire you to think spring, such as the return of Doors on Fire, a Doors tribute band that will once again rock an airport hanger at Frederick Municipal Airport. Hope to see you there. Thanks for caring, and we’ll meet you on the East Side!
Warmly,
Heather Goddard
Board President, East Frederick Rising
East Frederick Announcements
East Frederick Rising Silent Auction Fundraiser
Join East Frederick Rising for our Silent Auction & Happy Hour Fundraiser on June 11 from 5-7 PM at Attaboy Beer for an evening where guests will enjoy a curated silent auction featuring unique goods, services, and experiences generously donated by local businesses. The evening will also include a brief “State of East Frederick” presentation, offering a look ahead at key priorities and exciting opportunities for collaboration in 2026. The auction will close at 6:30 PM and you must be present to win. The auction is free to attend but registration is encouraged!
For more information and registration details, visit: Silent Auction & Happy Hour Fundraiser – East Frederick Rising Tickets, Thursday, June 11 • 5 PM – 7 PM | Eventbrite
Overlook East & Schley House – Preserving History through Investment
East Frederick Rising (EFR) is proud to highlight the transformation at Overlook East, a $25 million mixed-income housing development led by Conifer Realty, LLC, in partnership with Interfaith Housing Alliance. This project represents a significant investment in East Frederick, bringing 103 new apartment homes to a 2.68-acre site while preserving the historic Schley House, listed on the Maryland Historical Trust’s Inventory of Historic Properties, as a central community clubhouse. (learn all about this amazing property here F-3-206.pdf ) Conifer’s commitment to this project reflects both confidence in East Frederick and a long-term vision for sustainable, community-focused growth.
The path to completion required resilience and a strong public-private partnership. The development team navigated the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, complex layered financing, and a devastating fire in December 2023. Overlook East was made possible through a combination of federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), financing from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) including tax-exempt bonds and Rental Housing Works support, as well as critical contributions from Frederick County and the City of Frederick through soft funding, PILOT support, and the City’s Facade Improvement Grant. Despite these challenges, the project was successfully delivered as a high-quality, energy-efficient community serving households at 60% of Area Median Income and accepting Housing Choice Vouchers.
Today, Overlook East stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful development and strategic investment can shape the future of a community. The restoration of the Schley House—now a beautifully repurposed clubhouse bridges Frederick’s history with modern residential living, while the broader development supports housing accessibility, economic growth, and walkable, transit-oriented design. EFR is grateful for partners like Conifer Realty and the many public stakeholders whose collaboration and commitment continue to move East Frederick forward.
To learn more about EFR’s Facade Improvement Program, please visit: Facade Improvement Application – East Frederick Rising
New Business Feature: WAVELENGTH Wear
East Frederick is excited to welcome Wavelength, a new business bringing fresh energy and creativity to the community. Wavelength was founded by Matt and Jeovany Quintanilla, local entrepreneurs who brought their vision to life right here in Frederick.
Owned and operated by passionate local entrepreneurs, Wavelength is built on a vision of:
- Creating a welcoming and engaging space
- Fostering connection and creativity
- Contributing to the growing identity of Frederick
East Frederick Rising was ecstatic to attend Wavelength’s grand opening and celebrate this exciting addition to the community. As part of the celebration, we were proud to present WaveLength with a Grand Opening Certificate, recognizing their investment in East Frederick and their contribution to the neighborhood’s continued growth. WaveLength represents the type of business that is helping define the next chapter of East Frederick:
- Creative and culturally relevant
- Community-centered and locally invested
- Contributing to the vibrancy of Shab Row and the East Street corridor
As East Frederick continues to grow, businesses like Wavelength play a key role in shaping a neighborhood that is not only economically strong, but also expressive, inclusive, and connected. Wavelength is quickly becoming a place where community and innovation meet. Be sure to check them out over in Shab Row and support local!
Upcoming Grand Openings, Anniversaries & Grant Recipients
EnNet – 30th Anniversary
EnNet Services, a Frederick-based technology solutions provider, is celebrating an impressive milestone—30 years of service and innovation. Founded in 1996, the company has grown into a trusted partner delivering IT solutions to public sector clients across the nation. Their longevity reflects a strong commitment to reliability, adaptability, and supporting mission-critical operations. EFR congratulates EnNet on three decades of success and their continued impact within the Frederick business community.
