This Week on Carroll Creek - May 11, 2015

Improvements are in full swing down at the Creek, with all sections at different levels of construction. Follow along with our blog to be 'in the know' on the status of Carroll Creek Park.


Looking West to the East Street bridge in the back ground.  The green reinforcing steel will be the new walls for the Mill Pond and Fountain.  The Mill Pond Fountain will be lit and the largest of the fountain/ponds.  The Contractor has planned the work so that this pond will be the final fountain pond to go into service. Water levels at this point will be at least to the top of the green rebar and will cover the flat concrete within the rebar walls.

Standing on the East Street Bridge looking to the East (the old Union Mills building is the left), you can see the full  layout of the Mill Pond as the bulging north and south walls of the creek gives an idea of the magnificence of this planned creek widening and fountain. 

 A rendering of the creek improvements and pedestrian access at the proposed Union Mills improvements.

With all the talk of fountains, we thought you might want to see the massive structures that make the fountains work.

The three structures pictured are the underground fountain pumping vaults.  There are four total being installed along Carroll Creek.  One has already been installed at the Galleria Fountain (See the picture below), near the Delaplaine and is nearly complete.  Of the three pictured above, one will be installed at the turning basin which is located to the south side of East Patrick Street. The remaining two pumping vaults will be buried on the north side and south side of the Mill Pond Fountain.  All work is scheduled to be completed between October and December of this year.

 Fountain at the Galleria (Delaplaine) with the pumping vault buried just beyond the fountain.

And amid all of the construction, we wanted you to know the ducks and new babies are doing well! 

About the Next Phase of Carroll Creek Park
This next phase of park improvements will include new and widened multi-use paths, landscape planters, lighting, water features and crosswalk improvements. The work will occur primarily between Bentz and S. Market Street and between the Delaplaine Arts Center and East Patrick Street. More than $100M in new and renovated private construction is planned along the new park/path sections which will eventually result in hundreds of new jobs and increased state and local tax revenue.

Inspiring Offices: LTD Creative

The location of LTD Creative used to be grocery store warehouse with wonderful hardwood floors.
Photo by Mary Kate McKenna Photography.

In The City of Frederick, business spaces go beyond basics. Here, unique offices allow businesses to cultivate creativity, express their company's culture, and create a work environment that inspires.  From industrial to classic, artsy to funky, historic to high tech, spaces abound to meet a variety of needs. 

Inspiring Offices is a feature that will highlight some of the creative and unique office spaces in Frederick.

Find Your Own Inspiring Office
If you are looking to open or expand a business in Frederick, we can help.  Contact us, and let us help you find your own inspiring office space so you can build your dream.  

In the meantime, we will be highlighting one funky, cool space a month and perhaps you can be inspired to do creative things to your own space. 

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek inside this month's inspiring office in Frederick - LTD Creative.

May 2015 Inspiring Office - LTD Creative

LTD Creative is a strategic web and graphic design firm.  Their knowledge base encompasses vast expertise in the association community, including work with education, medical, science, travel, and housing organizations. LTD Creative helps clients achieve their objectives with targeted materials which deliver powerful messages and inspire action.

We recently met with Louanne Welgoss, Principal & Business Relations, and Timothy Finnen, Principal & Creative Director in their cool studio space. They gave us a tour and answered a few questions about their great space and what inspires them. 

1. Why did you choose your current office location and how long has LTD Creative been located here? 
We have been here since 2006 and we chose this location because we want to work downtown where we can walk everywhere. We were previously in a smaller space on E. Church Street.
 

LTD Creative staff Timothy Finnen, Louanne Welgoss, Evan Wiegand, Lauren Noll, and the office dog, Maggie. Photo by DED.

2.  Was it “move in” ready or did you have to design/fit it out?
It was almost move in ready, we took down a wall and custom painted and added some touches to make it more personal, like custom doors and ceiling tiles.

