The ANNEXATION OF Thatcher Property
The Thatcher property, owned by the Corporate Office Property Trust (COPT), is seeking annexation in response to an invitation by the Mayor of the City of Frederick, Jeff Holtzinger...
city annexations
The theory that annexations increase the net income of the city and provide economic benefits is largely myth. In fact, annexations outside the areas where there is existing infrastructure cost the taxpayer money up front—money to provide water and sewer service, schools, teachers, buses, policemen and firemen, roads and traffic management. Across America, we can see that growing a city by annexation sucks the life out of the center city and creates urban sprawl. On the other hand, mixed-use development, in-fill and revitalization within our current boundaries, such as the Golden Mile and the East Side, will pay dividends almost immediately. We increase our tax base with minimum outlay, provide jobs and create a walkable lifestyle.
The Historical Preservation Commission
I have talked with professionals, developers, homeowners and downtown businesses. They all have stories about the expense and difficulty encountered during the approval process. Additionally, the perception seems to be that some Commission decisions are arbitrary. While some complaints can be expected, the significant dissatisfaction with the current system makes it clear to me that it is time for a thorough review of both the guidelines and the process. We need to find a balance that maintains the integrity of the historic district and supports economic development.
Frederick news-post issue responses
John's responses to the Frederick News-Post questions posed to the aldermanic candidates, published weekly:
Originally published August 12, 2009: What is the most dire public safety issue you identify in the community and how will you address it?
“The most important job the government does is to protect its citizens. The Police Department is short eight sworn officers. We have the possibility that two additional officers will retire this year, and we have two civilian positions within the department that are not funded. Another area of concern that factors into the police shortages is the unoccupied commercial and residential buildings which become crime magnets and fire hazards and further burden the police and fire departments. The city needs to address its budget shortfall, but not on the backs of the police and fire departments.”
The candidates were invited by the combined NACs to respond, in writing, to five questions. Below are John's responses:
(1) What do you propose to do to keep businesses in Frederick, not only in Downtown Frederick but also along the Golden Mile and East Street Corridors? What is your vision for Frederick revitalization for the next four years?
Support Local Businesses
The best way to keep businesses in Frederick is to bring in more businesses, diverse businesses. For instance, if we redevelop Frederick Towne Mall utilizing the mixed-use concept, it will integrate retail, commercial and residential, creating opportunities for locally owned businesses that employ local people and contract with other local businesses for merchandise, accounting, advertising, technology and other support functions.
