7. Approval of an ordinance to amend the Code of the City of Frederick, Appendix A, Land Management Code, by amending the Official Zoning Maps to apply the Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO) zone to approximately 13.27 acres of a property identified as 1730 North Market Street, while maintaining the High Density Residential (R16) base zone
The Banner School is a 20 year tenant at 1730 N Market Street renting from the Grand Lodge of Maryland. We are part of the fabric and function of Frederick.
*We are nonprofit serving preschool - 8th grade and have on-campus program this school year. We love the buildings, viewshed and the campus as both as part of our own identity. There is no intention of changing the historic value.
*That said, we have the function and obligation of any school, specifically around security. If we cannot secure, we cannot protect the safety of our students. We want to stay in Frederick; we believe the City of Frederick and the Historic Planning Commission want us to stay as well. The approved use of the buildings is designated "school". The Historic Overlay, though, needs to give latitude to replace the doors and windows that cannot be properly secured. We must be able to provide shelter and safety in the event of threat. Last week we were in Lockdown due to an active shooter.
*Ultimately, we support the Overlay; it serves to protect architectural and social history. The site and the buildings enhance Historic Downtown Frederick for all; Banner wants to continue grow as a modern learning center on our beautiful site. Our ask is that the Overlay be slightly delayed so that we can attempt to secure funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and the Maryland Hate Crimes Grant, both of which have decision dates before July 31, 2021.
*Banner is not attempting to delay to subvert the Overlay to rush any development or change; we are not owners and cannot initiate construction or demolition. Banner is invested in the Colonial Revival detail of the brickwork, decorative windows, the roof, and the porches. We strongly support preserving the trees and viewshed from Market Street. We certainly hope to see any roadwork planned through this plot of land be rejected.
Summary:
1. The Overlay creates challenges for window & door replacements. We need an approval partnership that allows us to be secure.
2. We are writing grants to receive funding to upgrade our egress points. The grant deadlines are before July 31, 2021; we have a greater opportunity to receive funding without the Overlay.
3. We hope the Overlay is granted but delayed 3-4 months so that we may attempt to acquire funding.
*We are grateful for your consideration. Banner is on the verge of our 40th anniversary and hope to remain on our campus.
Michele Hassanyeh
President, Banner School Board of Trustees
The Banner School is a 20 year tenant at 1730 N Market Street renting from the Grand Lodge of Maryland. We are part of the fabric and function of Frederick.
*We are nonprofit serving preschool - 8th grade and have on-campus program this school year. We love the buildings, viewshed and the campus as both as part of our own identity. There is no intention of changing the historic value.
*That said, we have the function and obligation of any school, specifically around security. If we cannot secure, we cannot protect the safety of our students. We want to stay in Frederick; we believe the City of Frederick and the Historic Planning Commission want us to stay as well. The approved use of the buildings is designated "school". The Historic Overlay, though, needs to give latitude to replace the doors and windows that cannot be properly secured. We must be able to provide shelter and safety in the event of threat. Last week we were in Lockdown due to an active shooter.
*Ultimately, we support the Overlay; it serves to protect architectural and social history. The site and the buildings enhance Historic Downtown Frederick for all; Banner wants to continue grow as a modern learning center on our beautiful site. Our ask is that the Overlay be slightly delayed so that we can attempt to secure funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and the Maryland Hate Crimes Grant, both of which have decision dates before July 31, 2021.
*Banner is not attempting to delay to subvert the Overlay to rush any development or change; we are not owners and cannot initiate construction or demolition. Banner is invested in the Colonial Revival detail of the brickwork, decorative windows, the roof, and the porches. We strongly support preserving the trees and viewshed from Market Street. We certainly hope to see any roadwork planned through this plot of land be rejected.
Summary:
1. The Overlay creates challenges for window & door replacements. We need an approval partnership that allows us to be secure.
2. We are writing grants to receive funding to upgrade our egress points. The grant deadlines are before July 31, 2021; we have a greater opportunity to receive funding without the Overlay.
3. We hope the Overlay is granted but delayed 3-4 months so that we may attempt to acquire funding.
*We are grateful for your consideration. Banner is on the verge of our 40th anniversary and hope to remain on our campus.
Michele Hassanyeh
President, Banner School Board of Trustees