3.  What inspirations did you use to decorate/design the space?
We love color and we let the staff pick the colors of their office cubes, as long as it matched the overall color palette!

Colorful cubes at LTD Creative. Staff is encouraged to pick their own colors from a master palette.
Photo by Mary Kate McKenna Photography.

4.  What are the most unique aspects about your office space?
It’s in an old grocery store warehouse and has wonderful hardwood floors.

5. What do your employees like best about the office space?  
Free parking, bright colors and the openness.

Bright colors and open atmosphere are two of the many attributes the employees love.
Photo by Mary Kate McKenna Photography.

If YOU know of any interesting office spaces, let us know and we will put them on our list to feature!

Tell us Where You Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Frederick

By Nick Masucci, Intern (Hood College)
 

As the first week of May and the beginning of summer approaches, many Frederick residents will be looking forward to celebrating the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo. 

The day is very important to Mexican culture and heritage as it commemorates the Mexican Battle of Puebla during the Mexican Reform Wars. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French army in the Battle of Puebla, which people during that time thought was unlikely. Today, Cinco de Mayo is seen as a holiday that both celebrates and commemorates Mexican heritage. 

One way to celebrate this holiday is to check out some of the city’s businesses that feature Mexican cuisine. 

Where's your favorite place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Frederick? Leave a comment on the blog or Facebook post. 

How to Participate in Bike to Work Day - May 15, 2015

Bike to Work day is an annual event, and this year it is celebrated on May 15, 2015. Join over 10,000 area commuters for a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun, and healthy way to get to work.

Frederick Pit Stop participants can also attend a Bike to Work Day Pre-Registration Party on Friday, May 8, 2015 from 5-8pm.  Bike to Work Day is celebrated on May 15 in Frederick at the Transit Center on 100 South East Street, rain or shine, from 6:30am-8:30am. 

During the Bike to Work Day event, join other commuters and local dignitaries for a fun-filled morning of giveaways (including the chance to win a free bike!), commuter information, food, drinks, prizes, vendors, and FREE donuts courtesy of local business Glory Doughnuts. 

To participate, just follow these 3 easy steps:

1. Register to attend Bike to Work Day in Frederick.
   
   Make sure to choose the Frederick Pit Stop when registering so you can get your free t-shirt. T-shirts are available for the first 14,000 registrants.
    
2. Attend the FREE Bike to Work Day Pre-Registration Party.
   
   The Pre-Registration Party is an opportunity to register in person for the event OR if you've already registered, pick up your free tee shirt and celebrate with other participants. The Pre-Registration Party is on Friday, May 8th from 5-8pm at The Bicycle Escape in Frederick (7820 Worman's Mill Rd., Frederick, MD 21701).
   
   At the party, pick up your free tee shirt, get a free bike safety check, visit neighboring businesses for great offers, and more.
    
3. Join the Ride and Attend Bike to Work Day Activities on May 15.
   
   Ceremonial Ride - 6:30am
   Join us for a ceremonial Bike to Work ride with many of your commuter friends leaving Hood College / Alumnae Hall at 6:30am. This ride is just under five miles and rides many of the City’s bike lanes and routes.
   
   Frederick Pit Stop Ceremonial 2015 Bike to Work Day Route & Pick Up Spots
   6:45am - Depart Alumnae Hall, Hood College*
   Exit onto Rosemont and head west
   Continue on Rosemont to Lee Place
   Turn right onto Lee Place and continue north to 7th Street
   Pick up Fort Detrick riders at 7th Street and Lee Place
   Turn right on 7th into the bike lanes and continue east to East Street
   Turn right on East Street and continue south to 2nd Street
   Turn right onto 2nd Street and continue to Court Street to City Hall arriving 7-7:05am
   7-7:05am - Pick up City Hall riders and exit to Church Street
   Continue east on Church Street to East Street
   Turn right on East Street and continue south to MARC Station on left
   7:15-7:20 am - Arrive MARC Station  *Departure time is set, all others are approximate
   
   Bike to Work Day Event - 6:30am - 8:30am*
   Frederick Transit Center
   100 South East Street
   Frederick, MD 21701
   Rain or shine, from 6:30am-8:30am
   Enjoy a fun-filled morning of giveaways (including the chance to win a free bike!), commuter information, food, drinks, and prizes.
   *Opening Remarks to Begin Around 7am-7:15am

Learn more about how Frederick County TransIT can help with transportation needs and commuter services for employees and employers. 