The Farmers Cooperative Association is celebrating 103 years of service to Frederick’s agricultural community
Frederick’s agricultural community continues to be a cornerstone of the region’s identity, and local farmer cooperatives have supported that legacy for over 100 years, with many dating back to the early 1900s. These cooperatives have long provided farmers with shared resources, market access, and economic stability across generations. Anniversary celebrations not only mark years of operation, but also recognize the deep-rooted history and continued importance of agriculture in Frederick’s growth. EFR celebrates the enduring contributions of the farming community and their role in shaping the region’s past, present, and future.
Are you a new business in East Frederick or planning to open soon? East Frederick Rising is proud to celebrate and support local businesses through our Grand Opening Certificate program. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help highlight your business and welcome you to the community.
NEW! East Frederick Business Directory – Check it out!
Are you an East Frederick business and don’t see your company listed? Reach out to us at info@eastfrederickrising.com
Development News and Project Updates in East Frederick
Cricket Stadium Development – Community Concerns & City Response
For this development, the Applicant is proposing to rezone 24.33 of 48.66 of a piece of land that was originally annexed and zoned General Commercial (GC) in 2009, to the Institutional (IST) floating zone, in order to establish a Cricket stadium. A second and concurrent application is proposing to reduce the parkland dedication established in the original annexation agreement from 16 to 6 acres. Recently, the applicant has suggested that the exact acreage be undefined, claiming that since the stadium grounds resemble a park-like setting, it should not be necessary to delineate where the stadium property ends and the public parkland dedication begins.
During the Planning Commission meetings, many residents expressed concerns related to traffic, road capacity, noise, and environmental impacts. At the City Council Workshop on March 26, many community members spoke in favor of the cultural asset of having a stadium built to international standards, capable of hosting Major League Cricket and USA Cricket national team matches and training events, the only stadium of its kind in the Baltimore and DC metropolitan areas, and only the third such stadium in the nation. The president of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, the Director of the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, the Executive Director of Visit Frederick, and many cricket enthusiasts spoke in favor of the project.
The Applicant described changes since most recent meeting:
✔️ Maximum capacity of the stadium has been reduced from 25,000 to 10,000
✔️ The hotel and retail component that was initially contemplated for future phases in the sketch plan has been eliminated from consideration
✔️ ️ Details on the transportation and event plans were explained
✔️ A FEMA report concluded that filling in 16 acres of floodplain on the site would not impact properties located downstream of the development
✔️ Applicants also described the addition of historical markers to relay information to park visitors about the Jug Bridge ruins and the historic Toll House, both of which can be seen from the future park. Educational signage will describe the Battle of Jug Bridge and the Monocacy National Battlefield, in addition to providing recreational opportunities on the parkland with the construction of a boat launch and walking trail network, which will be open year-round to the public. You can see the full presentation here: https://cityoffrederick.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=47&clip_id=6345&meta_id=197777
At the March 26th meeting, no decisions were made, and further meetings for discussion will be scheduled.
EFR requests that as conditions of approval of the IST zone and modification to the original annexation agreement:
- That the City Council establish a defined public park dedication, of at least 6 acres
- That the City Council requires that the applicant commit to providing a 10-ft-wide paved path network through the park for accessibility.
While the stadium continues to present opportunities for economic growth, recreation, and regional visibility, EFR will continue to advocate for thoughtful implementation that prioritizes preservation of the Monocacy Battlefield National Historic Landmark (NHL) area, provides year-round recreation that is fully accessible, and that the development minimizes disruptions to adjacent neighbors through landscape buffers, and comprehensive traffic and event management plans during the cricket season.
Canterbury Station Apartments (Former Banner School Site) – A Community Advocacy Success
One of the most impactful recent developments in East Frederick is the proposed Canterbury Station Phase 2 project at the former Banner School site. The developer initially requested a waiver for the required 2.34 acres of parkland dedication, raising concerns from EFR and residents about the loss of green space and limited pedestrian connectivity. Following strong community engagement at the April 14, 2026 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, the developer agreed to withdraw the waiver request. The Commission instead recommended dedicating a 2.34-acre parcel adjacent to the Canterbury Dog Park. While portions of the land are within a floodplain and wooded, preserving it as parkland provides meaningful benefit to both the development and the broader community—far more than a waiver would have.
