During the last year of the pandemic, Frederick has reimagined the use of many public areas to support the recovery and vitality of businesses and residents' quality of life. As the City continues its recovery and looks towards its continued growth, The City of Frederick and Downtown Frederick Partnership are excited to announce the debut of a Downtown Frederick public streetscape study.
This study aims to create thoughtful design solutions, set priorities, and determine a framework for future streetscape improvements for the many users (pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, etc.) and uses (shopping, dining, events, city services, etc.) of the downtown streets. Downtown Frederick Partnership and The City of Frederick have hired Design Collective and RK&K to study the streetscapes of Market Street (between South & 7th St) and Patrick Street (between Bentz & East St). For both streets, the streetscape includes a 60-foot zone from building face to building face.
Over the next several months, this team will actively analyze downtown engagement data, hold focus groups, conduct a community-wide survey, and compile recommendations for consideration. The City and the Partnership encourage all residents, businesses, property owners, neighborhood and community organizations, and other stakeholders to contribute during this process.
Ways to Participate:
- Complete survey – available online and via paper in English and Spanish (hard copies available at City Hall - 100 N Court St). The survey will remain open until May 12, 2021.
- Attend public workshops – the first workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 6:30PM. ASL interpretation will be available during the workshop. Register at bit.ly/publicworkshop1
A presentation of the findings to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen is slated for July 2021.
The current streetscape was successfully implemented in the early 1990s when the city undergrounded utilities. However, streetscape deficiencies have become apparent during recent years as downtown has experienced a strong revitalization and as the current facilities have aged. Limitations in the existing streetscape have been further magnified as a result of recent COVID-related needs and overall trends toward complete streets supporting multi-modal transportation, accessible pedestrian routes, social distancing, outdoor dining, and friendly parking.
For more information regarding this study, visit downtownfrederick.org/streetscapestudy.