This Week on Carroll Creek - April 14, 2015

The warmer weather is allowing work on Carroll Creek to really take off. Several sections of the creek are being worked on at the same time with major improvements catching the passerby's eye. 

On the West end of the Creek, just past Market Street and across from LaPaz, fountains are being installed with beautiful stone work. The large box shaped structure will be a replica of a Spring House with a fountain on either side. 

On the East end of the Creek, pavers and paths continue to be laid, like the one below which is situated just past the Delaplaine and before East Street.

On the far East side, close to McCutcheon's Apple Products, the creek will widen in a section named Mill Pond. The picture below shows low green fencing/edging (epoxy coated rebar) that represents just how wide the Creek will be once complete. The green rebar will be covered by concrete and stone veneer to complete the new creek edge. At that edge, jets will shoot water back into the center of the creek. As well, water propulsion jets will be placed under the water to help with flow.

Connect with Us for Updates
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most recent news and updates on this project and others.

About the Next Phase of Carroll Creek Park
This next phase of park improvements will include new and widened multi-use paths, landscape planters, lighting, water features and crosswalk improvements. The work will occur primarily between Bentz and S. Market Street and between the Delaplaine Arts Center and East Patrick Street. More than $100M in new and renovated private construction is planned along the new park/path sections which will eventually result in hundreds of new jobs and increased state and local tax revenue.

3 Funding Sources for Small Businesses

East Street, along with much of Downtown Frederick, East Frederick, and the Golden Mile, are designated sustainable communities.  This designation opens up benefits, such as eligibility for the Neighborhood BusinessWorks Loan Program.

What business couldn't use a little extra funding? Here are 3 loan programs that can help you fund your small business. Find a program that works best for you. 

1. Neighborhood BusinessWorks Loan Program

• Offered by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
• First floor business or retail space use that generates street level activity in mixed use projects 
• Loans from $10k-$500k
• NBW financing can represent up to 50% of the total project cost
• A minimum of 5% of total project costs must be contributed by the applicant
• Primary Lender is required - the NBW program subordinates to the primary lender
•  For more information, contact Michael Haloskey at 410-514-7237

2. Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business Loan Program (MPVSBLP)

• Offered by the State of Maryland, Dept of Business & Economic Development (DBED)
• No interest loans from $1k - $50k
•  Businesses owned by military reservists, National Guard members called to active duty, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees
• Options available for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans and businesses that employ service-disabled veterans
• For more information, contact Jerry Boden, Maryland Dept of Veteran Affairs at 410-260-3841

3. Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Account - Video Lottery Terminal Fund (VLT) 

• Offered by the State of Maryland, Dept of Business & Economic Development (DBED)
• 50% of VLT allocations will be deployed to small, minority & women-owned businesses located within a 10-mile radius of casinos. The other 50% will be available to the same type of businesses located anywhere within the State
• For more information, contact any of the fund managers listed here. 

businesses owned by service-disabled veterans

businesses owned by military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, - See more at: http://business.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/mpvsblp#sthash.LGRusVRI.dpuf

businesses owned by military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, - See more at: http://business.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/mpvsblp#sthash.LGRusVRI.dpuf

businesses owned by military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, - See more at: http://business.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/mpvsblp#sthash.

5 Benefits of Eliminating the Business Personal Property Tax

City of Frederick Passes Legislation to Eliminate Business Personal Property Tax

UPDATE: The Mayor and Board of Aldermen voted on Thursday, April 16, 2015 to eliminate Business Personal Property Tax with an immediate exemption for new manufacturing investment and a phase-out approach for all businesses over a 10-year period. 

