Winter has arrived in East Frederick, bringing with it both a winter storm and steady progress across the community. As the East Side continues to grow, conversations around planning, development, and public spaces remain front and center—shaping how our neighborhoods function today and into the future. Let’s take a look at what’s unfolding across the East Side!
In This Issue:
- Letter from the President: Heather Goddard
- Community Spotlight: Frederick Municipal Airport Master Plan Update and Visit Frederick 2026-2031 Strategic Plan
- Upcoming Events & Public Meetings
- Community News & Updates: Highland Trail & Data Center Development in the City of Frederick
- Business Spotlight: House of Colour | East Frederick
- Contact Us
Letter From the President by Heather Goddard
Dear East Frederick Community,
Welcome to the Winter 2026 edition of your East Frederick Rising Newsletter.
It’s February, and is that love, or an arctic chill in the air? East Frederick continues to dig out from under the biggest winter storm we’ve seen in a decade, followed by a week of ice-cold temperatures. But our community is resilient, making time to support our neighbors, friends, and parents who are getting through those endless snow days. Around town, small businesses are helping us beat the chill with a season full of good food, football, fire, ice, and winter celebrations found only in Frederick.
In our Winter newsletter, we are sharing highlights from two major planning efforts: a master plan that will guide the future of the Frederick Municipal Airport for the next 20 years, and the first 5-year strategic plan for sustainable tourism by Visit Frederick.
Inside this issue, you’ll also find updates on private developments moving forward through the pipeline of our permitting process. This newsletter features updates to the first phase of the Highland Trail development, and explains our advocacy efforts for a more robust public engagement process for planning East Frederick parks. Our open spaces are where connection and community happens. Parks that are designed with community input are places that are well-used, active community hubs that have something for everyone to enjoy, providing spaces for play, relaxation, and gatherings.
It was announced that the City Council Member for District 4, Scott Lasher, has resigned due to health concerns. We extend our sincere wishes for Council Member Lasher’s recovery. The City Charter states that in the event of a council member’s resignation less than 12 months after taking office, the individual who received the next highest number of votes for a City Council seat in the general election will be certified by the Board of Supervisors as City Council member. We look forward to working with our new City Council Member. East Frederick Rising will soon be assigned a City Council member to join our Board of Directors. We are also excited to work with the new council through the budget season, advocating for resources that will support the continued residential growth of the area.
We also have a special interview with new business owner, Erin Staiger of House of Color. Check it out on your next visit to Shab Row!
This issue is also full of East Frederick events that will chase away the winter chill. Thanks for caring, and we’ll meet you on the East Side!
Warmly,
Heather Goddard
Board President, East Frederick Rising
Community Spotlight: Planning for Frederick’s Future
Frederick is looking ahead with exciting planning initiatives that will shape the community for years to come. Two key efforts currently underway are the Frederick Municipal Airport Master Plan Update and Visit Frederick’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
Airport Master Plan Update
The Frederick Municipal Airport is currently updating its Airport Master Plan, a long-range planning effort that will guide how the airport grows, operates, and serves the region over the next 20 years. The planning process evaluates existing facilities, forecasts future aviation needs, and identifies potential improvements—always with a focus on safety, efficiency, environmental responsibility, and compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods, businesses, and local planning efforts.
Community input is a key part of the process. Residents and businesses will have opportunities to learn more and share feedback through public, open house–style meetings that will be announced at a later date. These meetings will allow community members to review proposed initiatives, ask questions, and help shape the future of this vital regional transportation hub.
East Frederick Rising is directly engaged in this process. EFR’s Heather Goddard will serve on the Airport Master Plan Advisory Committee, helping ensure East Frederick and other local voices are represented throughout the planning effort.
EFR will continue to share updates and information about upcoming public meetings as they are scheduled. Community participation is essential to ensuring the Airport Master Plan reflects shared priorities and supports Frederick’s long-term growth and livability.
Visit Frederick 2026–2031 Strategic Plan
Meanwhile, our partners at Visit Frederick have released their 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, a forward-looking roadmap for strengthening tourism in Frederick County while protecting the qualities that make our community special. Developed with the guidance of Coraggio Group and informed by extensive input from residents, stakeholders, and visitors, the plan emphasizes sustainable destination marketing, enhanced visitor experiences, and responsible tourism growth. It seeks to balance economic growth with community pride, stewardship, and quality of life, ensuring that Frederick remains a vibrant and welcoming destination.
