Frederick County is in the midst of an exciting planning phase aimed at improving the lives of its residents and boosting the local economy. At the heart of this effort are the Livable Frederick Master Plan and the Advisory Group, which brings perspectives from land planners, businesses, land owners, residents, and community leaders. 

 

VCRE.CO’s founder, Tony C, serves on the Livable Frederick Advisory Group and is deeply involved with and passionate about shaping Frederick’s future. We sat down with Tony C to hear his involvement with Livable Frederick and insights into the Advisory Group’s updates and the broader vision for growth in the community.

 

Joining the Group

VCRE.CO is no stranger to being involved on boards, community non-profits, and business organizations such as the Frederick Chamber of Commerce and the Frederick County Association of REALTORS® (FCAR). 

 

These memberships and relationships have led to great opportunities. Tony C’s involvement with the Livable Frederick Advisory group was no exception. Tony C , currently serving on the board of the Frederick County Building Industry Association (FCBIA) was recommended to join the Livable Frederick Advisory Group by FCBIA’s Executive Director, Dani Adams.

 

With Tony C adding the commercial business and real estate perspective, being involved in an advisory capacity allows Tony C to share expertise in how the county can grow strategically while maintaining its character. With deep roots in Frederick, Tony C is invested in the direction Frederick County takes, stating, “I joined because I care deeply about the economic future of Frederick and want to be a part of more balanced growth plans,”.

 

Recent Updates from the Livable Frederick Advisory Group

The LF Advisory Group is currently in the early stages of gathering data, with public outreach meetings scheduled to begin in September. These meetings are critical, as they offer the community a chance to weigh in on how Frederick County can evolve in the coming years. After six meetings, the group made significant recommendations, focusing on investing in workers and workplaces, a crucial component of the county’s future success.

Tony C explains, “One of the main goals is to expand the commercial and industrial tax base from 21% to 28%, which will relieve the heavy tax burden on residential properties.” This increase in commercial activity will create more local job opportunities, improving the overall quality of life for residents.

Goals of the Plan

The plan, developed in partnership with Frederick’s Office of Economic Development, aims to identify areas where Frederick County can increase land designated for economic opportunity uses. These targeted zones were carefully chosen based on logical extensions of growth, as well as potential partnerships with local developers. “We aim to improve our planning processes to ensure that development is leveraged in a way that maximizes benefits for the County,” Tony C. adds.

Factors critical to this success include housing availability, transportation access, and the expansion of infrastructure like roads, water, sewer, and electrical capacity. By improving these key areas, the county hopes to attract high-quality, market-driven jobs that will allow residents to live and work locally.

The Importance of Expanding the Non-Residential Tax Base

One of the critical objectives discussed is expanding the non-residential tax base. Tony C notes that achieving this goal will help alleviate the tax burden on residential properties and provide Frederick County with a more sustainable financial future. “This is essential for the long-term health of the county,” Tony C says. “It’s about making Frederick a place where citizens have more opportunities to live and work closer to their homes.”

It is equally important to prioritize targeted industry sectors for growth. The county has conducted studies to determine which industries would best suit Frederick’s needs, focusing on high-paying jobs that offer variety and stability. Tony C believes this initiative has the potential to significantly reduce traffic and commuting challenges, enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the area.

Critical Factors for Economic Success

The Advisory Group recognizes that Frederick County’s economic success depends on a delicate balance between growth and maintaining its character. The Livable Frederick Master plan’s strategic focus on expanding infrastructure is designed to ensure that as Frederick grows, it retains its sense of community. 

Tony C emphasizes that the selected growth areas are chosen based on geography and logical extensions of existing development, ensuring that the county’s charm and culture aren’t lost in the process.

Impact on the Community

The long-term impact of these initiatives will be felt by both current and future residents. By fostering economic development, the county can offer more personal and professional development opportunities to its citizens. However, Tony C warns, “It’s a mistake to use agricultural land preservation as a way to constrain future generations.” Balancing preservation with strategic growth is key to ensuring a vibrant and prosperous Frederick.

Looking Forward: What’s Next?

The Livable Frederick Advisory Group is now preparing for a series of public meetings, where they’ll present their findings and gather further input from the community. VCRE.CO encourages residents and business owners to attend these meetings, stressing that community involvement is crucial to the success of these initiatives.

Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:

  • Thursday, September 19 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday, September 25 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday, October 2 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Each session will be held at 585 Himes Avenue, Frederick, MD.

Tony C’s Personal Perspective

As a business leader and owner, Tony C remains optimistic yet concerned about the pace of progress. “These initiatives aren’t being given enough priority by the county,” he says. “We need to create a higher sense of urgency among our elected officials.” His advice to other business owners? Get involved and make your voices heard.

VCRE.CO and Tony C are excited to bring our commercial real estate, business, and landowner expertise to the conversation of shaping the future of Frederick County. 

Through this work with the Livable Frederick Advisory Group, VCRE.CO is helping to ensure that Frederick grows in a way that benefits everyone. As the planning process continues, the involvement of the community will be key. 

We encourage you to attend the upcoming meetings, follow the progress of the Livable Frederick Advisory Group, and stay engaged in this exciting process of growth and development.