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, read 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 connected and thriving East Frederick. Let’s dive in!
In This Issue:
- Letter from the President: Heather Goddard
- Community Spotlight: East Frederick Business Card Exchange
- Upcoming Events & Public Meetings
- Community News & Updates
- Business Spotlight: Sandbox Brewhouse
- Community Round Up: City Elections & How Can You Support EFR
- Contact Us
Letter From the President by Heather Goddard
Dear East Frederick Community,
Welcome to the Summer 2025 edition of the East Frederick Rising Newsletter!
At East Frederick Rising, we continue to advocate for the seven planning principles outlined in the East Street Corridor Small Area Plan (ESCSAP): Walkable, Connected, Complete, Attractive, Sustainable, Vibrant, and Safe. Every project we support is filtered through this vision for a better East Frederick. There’s a lot happening in East Frederick—from the proposed cricket stadium to the Galleria, Brickworks, and beyond—and we’re excited to share updates on these important developments with you.
We’re excited to share that the new Asbury SeniorScapes Park is now open at Monocacy Village Park! This thoughtfully designed space supports older adults while welcoming neighbors of all ages. If you visit, SeniorScapes invites you to share feedback to help them continue improving the space. You can submit suggestions via the SeniorScapes Feedback Form and follow SeniorScapes, Inc. on Facebook for future updates and enhancements.
Looking ahead, East Frederick Rising is preparing to present a proposal to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Frederick. After a recent presentation at a City Council workshop, we’ve tentatively scheduled our full Council presentation later this month. This is an exciting step toward formalizing our partnership with the City and strengthening our ability to advocate for East Frederick.
As always, we evaluate new projects through the lens of the ESCSAP planning principles and speak up where appropriate to ensure future development reflects the vision and needs of all stakeholders. We’ll continue keeping you informed on ways to get involved and make your voice heard.
This issue is packed with local events, business spotlights, and updates that show why East Frederick is such a great place to live, work, and play. Thank you for being part of this community—we’ll see you on the East Side!
Sincerely,
Heather Goddard
Board President, East Frederick Rising
Community Spotlight: Highlights from Our First Business Card Exchange
This summer, East Frederick Rising proudly hosted our very first East Frederick Business Card Exchange—and what an incredible evening it was!
Held at Sandbox Brewhouse, the event brought together a vibrant mix of local business owners, city officials, entrepreneurs, and residents who share a passion for building a stronger East Frederick. The conversations were engaging, the energy was high, and the new connections made were truly invaluable.
We’re deeply grateful to Sandbox Brewhouse not only for hosting us in their welcoming and lively space but also for generously donating 15% of the evening’s sales to East Frederick Rising. Their support directly fuels our mission to advocate for smart growth, connectivity, and economic vibrancy in East Frederick.
And to everyone who came out, mingled, and purchased a beer—you made a meaningful contribution to our cause just by being there. Your support keeps East Frederick Rising moving forward.
What’s Next? The Business Showcase in October is Next!
We’re keeping the momentum going with our next big event: the East Frederick Business Showcase on Saturday, October 11 from 11 AM – 3PM at the AOPA National Aviation Community Center. It will be another chance to highlight the amazing businesses that call our side of town home and invite East Frederick residents and all community members for an afternoon of family-friendly fun. If your business is interested in tabling at our Business Showcase or becoming a sponsor, please reach out to us at info@eastfrederickrising.com.
Thank you again to everyone who made our first Business Card Exchange a success. We’re just getting started.
Upcoming Events and Public Meetings
The Great Frederick Fair
- Location: Frederick Fairgrounds (797 East Patrick St. Frederick, MD 21701)
- Date: September 12 – 20, 2025
- Admission: Ticket Information
Celebrate Frederick’s rich agricultural history with a week of live entertainment, local food, exhibitions, and classic carnival fun. This annual tradition brings together residents from across the county to enjoy everything from livestock showcases to thrill rides.
Frederick Oktoberfest
- Location: Frederick Fairgrounds (797 East Patrick St. Frederick, MD 21701)
- Date: September 26 & 27
- Time: Friday, the 26th: 6PM – 10 PM & Saturday, the 27th: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Admission: Ticket Information
Raise your steins! Frederick’s annual Oktoberfest celebrates our region’s German heritage with great food, traditional music, local brews, and family-friendly festivities—all while raising funds to support local charities.
Frederick Festival of Flight
- Location: Frederick Municipal Airport (797 East Patrick St. Frederick, MD 21701)
- Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
- Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Admission: Free and Open to the Public!