A second major concern is pedestrian access to Thomas Johnson Middle School. At the April 20 Planning Commission workshop, EFR raised concerns about the existing fence along the Canterbury property, which limits safe, direct access for students who currently must take longer routes along East Street, North Market Street, or Schifferstadt Blvd. These routes can be significantly longer and less safe for the many students who walk or bike to school. Improving connectivity has long been a goal outlined in the East Street Corridor Small Area Plan, and safe, direct, and accessible pathways are critical—especially in areas without school bus service.
🔗 Planning Workshop: https://cityoffrederick.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=48&clip_id=6370&meta_id=198877
The fence is located on school property and is owned by Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS), but the developer has expressed willingness to collaborate with FCPS and the City to explore a pedestrian connection. EFR continues to advocate for a safe, paved pathway that can be used year-round by students of all abilities. Community members are encouraged to support this effort by contacting Veronica Hill at FCPS (veronica.hill@fcps.org) to request improved access. Ongoing collaboration between the City, FCPS, and developers will be essential to ensuring safety and connectivity for students and families.
For more information, view the meeting materials:
🔗 Parks & Recreation Commission (April 14): https://cityoffrederick.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6179
🔗 Planning Commission Workshop (April 20): https://cityoffrederick.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=12&event_id=5805
Looking Ahead
These recent projects demonstrate the importance of proactive engagement and collaboration. As East Frederick continues to grow, EFR remains committed to advocating for:
- Preservation of green space and community amenities
- Safe and accessible pedestrian connections
- Balanced development that supports both residents and infrastructure
Community input continues to be a driving force in shaping East Frederick’s future, and these recent successes are a testament to what can be achieved when residents stay informed and involved.
East Frederick CIP Recommendations Letter
Each year, the City of Frederick invites community organizations to provide input on its Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which guides future investments in infrastructure, parks, transportation, and public spaces. This year, East Frederick Rising (EFR) submitted recommendations focused on improving multimodal connectivity, pedestrian safety, park access, and smart growth throughout East Frederick. Key priorities include expanding shared-use paths, enhancing East Street safety, supporting major projects like the Bond Street extension and Renn Park, and advocating for increased investment in public amenities and infrastructure. These recommendations reflect EFR’s ongoing commitment to ensuring East Frederick grows as a connected, accessible, and vibrant community.
You can read East Frederick Rising’s full letter to the City and Mayor, here: View EFR CIP Letter
Business Spotlight: Dairy Maid Dairy – A Frederick Legacy Built Over Generations
Dairy Maid’s story begins long before its current name. The facility traces its origins back to 1894, when it operated as the Excelsior Sanitary Dairy, making it one of the oldest dairies in Maryland.
In 1946, returning World War II veteran Joseph Vona purchased the dairy after spotting a small classified advertisement, despite having no prior experience in the dairy industry . Through determination and vision, the Vona family expanded the business, eventually growing it to occupy an entire city block and establishing it as a cornerstone of Frederick’s local economy.
The company officially adopted the name Dairy Maid Dairy in 1965, solidifying its brand identity in the region. For decades, it remained a family-owned operation, led by multiple generations of the Vona family and known for its quality products and strong community ties.
Transition to Cooperative Ownership
In 2013, Dairy Maid entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national farmer-owned cooperative.
What is a Co-Op and How Does It Work?
A cooperative (Co-Op) like DFA is owned by the farmers themselves, rather than outside investors. This means:
- Local dairy farmers are member-owners
- Farmers supply milk directly to facilities like Dairy Maid
- Profits are reinvested back into the farmers and operations
- Decisions prioritize sustainability, quality, and long-term viability
In simple terms, the Co-Op model ensures that the people producing the milk also benefit from its success, helping preserve family farms and maintain local agricultural economies.
Today, Dairy Maid continues to operate in Frederick under this cooperative structure, maintaining its legacy while expanding its reach.
Community Commitment & Giving Back
Dairy Maid Dairy has remained deeply connected to the Frederick community, not just as a business but as a partner.
Their community involvement includes:
- Donating dairy products to organizations like the Frederick Rescue Mission, The Great Frederick Fair and many more local missions.