To share more about the Strategic Plan and gather community feedback, Visit Frederick is hosting a public information session:
- Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Location: Frederick Visitor Center
- Registration: Register here
We encourage community members to attend, learn more, and engage in shaping a sustainable and vibrant future for Frederick County tourism. Both of these initiatives—the Airport Master Plan and Visit Frederick’s Strategic Plan—highlight the importance of community involvement, thoughtful growth, and long-term planning. By staying informed and participating, residents have the opportunity to influence decisions that will benefit Frederick for decades to come.
Upcoming Events and Public Meetings
Sustainability Happy Hour
- Date: February 5, 2026
- Location: Sandbox Brewhouse (880 N. East St. Frederick, MD 21701)
- Time: Happy Hour (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM), Social Hour (5:00 PM)
- Admission: FREE for all attendees with advanced registration (Eventbrite Link)
Hosted by Mobilize Frederick in partnership with the Frederick County Division of Energy & the Environment, this Sustainability Happy Hour will focus on Frederick’s Climate & Energy Action Plan and local sustainability initiatives. The evening’s theme, “Planting for the Future,” highlights native landscaping and tree-planting resources, while offering a casual space to connect with local changemakers.
Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown, Frederick
- Date(s): Friday, February 6 & Saturday February 7
- Location: Downtown, Frederick and Shab Row & Everedy Square
- Time: Friday (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) & Saturday (11:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
- Website: https://downtownfrederick.org/fireinice/
Downtown Frederick transforms into a winter wonderland for the annual Fire & Ice Festival, featuring dazzling fire performances, stunning ice sculptures, and all-day activities for the whole community. Kick off the festival with thrilling fire performances and the opening of the Polar Lounge, setting the stage for a weekend of winter fun. Plus, on Saturday, you can enjoy:
- 100+ ice sculptures throughout downtown
- Live ice carving at 4 PM
- Ice Putt-Putt and additional Ice Games
- Fire tower at the Polar Lounge
- Free shuttle service with parking at three locations
Plus, you can explore shops, dining and winter activities all day long! You can visit the Downtown Frederick Partnership’s website for a schedule of events and additional details: https://downtownfrederick.org/fireinice/
Frederick Wedding Show
- Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
- Location: Downtown, Frederick (Five walkable locations)
- Time: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Admission: FREE
- Website: http://FrederickWeddings.com
Frederick Weddings is the premier resource for weddings in and around Frederick County, Maryland. Frederick Weddings Expo gets local wedding professionals in front of potential couples who are looking for them to help make their BIG DAY unforgettable. Stop by and see what all the action is about!
Key City Thrift Expo
- Date: Saturday March 7, 2026
- Location: Frederick Fairgrounds
- Time: 12:00 – 5:00 PM | Early Bird 11:00 AM
- Admission: Advanced Ticket Purchase Required (Eventbrite_Link)
Key City Thrift is bringing the Key City Thrift Expo back to Frederick for a one-day shopping event packed with style, deals, and community. Featuring 70+ vendors and a strict “Nothing Over $50” rule, this ticketed expo is all about affordable finds, vintage treasures, and budget-friendly thrifting. In addition to shopping, attendees can enjoy local food and beverage vendors, including beer, coffee, sweet treats, and savory bites—making it easy to turn your thrift haul into a full day out. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just hunting for a good deal, the Key City Thrift Expo offers a fun, high-energy way to support local vendors and score great finds.
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
What’s Happening at Highland Trail?
A development application was recently reviewed and approved for 100 townhomes within the Highland Trail Mixed-Use Development by the Planning Commission on January 12, 2026. This proposal covers approximately 6.5 acres of the larger 26.5-acre master-planned site, which was approved in 2021 and ultimately allows for up to 550 residential units (including 450 multifamily units). As part of the overall Highland Trail Master Plan, the developer is required to provide 3.98 acres of afforestation, with approximately 1.07 acres proposed within this phase of development.