The Festival of Flight invites the community to explore Frederick’s local aviation scene. Enjoy aircraft displays, flight demonstrations, educational exhibits, and the chance to connect with the pilots, aviation organizations, and businesses that call Frederick Municipal Airport home. We’ll be tabling at the event—be sure to stop by 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
East Street Closure: What’s Happening & How You Can Help
If you’ve driven, biked, or walked along East Street recently, you’ve likely encountered detours and construction. We know it’s an inconvenience—and we want to extend our sympathies to the residents, businesses, commuters, and pedestrians who are impacted during this time. We appreciate your patience as the city undertakes a major infrastructure project designed to serve our community for the long term. So, what’s going on?
The City of Frederick is currently investing in essential stormwater infrastructure improvements to better manage runoff during heavy rains and reduce flooding risks. Repeated flooding incidents have been specifically noted within the approximately 400-acre drainage basin that includes Motter Avenue and Market Street generally between 7th Street and 14th Street. This multi-phase project was planned in response to the floods of 2015 and 2018, each of which caused damages of over $1M to the Downtown Frederick YMCA, and impacted other area businesses and residences. With this project, the City is investing $7,196,019 to construct a concrete pipe main to provide additional drainage capacity in the area south of and adjacent to the YMCA. Floodwaters will drain into the stream in Monocacy Village Park and is focused on:
- Preventing future flooding
- Protecting homes, businesses, and public infrastructure
- Supporting the long-term health of our natural waterways
Phase 1—now underway—includes installing upgraded underground stormwater systems from Mews Alley to Monocacy Village Park. A future Phase 2 will focus on restoring the stream itself, (here’s a trivia fact: the stream running through Monocacy Village Park is called Abraham Faw Run!), improving both water quality and environmental resilience.
The good news: Besides keeping us dry, the project is still on track to be completed by August 20th, and we’re hopeful it stays on schedule.
ALL local businesses along East Street are open and need our support! Whether it’s grabbing coffee, picking up takeout, or shopping at a small business, your continued patronage makes a difference. Let’s show up for the businesses that are weathering this temporary disruption with our support – 13th Street is a great way to cut across to access businesses close to the closed area of East Street
For questions or comments, email: engineeringreview@cityoffrederickmd.gov
Learn more: East Street Stormwater Infrastructure Page
Brickworks Lot 1 and the Push for Better Connectivity
At a recent Planning Commission workshop, where Brickworks Lot 1 was on the agenda, East Frederick Rising learned of City Planning Staff’s concerns about the project’s lack of connectivity and its potential impacts on East Frederick’s walkability, traffic flow, and long-term planning goals.
While the site plan for Lot 1 includes a public road connection to East South Street and South East Street, the internal street layout falls short of extending the city’s street grid system. As the staff report explains, “the public connectivity is not met in this design and does not provide for a grid system through the development to enhance pedestrian access through the development. Staff finds that this does not meet the intent of the approved master plan and has recommended that an additional public road connection be made to ultimately intersect across E South Street to Wisner Street”. We agree that a connection to Wisner street would not only create a new access point into the site, but would allow for better pedestrian connectivity to local businesses and Carroll Creek Linear Park.
Despite planning staff’s concerns, the developer is requesting a modification to reduce the required street connectivity ratio (from 1.8 to 1.33), a move that East Frederick Rising believes undermines smart growth goals. Without proper street connections—such as extending Wisner Street through the development—we risk:
- Increasing traffic congestion by not building enough street nodes to support the number of housing units to be built.
- Reducing walkability and livability in East Frederick
- Jeopardizing future Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) designation near the MARC train station, which could unlock funding and transit improvements
- Burdening an adjacent property (Griffith Energy Services) with the task of constructing the Wisner Street extension at a later date, when and if that property is redeveloped.
EFR continues to advocate for extending Wisner Street into Brickworks Lot 1 as a logical and achievable step toward building out the traditional street grid and reinforcing the connected, walkable character that defines downtown Frederick. We agree with planning staff that this road needs to be built now, within Brickworks lot 1.
As the July 21 meeting was only a workshop, no formal site plan approvals were granted, but this item should be decided at the August 11th Planning Commission meeting, and we will keep the community informed through our social media channels on how you can provide public comment for this plan.
Brickworks Lot 5: A Step Toward a More Connected East Frederick
The Planning Commission recently approved the final site plan for Lot 5, an 18.31-acre site slated for 231 townhomes in East Frederick.
As part of the project, the developer will contribute:
- $176K toward improvements at the E. Patrick St & Monocacy Blvd intersection
- $53K to help widen Monocacy Blvd between Storage Way & South St
- $7.6K for turn lane upgrades and access improvements along E. Patrick St
The City is also exploring a potential redesign of the South St & Hamilton Ave intersection to improve connections between Lot 5 and nearby neighborhoods. This is part of a broader stormwater and street design study currently seeking $300K in funding for its design phase.