- Supporting local agriculture by sustaining demand for regional dairy farms
- Investing in infrastructure, including facility improvements and environmental systems that benefit the broader community
Through these efforts, Dairy Maid continues to play a role in feeding families, supporting farmers, and strengthening Frederick’s local economy.
Looking Ahead: Dairy Maid’s Story Told Through Art
Dairy Maid Dairy is exploring the creation of a large-scale mural along its East 8th Street facility, designed to celebrate and tell the story of the business’s rich history in Frederick.
This mural would highlight:
- The dairy’s origins dating back to the late 1800s
- Its evolution through family ownership and cooperative transition
- The role it has played in supporting local farmers and feeding generations of residents
As both a historic institution and active industrial presence in East Frederick, this project represents an opportunity for Dairy Maid to visually share its legacy with the community, transforming a working facility into a meaningful storytelling landmark. The mural would not only enhance the East Street corridor, but also serve as a reminder of the deep agricultural roots that continue to shape Frederick today.
Thank you to General Manager Lloyd Lumpp and our very own EFR member, Kathy Rossen, for sharing the rich history and insights of Dairy Maid Dairy exclusively with East Frederick Rising.
Community Engagement: Downtown Frederick Partnership Carroll Creek Refresh Survey
The Downtown Frederick Partnership recently concluded its Carroll Creek Refresh community survey which closed on April 10, 2026. This initiative is focused on assessing current park conditions, identifying maintenance and repair priorities, and exploring design concepts for landscape enhancements and a future shade structure at the amphitheater. Community input is a key part of ensuring these improvements reflect how people use and experience Carroll Creek.
The Partnership received 1,400 responses, underscoring strong community interest in the future of this important public space. Insights from the survey will help shape how Downtown Frederick continues to evolve and connect with surrounding areas, including East Frederick.
The survey was designed to:
- Gather feedback on current conditions and visitor experiences along Carroll Creek Linear Park
- Identify opportunities to improve safety, placemaking, and amenities
- Help guide future investments in public spaces, economic development, and overall visitor experience
A community workshop to review survey results will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Municipal Annex.
Learn more: https://downtownfrederick.org/carrollcreekrefresh/
Upcoming Events & Public Meetings
City of Frederick Events
Spring and summer bring a full calendar of events and opportunities to connect, engage, and enjoy everything Frederick has to offer: (https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/263/Programs-and-Classes)
- First Saturdays (Monthly)
- April 4, 2026
- May 2, 2026
- June 6, 2026
- Learn more @ https://downtownfrederick.org/events/
- Alive @ Five – Begins May 7, 2026
→ Weekly Thursday evening concerts at Carroll Creek Amphitheater
→ Live music, local vendors, and community gathering space - Festivals & Community Gatherings
Learn more @: https://www.visitfrederick.org/events/ - Pride Festival: Friday, June 26 (Parade), Saturday, June 27 (Festival)
- Got an event you want featured? Email info@eastfrederickrising.com or tag us on Instagram or Facebook!
City of Frederick Parks and Recreation & City Pool Openings
Spring and summer bring a full calendar of events and opportunities to connect, engage, and enjoy everything Frederick has to offer: (https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/263/Programs-and-Classes)
- Opening Weekend: Memorial Day Weekend (Expected May 23–25, 2026)
- Season Runs: Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Locations:
- Edward P. Thomas Pool (Baker Park)
- William R. Diggs Pool
As the season progresses, pools will transition to full daily hours—offering a great way for families to cool off and connect throughout the summer. https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/260/Pools
City of Frederick Public Meetings:
Stay informed and involved—these meetings directly impact development, parks, and infrastructure in East Frederick:
Public Meetings and Workshops:
- May 11, 2026 ( Planning Commission)
- May 18, 2026 (Planning Commission Workshop)
- May 18, 2026 (Citywide Community Outreach Meeting)
City Council Meetings:
- April 16, 2026
- April 23, 2026
- May 7, 2026
- May 21, 2026
- June 4, 2026
- June 18, 2026
Residents are encouraged to attend, provide input, and stay engaged as decisions continue to shape the future of our community.
To view public meeting agendas, staff reports and additional meeting materials, visit:
https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=14
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, 2026.
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As always, we’ll see you on the East Side!
East Frederick Rising