The site is zoned Mixed-Use, located within the Airport Overlay (AO), and is bordered by Monocacy Boulevard to the east, Monroe Avenue to the west, and Harding Alley to the south. The approved Master Plan divides the larger site into three areas: a Neighborhood Center with mixed residential and non-residential uses, a Neighborhood General area for townhomes and multifamily housing, and designated Open Space/Parkland.
Community Concerns
Residents of Monroe Avenue and Highland Street raised concerns related to traffic, noise, safety, and parking, particularly during large events such as the Frederick Fair. Additional concerns voiced during public testimony included loss of green space, sinkhole activity, and limited parking for residents and visitors.
EFR Position
East Frederick Rising supports the project’s connectivity improvements, particularly the extension of Highland Street and the addition of shared-use paths. Completing the street network and improving multimodal connections is critical as new housing is added, helping to distribute traffic more evenly while creating safer and more convenient walking and biking options.
EFR has also raised concerns about the lack of usable open space within this phase of development. The 2021 Master Plan and associated renderings (shown below) depicted multiple park spaces and pocket parks intended to serve future residents. In the current proposal, overall residential density has increased, while the amount of functional green space has been reduced to accommodate additional buildings on the site. Although the site plan includes several stormwater management facilities (aka stormwater ponds) that are counted as “green space,” it does not provide any publicly accessible parkland. The only proposed open space is a 0.29-acre HOA tot lot, which primarily serves very young children and does not meet the recreational needs of older residents, families, or the broader community. In addition, the townhomes do not include private yards, meaning residents will need to travel outside the development to access outdoor recreation opportunities.
Although Husky Park and Grove Park are located within 0.2 to 0.5 miles of the site, Husky Park is currently underutilized and functions largely as a Department of Public Works storage area. With approximately 1,200 future residents expected within the Highland Trail development, EFR remains concerned about access to high-quality, functional outdoor spaces. If fees-in-lieu of parkland dedication are approved, EFR urges the City to reinvest those funds into nearby parks that can meaningfully serve East Frederick residents.
EFR would also like to see more proactive and thoughtful design solutions that align with green streets principles, including biodiverse street trees and visually appealing stormwater retention and filtration areas, rather than fenced-off ponds that limit both access and ecological value.
Lastly, EFR expressed concerns regarding requested modifications to City street standards, including reducing travel lane widths from 11 feet to 10 feet and the applicant’s decision not to provide 6-foot-wide sidewalks. While narrower lanes are often cited as traffic calming, EFR is concerned that these changes primarily accommodate additional density while making streets less comfortable for larger vehicles and less accessible for pedestrians.
Next Steps
As East Frederick continues to grow, projects like Highland Trail will play a major role in shaping daily quality of life—how people move, where families gather, and whether new development strengthens the surrounding neighborhood or functions as a private enclave. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as the additional lots head to Planning Commission for review.
Residents can view submitted materials and learn more by visiting the Planning Commission’s January 12 meeting agenda: https://cityoffrederick.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=12&event_id=5772
Understanding Data Center Regulations in the City of Frederick
On January 15, 2026, the Frederick City Council held a public meeting to announce the submission of an application to amend sections of the City’s Land Management Code (LMC) to establish regulations for Critical Digital Infrastructure, commonly referred to as data centers. Currently, the City’s zoning code does not explicitly define data centers or clearly regulate their development within Frederick’s light and heavy industrial zoning districts. As a result, the City has limited ability to evaluate, condition, or modify proposals for this type of use.
According to reporting by The Frederick News-Post, the application was submitted on December 11, 2025, by national land development firm Trammell Crow, represented by local land use attorney Bruce Dean. The request is a zoning text amendment to the LMC, which would add definitions and development standards for data centers and related electrical substations, as well as specify where these uses may be permitted within the City.
Unlike a development application, a zoning text amendment does not approve a specific project. Instead, it establishes or modifies the regulations that would apply to any future proposals.
As proposed, the amendment would allow data centers within the City’s light and heavy industrial zoning districts (M-1 and M-2) and limit eligibility to parcels of 75 acres or larger, a provision intended to reduce potential impacts on nearby properties. Two sites near the Monocacy River, totaling approximately 231 acres, have been identified in connection with the request. One of these sites is a 125-acre property at 8908 Gas House Pike, which has been described as a relatively “small data center campus” compared to similar facilities in the region.