While construction is not yet scheduled, the study will help determine what’s feasible—factoring in challenges like the rail line, steep slopes, and private driveways. These improvements support better pedestrian access, safer crossings, and stronger connections to the Fairgrounds and other nearby destinations.
Renn Quarter Text Amendment & Bond Street Extension Update
We continue to track the progress of the mixed-use vision of Renn Quarter – to include residential, commercial, parkland, and a connection to downtown Frederick. These elements are required as part of the agreement to rezone this property to MU (mixed use) in 2015. Ten years later, 75% of the residential homes are completed, yet the parkland, nonresidential area, and shared-use path to downtown has yet to be built.
The developer of Renn Quarter has submitted a proposed text amendment to the City’s Land Management Code (LMC), which governs zoning regulations. Currently, the LMC Section 417(d), Phasing, establishes regulations for how projects will be developed, such that Building permits for no more than 75% of the residential dwelling units may be issued until at least 25% of the non-residential floor area is constructed. The proposed amendment would instead allow the developer to establish their own timeline for delivering the commercial components of the project. They have made it clear that they intend to ask to set a schedule that allows them to finish building the rest of the residential units before building the commercial parts of the development.
At a July 23rd community meeting, representatives from Matan and DR Horton met with Renn Quarter residents to explain their rationale for the amendment. They cited limited interest from commercial tenants and expressed a desire to build multifamily apartments without ground-floor retail, which many residents strongly opposed. Several attendees voiced concern that the development no longer reflects the mixed-use vision shown in earlier renderings and marketing materials.
In response to ongoing feedback, the developer requested a continuance of the Planning Commission hearing originally scheduled for July 21st. The new hearing date is August 11th.
In related news, the Bond Street Extension is “for the construction of 1,600 linear feet of Bond Street from where it terminates in the Renn Quarter Mixed-Use development to Highland Street” a key road project to improve access from Renn Quarter to downtown Frederick —received funding in the City’s FY25 budget. However, before construction can begin, the City must relocate a City-owned public works storage site from adjacent Husky Park. This relocation process is expected to take 12–18 months, making that the earliest possible window for construction to begin. The grey gravel area in the map below shows the location of the DPW storage site that needs to be relocated before the adjacent Bond Street extension (shown as a red rectangle) can proceed.
East Frederick Rising strongly supports greater connectivity across East Frederick, including the construction of Bond Street, the extension of the Carroll Creek shared-use path, and improved walkability throughout the area. We also believe the developer should honor the original commitments made to Renn Quarter residents regarding mixed-use development.
We plan to be present at the August 11th Planning Commission meeting, and we urge residents to attend and voice their concerns about the future of their neighborhood.
Cricket Stadium Update
Since our Spring Newsletter, the proposed cricket stadium project has moved forward. The Planning Commission issued a positive recommendation to the City Council to approve rezoning 24 acres from General Commercial to an Institutional (ISD) overlay. This zoning change would allow a stadium with a capacity of 10,000—expandable to 25,000 for special events. While the Commission supports the project, residents have raised valid concerns, including traffic, parking, floodplain impacts, lighting, noise, and potential interference with airport operations.
City Council held workshops on July 24 and 31 to further discuss these issues. You can view meeting materials and updates here: Cricket Stadium Application Documents.
We’ll continue to share updates as the project progresses and keep you informed about opportunities to get involved.
Business Spotlight: Sandbox Brewhouse – Where Community, Creativity, and Craft Beer Collide
Just a few short months ago, a group of passionate, creative individuals brought a bold vision to life—and the result is Sandbox Brewhouse, East Frederick’s newest and most community-driven brewery. Officially opened in March 2025, this family-run business is led by Suni Watkins, Nate Ridgeway, Willow Watkins, Alina Lightchaser, Josh Phipps, and John Burroughs.
What began as a shared dream rooted in hospitality, creativity, and a love for craft brewing quickly became a tangible success thanks to sheer determination and overwhelming support from friends, family, and Frederick’s close-knit brewery community. After discovering that the original Rockwell Brewery space was available, the Sandbox team jumped at the opportunity. From concept to grand opening, Sandbox Brewhouse came to life in just five and a half months—an incredible achievement made possible with the guidance of Rockwell’s owners and a strong sense of purpose.
More Than Beer — A Vision for Connection
What sets Sandbox Brewhouse apart? Their mission is about much more than brewing great beer. At its core, Sandbox is a space built to nurture community, creativity, and inclusivity. From dog-friendly patios to family-friendly events, this East Frederick gem is committed to being a gathering place where people from all walks of life can feel welcome. Their taproom blends traditional beer styles with original, flavorful twists—and offers something for everyone, including non-alcoholic and alternative beverages.
