A significant rezoning request took center stage at the Frederick County Planning Commission meeting on December 18, 2024, as officials discussed plans for residential development on two parcels totaling 91.7 acres in the Red Bud Magisterial District. The properties, currently zoned as RA rural areas, are located at 2737 and 2747 Sensody Road and are seeking to transition to the RP residential performance zoning district to facilitate new housing.

The proposed development is strategically positioned at the eastern boundary of Frederick County, bordered by Sensenia Road to the south and Opekin Creek to the east. The area is characterized by a mix of residential subdivisions and rural landscapes, with Route 37 bisecting the property. The comprehensive plan for the Cincinnati Eastern Frederick urban area designates the land for residential use, allowing for 6 to 12 dwelling units per acre, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining greenways and stream buffers around environmentally sensitive areas.

Transportation improvements are also a focal point of the proposal. The applicant has committed to enhancing site access, including plans for a future two-lane parkway that would connect to existing roadways and facilitate traffic flow. A traffic impact analysis indicated that the surrounding intersections would operate at acceptable service levels, even with the proposed development.

However, the plan does highlight a potential gap in infrastructure funding, as the completion of the necessary road connections may require additional state and federal transportation dollars. The Planning Commission's discussions underscored the importance of aligning development with comprehensive planning goals, ensuring that growth is sustainable and beneficial to the community.

As the rezoning request moves forward, it will be crucial for stakeholders to address these transportation needs and environmental considerations to ensure a balanced approach to development in Frederick County.