Catherine Forrence
Reject the rezoning. If the applicant can't meet the LMC requirements, there is no need to entertain the request. What position will Frederick City be in when the stadium goes away and the City is left with a IST zoning on a parcel that is unable to meet LMC requirements? Please read the purpose of the IST zone!

Joachim "Vic" Winkler 6044 Linganore RD, Frederick MD 2171
The D.C. “Washington Freedom” plans a cricket sport venue for up to 25,000 (“marque events, per the applicant) spectators on the floodplain adjacent to the Monocacy River—with the only access in-or-out being Old National Pike/144. I do not believe there are 25,000 Frederick cricket fans who support this. (Note: Nymeo Field/Grove Stadium holds 5,500 and in stark contrast has adequate parking and access.)

This cricket venue will directly abut suburban/rural residents. We collectively —drivers, residents, and citizens— stand to lose if that happens. How?
— Increased traffic on 144, into and out of Frederick
— Noise and light pollution for the people who live here
— This is a historical site — with indigenous history, and later the Union
defense in “The Battle for Jug Bridge” in 1864

And let us not ignore the impact on the Monocacy River from fertilizer and pesticide runoff (a certainty for a playing field). This will affect the wildlife — including Bald Eagles which nest and hunt in this shrinking sliver of nature. As it stands, this is a floodplain which —local residents attest— periodically floods.

Part of this proposed site belongs to the City which is proposing to rezone this riverfront tract and provide it as part of a to-be-constructed privately-owned sports complex. (The larger parcel of land is currently the I70 Golf driving range and will be sold for the complex if the City approves the plan.)

The only group that WILL benefit from this stadium complex is the Washington Freedom and its ownership.

I am puzzled by the apparent commitment the City has here. There seems no reason to do so —other than potential tax revenue from DC area spectators.

Meanwhile, we will be forced to live with increased traffic, noise, and lights at night. And again, the clear consequences on nature.  This promises to be a choke point for traffic into and out of Frederick —and— a permanent loss of part of the history of Frederick.

There are better places in Frederick for a sports stadium, places where surrounding neighbors support a sports stadium of 25,000 spectators, where the impact on nature is not profound, and places which can support such a real traffic impact. We are not opposed to a sports complex, and would support one in a fitting location. I am OPPOSED to a plan that benefits few and brings unwanted harm to many more.

Reject the rezoning request. The Frederick community has not expressed a need for a 25,000 seat event complex. Benefits flow outward; impacts remain local. The subject property is located within and adjacent to the Monocacy floodplain, which functions as natural infrastructure—absorbing floodwaters, reducing downstream risk, and protecting water quality. This proposal would: Alter floodplain capacity, Increase impervious surface area, Concentrate large crowds in a flood prone corridor, Increase sediment and untreated runoff into the Monocacy. These outcomes conflict directly with Frederick’s Climate & Energy Action Plan, which emphasizes flood resilience, water protection, and climate smart land use. A park and boat launch do not offset permanent floodplain alteration. Frederick already has well established Monocacy River parks with superior access and amenities nearby.
Historic Landscape and National Battlefield Impacts: The property lies within the boundaries of the Monocacy National Battlefield, a National Historic Landmark designated in 1973. While archaeological work has been completed, preservation of a nationally significant battlefield extends beyond subsurface artifacts. The historic landscape, setting, and viewshed are integral to the meaning and integrity of the site. The proposed filling of floodplain, large scale lighting, amplified noise, and construction of the largest event facility in the county would permanently alter this historic river corridor. That represents a loss of irreplaceable historic character and sets a troubling precedent for incremental erosion of protected landscapes.The demolition of the historic Benvenue manor in 2012 already underscores the fragility of this area’s cultural resources. Continued intensification compounds that loss.
Community Impact and Lack of Demonstrated Need: The applicant has no substantive local connection beyond site acquisition and rezoning requests. The proposed stadium serves a regional audience, while local residents bear the burden of traffic congestion, noise, light pollution, environmental strain, and increased demand on City services.
Conclusion: This proposal fails on fundamental planning grounds: The use is incompatible with the location; Mitigation is used to justify unsuitability; Environmental and climate risks are understated; Historic landscape integrity is compromised; Long term public costs remain unresolved. For these and other reasons, reject the rezoning request,

Stopping the building, keep Frederick County green. This is a terrible location and idea, plus it destroys the field for the Battle of Monocacy forever. Vote NO!