Don't Settle, Mount Airy

A 55+ age restricted development with 488 units sounds familiar, but it isn't the Beck Property/Mount Airy Crossing development.

It's a New Market Development called Cromwell. An article was published in the Frederick News Post yesterday (10/14), following approval of the preliminary development plan by the County Planning Commission on Wednesday (10/11). Frederick County is growing rapidly, so developments are nothing new. The point of this post is not to discuss the merits of the Cromwell development--that ship has sailed. However, in light of the proposed Beck Property/Mount Airy Crossing development, its statistics caught our eye.

• Cromwell has 70 more acres of property and 4 fewer units and there is no commercial space.

• The entirety of Cromwell is age-restricted, 55+.

• Cromwell is providing 48% of the property as open space.

• Cromwell is providing 500 more parking spaces for its residents. Meanwhile Pleasants is seeking a waiver of the parking requirements for Mount Airy Crossing.

What does this quick comparison show us? It shows that we can and should expect developments that are harmonious with our town. Mount Airy residents deserve adequate open space and parking. Pleasants, you can do better.

	Cromwell	Beck/Mount Airy Crossing
Total Acres	161	91
Total Proposed Units	488	492
Commercial Space	0	134,300 SF
Open Space Percentage	48%	28%
Active Open Space / Open Space	3.8 / 77.7 acres	2.5? / 25.5 acres
Residential Parking Spaces	1,547	1,044
Amenities	Clubhouse, 1.5 acre trail	Walking and bicycle trails
Land donated for public use	4 acres	3 acres

It's not too late to get involved in the development process and let your elected officials know how you feel about Beck/Mount Airy Crossing and other developments! Email your council members or show up to public meetings and comment. Your voice will be heard! See our "Support Us" page for more information.