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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.