2. Second Read of Ordinance G-26-7 to Rezone 24.33 +/- Acres on the East Side of the City, Being a Portion of the Gateway Property, from General Commercial to Institutional, to Establish a Special Events Center
Ryan Daiger, Spring Ridge, Frederick, MD. I'm writing in support of the proposed rezoning. As a Spring Ridge resident for over 30 years, I have seen significant changes over time and believe the proposed special events center is an excellent new use for the property. While I acknowledge special events may create periodic traffic impacts, those impacts must be viewed in the context of the property's existing zoning. Many uses currently permitted under the GC designation could also generate significant traffic, and often on a daily basis rather than during occasional events. Further, previous access improvements to I-70 (specifically Meadow Road interchange and Linganore Road improvements) provide reasonable alternative access points and travel routes for local residents on event nights. I'm also writing in support as the use is unique and will be another valuable tourism draw for the City of Frederick. It will not only bring additional tax revenue, it will bring out of town visitors who will further support local shops and restaurants in the area. Lastly, I am writing in support as the developer has demonstrated a good faith effort in responding to the concerns voiced at various public hearings and by public officials, as evidenced by their agreed upon conditions of rezoning. In particular, they have agreed to fund public improvements in the form of a riverside park, as well as agreed to a monetary contribution towards other unfunded or underfunded transportation projects. I believe the City of Frederick should continue to support economic development and the businesses that are seeking to locate here, and a vote in support of this rezoning will demonstrate your commitment to building a balanced economy where both businesses and residents thrive. For these reasons, I respectfully encourage the Mayor and Council to approve the proposed rezoning. I believe this project represents a thoughtful balance between economic development, community input, and responsible land use planning. Ryan Daiger
On behalf of the Tourism Council of Frederick County (DBA Visit Frederick), we are enthusiastic supporters of the proposed Cricket Park by the Washington Freedom.
We are so very impressed with the leadership of the Washington Freedom and their deep immersion into the fabric of our community. Most reassuring is their unwavering transparency in listening to our residents and their related concerns while simultaneously, and as a direct result, changing and augmenting their Cricket Park project to adapt to the wishes and desires of our community.
We cannot help but analogize this project to our other professional sports venue located here in The City of Frederick – Harry Grove Stadium, the home of our beloved Frederick Keys and America’s pastime. Many of the same concerns such as traffic, parking, noise, other event usage, etc. were also initial concerns with Harry Grove Stadium. At that time, and over the ensuing decades, the Keys have continuously worked with The City of Frederick and the greater Frederick community to develop an unparalleled, successful, and wholesome family experience and environment while creating lasting and priceless memories for our community, residents, and visitors.
The popular sport of cricket is considered by many around the globe to be the World’s pastime and is the second fastest growing sport in our nation. This groundbreaking project represents a remarkable opportunity for The City of Frederick to develop and partner with another unique community-anchored recreational sports endeavor and excellent community-minded stewards in the Washington Freedom. This undoubtably appears to be a transformation project that will benefit our community, residents, and visitors for years to come and that will produce those same lasting and priceless memories for all involved.
We commend you, our City of Frederick Council Members, for your comprehensive due diligence in leading this process of community engagement and approval for the betterment of Frederick and the future of our community. Your hard work, attention, and consideration is very much appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dave Ziedelis
Executive Director
Visit Frederick
Ryan Daiger, Spring Ridge, Frederick, MD. I'm writing in support of the proposed rezoning. As a Spring Ridge resident for over 30 years, I have seen significant changes over time and believe the proposed special events center is an excellent new use for the property. While I acknowledge special events may create periodic traffic impacts, those impacts must be viewed in the context of the property's existing zoning. Many uses currently permitted under the GC designation could also generate significant traffic, and often on a daily basis rather than during occasional events. Further, previous access improvements to I-70 (specifically Meadow Road interchange and Linganore Road improvements) provide reasonable alternative access points and travel routes for local residents on event nights. I'm also writing in support as the use is unique and will be another valuable tourism draw for the City of Frederick. It will not only bring additional tax revenue, it will bring out of town visitors who will further support local shops and restaurants in the area. Lastly, I am writing in support as the developer has demonstrated a good faith effort in responding to the concerns voiced at various public hearings and by public officials, as evidenced by their agreed upon conditions of rezoning. In particular, they have agreed to fund public improvements in the form of a riverside park, as well as agreed to a monetary contribution towards other unfunded or underfunded transportation projects. I believe the City of Frederick should continue to support economic development and the businesses that are seeking to locate here, and a vote in support of this rezoning will demonstrate your commitment to building a balanced economy where both businesses and residents thrive. For these reasons, I respectfully encourage the Mayor and Council to approve the proposed rezoning. I believe this project represents a thoughtful balance between economic development, community input, and responsible land use planning. Ryan Daiger
Greetings City of Frederick Council Members,
On behalf of the Tourism Council of Frederick County (DBA Visit Frederick), we are enthusiastic supporters of the proposed Cricket Park by the Washington Freedom.
We are so very impressed with the leadership of the Washington Freedom and their deep immersion into the fabric of our community. Most reassuring is their unwavering transparency in listening to our residents and their related concerns while simultaneously, and as a direct result, changing and augmenting their Cricket Park project to adapt to the wishes and desires of our community.
We cannot help but analogize this project to our other professional sports venue located here in The City of Frederick – Harry Grove Stadium, the home of our beloved Frederick Keys and America’s pastime. Many of the same concerns such as traffic, parking, noise, other event usage, etc. were also initial concerns with Harry Grove Stadium. At that time, and over the ensuing decades, the Keys have continuously worked with The City of Frederick and the greater Frederick community to develop an unparalleled, successful, and wholesome family experience and environment while creating lasting and priceless memories for our community, residents, and visitors.
The popular sport of cricket is considered by many around the globe to be the World’s pastime and is the second fastest growing sport in our nation. This groundbreaking project represents a remarkable opportunity for The City of Frederick to develop and partner with another unique community-anchored recreational sports endeavor and excellent community-minded stewards in the Washington Freedom. This undoubtably appears to be a transformation project that will benefit our community, residents, and visitors for years to come and that will produce those same lasting and priceless memories for all involved.
We commend you, our City of Frederick Council Members, for your comprehensive due diligence in leading this process of community engagement and approval for the betterment of Frederick and the future of our community. Your hard work, attention, and consideration is very much appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dave Ziedelis
Executive Director
Visit Frederick