The application will now proceed through the City’s standard review process. City staff from multiple departments and agencies will conduct administrative and technical reviews before the proposal is forwarded to the Planning Commission.
Opportunities for public input include:
- A Planning Commission public workshop, followed by a formal public hearing
- A recommendation from the Planning Commission to the City Council
- A City Council public hearing, after which the Council may adopt, modify, or deny the proposed ordinance
East Frederick Rising’s Perspective
East Frederick Rising supports thoughtful economic development and recognizes the role that technology-based industries can play in the regional economy. At the same time, EFR has expressed concerns about the zoning text amendment as currently drafted.
In particular, the proposed standards would allow large, infrastructure-intensive facilities—up to 90 feet in height and covering up to 90 percent of qualifying parcels. Data centers operate continuously and rely on substantial mechanical equipment, backup power generation, and utility infrastructure, which may have long-term implications related to noise, heat, water use, stormwater management, and electrical grid capacity.
EFR has encouraged City decision-makers to consider whether additional, use-specific standards such as limits on impervious surface coverage, buffering requirements, etc. are appropriate before making permanent changes to the Land Management Code. EFR has asked that the review process allow sufficient time to address these considerations and ensure compatibility with surrounding communities and long-term planning goals.
Business Spotlight: House of Colour Brings Confidence and Creativity to East Frederick
116 E East Street | Shab Row & Everedy Square
Nestled in the heart of Shab Row, at 116 N. East Street, House of Colour East Frederick is bringing a vibrant touch to downtown Frederick. Owned and operated by Erin Staiger, this newly opened location offers a unique service: personalized color analysis designed to help clients discover their natural beauty and boost their confidence.
Although House of Colour was founded in England in 1980 and began franchising in the United States in 2010, Erin’s East Frederick location opened its doors on October 1, 2025. After completing her training in September, Erin combined her lifelong passions for color, creativity, and empowerment to create a business that celebrates individuality and confidence. “This work lights me up every single day,” Erin says.
Erin’s inspiration for opening House of Colour stems from her personal journey and professional experiences. A former architecture and interior design student, Erin has always been drawn to color and design. Following a period of personal reflection after her father passed away, she decided to invest in herself and experience a color analysis for her own growth. “Discovering my colors and learning I’m an Autumn was transformative,” Erin recalls. “I felt confident, beautiful, and excited — like I had rediscovered myself. That feeling was so powerful that I knew I wanted to help others experience it too.”
House of Colour is one of only two locations in Maryland, offering a rare and specialized experience for clients. Each session is fully personalized, combining a precise color analysis with tailored guidance on style and wardrobe choices. “Clients don’t just walk away with information — they leave with clarity, confidence, and a customized roadmap for looking and feeling their best,” Erin explains. The moment a client sees themselves in their most flattering colors is Erin’s favorite part of the job: “Their smile grows, their whole face lights up, and they radiate this incredible mix of happiness and confidence. That energy fills me up too.”
The East Frederick location was chosen for its visibility, historic charm, and welcoming atmosphere. Erin immediately fell in love with the space — formerly Bella’s Closet — citing its natural light and cozy vibe as perfect for making clients feel comfortable.
House of Colour also contributes to the local community in meaningful ways. By helping individuals reconnect with their self-worth and confidence, Erin believes her work ripples outward: “When people feel confident, they bring that energy into their workplaces, their families, and the community as a whole. My goal is to continue uplifting East Frederick one client at a time, creating a more vibrant, empowered, and connected community.”
Looking to the future, Erin plans to expand her services, adding style analysis, wardrobe edits, and personal shopping to create a more comprehensive experience for her clients. She also envisions continued growth and revitalization for East Frederick, including more mixed-use spaces, public art, and community activity, and she is excited to see how both her business and the neighborhood will evolve.
For those curious about what sets House of Colour apart, Erin notes, “Our consultants undergo some of the most rigorous and specialized training in the industry, and our precision-dyed draping process done in natural light is considered the gold standard for delivering the most accurate color analysis available.”
Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, explore your personal style, or simply see yourself in a new light, House of Colour East Frederick offers a colorful, confidence-boosting experience right in the heart of Shab Row.
Photos by EFR’s very own: Sharon Pieczenik
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 Spring Edition Newsletter on May 1, 2026.
As always, we’ll see you on the East Side!
East Frederick Rising