A public library for Frederick’s west end is planned for that site,
Councilwoman Donna Kuzemchak
Frederick, Md (KM) In a unanimous vote last week, the Frederick City Council approved an agreement turning over Hillcrest Park to the County to build a public library.
Before the vote was taken, Councilwoman Donna Kuzemchak raised a concern about when work will begin on the construction of the library. “Ground must be broken within a year; and if that doesn’t happen, the property reverts back,” she said. “That was the whole purpose was that they were in a big, big hurry, and therefore needed this piece of land that the city never went through any process to decide was unneeded.”
A memorandum of understanding was signed by Mayor Michael O’Connor and County Executive Jessica Fitzwater in July, 2023, to transfer the 4.15-acre plot to the County for a public library for Frederick’s west end. Hillcrest Park is located along McCain Drive prior to Butterfly Lane.
Council President Katie Nash also brought up the concern about when ground will be broken for this library, and construction can begin. “I think there should be some language that adds some sort of way that we can–if the county changes their mind in this fiscal climate–and I’m saying that they are and I’m not suggesting that’s happening—but I do think there should be some ability for us that seems logical to me,” she said,
Victoria Veneble, the County’s Director of Government Relations, said the county is ready to move forward with this project. “I would be completely shocked if we were in a position that the six-year time line would even come into play,” Veneble said,. “We have done every single thing we can possibly do prior to getting the land in advance of tonight to prepare for this project.”
She also said funding for constructing the library is in the county’s capital improvements plan, and the county has applied for some state funding for this project. “We are ready to go on this project,”: she said.
Prior to taking a vote on the agreement, the City Council made a change to the agreement where the County would need to break ground on the library project within three years instead of the original six years, or the property reverts back to the city.
Councilman Ben MacShane said he supports the agreement, and is confident the library will be constructed. “I’m comfortable with that language. I’m comfortable with that sort-of claw back provision. That’s all that I needed. I also do not have real concerns that this isn’t going to happen,”: he said.
Another change made to the agreement removes the requirement that the city relocate the youth softball field at Hillcrest Park to the Westside Regional Park.
By Kevin McManus