Land deal talks tonight

In June 2007, aldermen approved selling the land, also known as Site G, to the Housing Authority. Plans for the site include 32 apartments and four occupant-owned homes. The units are part of Frederick’s HOPE VI project, a federally funded program with a goal of bringing more mixed-income housing to the city.

Numerous residents voiced concerns about the land, some claiming that underground caves existed there. The city found no evidence of caves and said any contaminated soil on the property would be removed or covered before construction.

Mayor W. Jeff Holtzinger (R) said he knows ‘‘not everyone is pleased” with plans for the site, but he is confident the city has addressed all concerns.

In 2002, as part of a resolution of support for the Frederick Housing Authority’s HOPE VI initiative, city officials set aside a portion of Site G for affordable housing for those displaced by the demolition of the Hanson⁄Taney apartment buildings.

‘‘We are carrying through with what was originally [agreed upon],” Holtzinger said. ‘‘... This was something started a long time ago. The city promised a place for folks displaced to get back to.”

E. Kevin Lollar, development director for the Housing Authority, said once the sale is approved, the organization will need to go through the site planning process and Historic Preservation Commission approval as well. He hopes to begin construction by late May or June.

Mayor: City will deal with airport funding cut

Frederick’s mayor says losing $49,500 in county funds for the Frederick Municipal Airport is unfortunate but not unexpected, given a difficult fiscal climate lately.

On Feb. 25, Holtzinger received a letter from Frederick Board of County Commissioners President Jan H. Gardner (D), indicating that ‘‘a significant projected budget deficit” for fiscal 2009 means that the county cannot commit to its annual funding of $49,500 for the airport.

The board does plan to provide matching monies for federally funded projects at the airport, such as a new control tower.

Holtzinger said he hopes commissioners see the airport as ‘‘an important asset,” but ‘‘if you put yourself in their shoes, it’s a tough budget year.”

The mayor said he expects airport funding to be part of the city’s upcoming budget discussions which begin on Wednesday.