Collaboration Between Professional and Citizen Planners Award.
Frederick, MD – The Livable Frederick Planning and Design Office, along with Frederick County staff and leadership, have been honored with multiple prestigious awards that highlight the County’s commitment to historic preservation and sustainable planning practices. The awards come from Preservation Maryland, the Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA), and the Maryland Planning Commissioners Association.
“The Livable Frederick staff has worked diligently to ensure our community protects its rich history while embracing forward-thinking solutions,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “These awards celebrate the achievements of the Livable Frederick Planning and Design Office, and recognize the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and sustainable practices as we plan for the future of Frederick County.”
The Livable Frederick Planning and Design Office was honored with three awards at the Maryland Chapter of APA and the Maryland Planning Commissioners Association’s 2024 Conference. The various awards presented at the conference celebrate the outstanding planning work of individuals and teams for projects in Maryland.
- The Zoning/Regulation/Process Reform Award was given to the Livable Frederick Planning and Design Office for the Historic Preservation Program’s efforts to update and expand the County’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. Major updates to the ordinance include the addition of archaeological review and cemetery protections and a process for reviewing proposed demolitions of non-locally designated historic structures.
- The Collaboration Between Professional and Citizen Planners Award was presented to Livable Frederick’s Historic Preservation Planner Amanda Whitmore and Citizen Planner Jim Jamieson for their partnership to locally designate over 1,100 acres of historic farmland, including 10 historic farms, in the Peace and Plenty Rural Historic District. Mr. Jamieson garnered support from his neighbors and wrote the successful proposal. Ms. Whitmore facilitated the process by bringing the proposal forward to the Historic Preservation Commission, various agricultural preservation boards, and to the County Council for adoption.
- The Sustainability and Transformation Award was bestowed for work on Livable Frederick’s “South Frederick Corridors Plan” by Design Planner John Dimitriou, RA, Planning Manager Denis Superczynski, AICP, Director Kimberly Gaines, the Frederick County Planning Commission, and community partners. Together, the group created a plan detailing the future redevelopment of an existing suburban industrial area into a mixed-use, walkable community while prioritizing fiscal responsibility, infrastructure efficiency, conservation of natural lands, and physical spaces that support health, community, and consumer preference.
In a separate awards ceremony, Phoenix Rising, held by Preservation Maryland, County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and County Council President Brad Young received the Preservation Champion Award for their joint leadership to amend the Frederick County Historic Preservation Ordinance, which was adopted on April 16, 2024. The Preservation Champion Award is presented annually to an elected official in Maryland that champions historic preservation and recognizes the importance of preserving Maryland heritage.
For more information about the awards received by Frederick County and the ongoing initiatives of the Livable Frederick Planning and Design Office, please visit FrederickCountyMD.gov/LivableFrederick .