But it doesn’t stop at the bar. Sandbox regularly hosts fundraisers, local artist showcases, club meetups, and educational happy hours, all designed to give back to the very community that’s embraced them.
Why East Frederick?
Originally drawn to the turnkey brewery opportunity, the Sandbox team quickly fell in love with East Frederick. “Now that we’ve settled in, there’s truly nowhere else we’d rather be,” they shared. From friendly neighbors in the Monocacy Crossing area to strong community partnerships—including East Frederick Rising—Sandbox is proud to call this vibrant corner of the city home. Its location strikes the perfect balance: close to downtown, but with plenty of parking and space to grow.
Big Dreams for East Frederick’s Future
Sandbox Brewhouse shares a vision that many in East Frederick can get behind: a walkable, art-filled, and connected neighborhood. They’re excited about possibilities like public murals, more live music in Monocacy Village Park, additional pedestrian infrastructure, and more shade and trees. And they’re not just dreaming—they’re ready to roll up their sleeves and help make it happen!
What’s Next for Sandbox?
The team is already working on exciting new additions to enhance the Sandbox experience:
- A revamped patio with cooling technology and turf
- A coffee and tea bar with open during morning hours
- A backyard dog park to welcome four-legged friends in style
To help bring these ideas to life, Sandbox will be launching a NuMarket campaign this October—so stay tuned!
Upcoming Events at Sandbox Brewhouse
There’s never a dull moment at The Sandbox. Here’s a taste of what’s coming up:
- Saturday, August 2: Acoustic soloist Jamie Kaye hits the stage at 7 PM
- Sunday, August 3: The Hot Fuzz Trio blends Gypsy jazz, swing, and classical from 2–6 PM
- Saturday, August 8: Sandstorm – a Brain Dead Live! DJ rave – starts at 8 PM
- Sunday, August 9: The Sunday “Tea” Party with DJ Zzingg & Co. (2–6 PM + pop-up vendors)
- Monday Night Trivia with Pour House Trivia – 6:30 PM sign-up
- Open Mic Nights hosted by F.A.M.E. – 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
- Songwriter’s Workshop – next session August 13
- Thursday Board Game Nights – learn and play with game host Michael Southers
Find all events and updates on their website and social media pages.
Did You Know?
The adorable cartoon dogs featured on Sandbox’s website and beer labels? They’re real! The crew has even named some brews after their pups—and you can snag dog sticker merch in the taproom.
East Frederick Favorites
When they’re not serving up beer and community vibes, the Sandbox crew loves supporting their East Frederick neighbors, including fellow brewers at Monocacy and Midnight Run, and grabbing a bite from Asian Cafe—a go-to spot for post-shift fried rice.
Want to visit Sandbox Brewhouse or learn more about their upcoming projects? Stop by their taproom, follow them online, and keep an eye out for their NuMarket launch this fall. This is one East Frederick business you’ll definitely want to keep tabs on!
Community Roundup
Election Season is Here — Stay Informed & Get Involved
The City of Frederick’s 2025 municipal elections are right around the corner! As our city continues to grow and evolve, so does the importance of strong, informed local leadership—and that starts with you.
Key Election Dates:
- Primary Election: September 9, 2025
- General Election: November 4, 2025
This election will usher in a new era of representation, with five Council Members elected by district and two at-large members serving citywide. In February, the City Council approved new district boundaries aimed at improving representation—so now is the time to double-check which district you’re in and get to know the candidates running to represent you.
Get to Know the Candidates:
A full list of those running for Mayor and City Council is available at:
🔗 2025 Candidate List
Make Sure You’re Ready to Vote:
Visit the City of Frederick’s official elections page to learn more about voter registration, mail-in voting, drop box locations, polling places, and more:
🔗 cityoffrederickmd.gov/elections
As a community-based organization, we encourage everyone in East Frederick to do your research, ask questions, and show up at the polls. Local elections shape the future of our neighborhoods—your voice matters more than ever.
Support the Future of East Frederick
East Frederick is growing—and East Frederick Rising is here to help guide that growth in a smart, inclusive, and sustainable way. From tracking city planning initiatives to amplifying your voice on key projects, we’re committed to keeping our community informed, engaged, and empowered. To continue this important work, we need your support.
Your donation helps cover the essential costs of running our organization—everything from printed outreach materials to event supplies—so we can stay active, visible, and effective in advocating for a more connected and livable East Frederick. If you believe in our mission, please consider making a contribution today.
Every dollar strengthens our ability to keep East Frederick rising. Thank you for being part of the movement!
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 Fall Edition Newsletter on November 1, 2025.
See you on the east side!
East Frederick Rising