First, A Little History

Personal property tax dates to Colonial America and was levied on individuals. Imagine a tax assessor showing up at your home annually to review your personal belongings such as rings and jewelry, furniture, household goods, paintings, and silverware. These items are known as tangible personal property. According to the Tax Foundation, "tangible personal property (TPP) is property that can be touched and moved, such as equipment, furniture, and other possessions." 

Today, no tax collector rummages through our homes to assess the value of our possessions for tax collection purposes. However, in many areas, this tax is assessed on businesses. 

"Because most states have exempted personal property used for personal reasons, most citizens are not aware that the tax on personal property exists. TPP tax is invisible to most individuals, although it is a significant expense for businesses," states a report issued by the Tax Foundation. 

Taxing businesses on personal property has remained in many jurisdictions, including the City of Frederick, but a proposed change is under way. 

What is the Current Situation of This Tax in The City of Frederick?

Frederick County as a whole does not have a Business Personal Property Tax, but municipalities can assess this tax.  The City of Frederick currently is one of the jurisdictions within Frederick County that does. Only a handful of companies pay the majority of this tax. 

What is Being Proposed? 

The City's Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC) has recommended a fiscally sound phase-out of this tax, and City officials agree. According to the Tax Foundation, the elimination of business personal property tax improves the business competitiveness of a jurisdiction and encourages reinvestment in a business.  

"The types of businesses that are hardest hit by this tax are also the same businesses that provide family-supporting jobs in Frederick," said Bobby Baumler, Economic Development Manager for The City of Frederick. "We want to attract and retain these companies and their jobs in our community."

The proposed ordinance would:

1. Exempt manufacturers (as a business category) from paying business personal property tax on NEW investments.  The tax credit only applies to manufacturers that are expanding or locating to the City. All business personal property, including items such as computers, printers, shelving, etc., would be eligible for the tax credit.
     
2. Implement a 10-year phase out of all business personal property tax. This includes both manufacturing personal property (currently 77.5% exempt) and non-manufacturing personal property (currently 62.5% exempt).  This portion will be achieved by gradually raising each exemption percentage until at the end of year 10 (and moving forward), the exemption percentage is 100%. The proposed ordinance does not exempt utilities or railroads.

According to the Tax Foundation, "Localities that choose to exempt the TPP base, even in part, have an advantage over neighbors with regard to the location of business personal property due to their lower tax costs." With a phase-out approach over 10 years, the increased real property, new investment, and new development generated is expected to replace the revenue stream that this tax historically provided the City. 

"Businesses can choose to locate, relocate, or expand in a number of jurisdictions in the region," said Bobby Baumler, Economic Development Manager for The City of Frederick. "There are many reasons to choose Frederick, and eliminating this tax gives them one more." 

5 Benefits of Eliminating the Business Personal Property Tax

1. It levels the playing field. Elimination of the tax places The City of Frederick on a level playing field with Frederick County and regional jurisdictions with lower overall business costs. 
2. It encourages investment and reinvestment. Businesses won't be penalized for reinvesting in aging infrastructure such as manufacturing equipment.
3. It gives Frederick a regional competitive advantage. Many nearby jurisdictions still assess this tax on businesses. This change allows both the City and County to market this advantage to businesses looking to locate or expand in the Frederick region.
4. It attracts new business. When a businesses is looking to open or relocate a business, every expense matters. This can tilt the scale between Frederick and another jurisdiction. 
5. It helps small businesses. 95% of all businesses in Frederick are small businesses. The plan to eliminate this tax doesn't just assist large corporations. It also assists small, locally-owned restaurants, retailers, and business owners that have invested in equipment, shelving, and fixtures. 

For more information about business in Frederick, visit www.businessinfrederick.com. 

Originally posted April 15, 2015 by Michelle Kershner