This is Part 3 of a four-part series where Rocky Mackintosh has been researching recent real estate acquisitions and construction projects undertaken by Frederick County Government. Frederick County’s growing real estate investments in the Westview area raise questions about land use, affordable housing, and long-term planning.

In Part 2 of this series, I examined Frederick County Government’s proposed $40 million acquisition of the former Bechtel campus at Westview Office Park, consisting of approximately 469,000 square feet of office space.

While researching that transaction, I discovered another interesting county real estate acquisition.

On August 18, 2026, Frederick County acquired two nearby properties: 4.82 acres at 7221 Bank Court and 6.28 acres at 7185 Crestwood Boulevard.

In my original report, I relied on Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation records showing transaction values totaling $8.7 million, which state a sales price of $5.2 million for the Bank Street parcel and  $3.5 million for the Crestwood site.

However,  I was quickly corrected  after the posting by Tony Checchia of VCRE, the broker involved in the transaction, who subsequently clarified that the county’s combined cash consideration was actually $3.5 million. The difference reflects a transaction structure involving a charitable donation from the seller.

My Bad … so, thank you. Tony!

Both properties were acquired for the county’s housing initiatives, using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Housing Initiative Fund resources.

That clarification changes my original story; however, many of my primary concerns remain the same, and this also raises some interesting land-use questions.

The County’s Special Position in Land-Use Planning

Unlike private property owners, Frederick County enjoys certain procedural advantages when developing public facilities on county-owned land.

Under the county’s zoning ordinance, qualifying county public buildings and facilities are subject to a special Planning Commission review process involving a public meeting and nonbinding comments.

This does not give the county unlimited authority to disregard zoning regulations, but it does provide a different approval framework from the one generally encountered by private developers.

That distinction is particularly important when government-owned property is being considered for a use substantially different from its surrounding development.

The county has also been reviewing extensive land-use changes through its Investing in Workers and Workplaces (IW2) planning initiative.

On October 6, 2026, the Frederick County Council adopted the Investing in Workers and Workplaces (IW2) Plan by a 5–2 vote, incorporating its amendments through Resolution 26-27. The 7185 Crestwood Boulevard property was specifically included in the associated rezoning actions and received a multifamily residential zoning designation. Interestingly, however, it appears that the 7221 Bank Court property was not rezoned. However, with other general zoning ordinance, code and amendment changes being worked on by staff, an Institutional overlay could be coming down the road …  especially if the former Bechtel campus is acquired.

Two Properties — Very Different Surroundings

The 6.28-acre property at 7185 Crestwood Boulevard appears particularly well suited for consideration as a multifamily residential development.

Located on the west side of Crestwood Boulevard, it is surrounded by established residential neighborhoods. Affordable or workforce housing at this location could be a logical extension of the surrounding residential development, subject to appropriate design, density, access, and infrastructure considerations.

The 4.82-acre property at 7221 Bank Court presents a considerably different situation.

Located on the opposite side of Crestwood Boulevard, the Bank Court parcel sits immediately south of Frederick Health Crestwood’s outpatient medical facilities. Its eastern and southern boundaries adjoin the former Bechtel office campus.

In other words, the Bank Court property is surrounded principally by office and medical uses rather than residential neighborhoods.

That does not necessarily make multifamily housing inappropriate. But it certainly raises questions about compatibility, pedestrian access, parking, and whether this is the best location for affordable or workforce housing.

And What About Bechtel?

Here is where the story becomes particularly interesting.

The county is already considering purchasing the adjoining Bechtel campus, subject to its ongoing feasibility review.

If that acquisition proceeds, the county could control a substantial concentration of property extending from Bank Court through the Westview office campus.

Could future land-use or zoning changes eventually accommodate a broader mixture of residential and government uses on these adjoining properties?

There is no evidence establishing that such changes are planned. Nevertheless, the geographic relationship makes the question reasonable.

Where Is the Larger Plan?

I support efforts to address Frederick County’s shortage of affordable and workforce housing. But choosing appropriate locations is just as important as securing land for that purpose.

The Crestwood Boulevard parcel appears to offer a logical residential setting. Bank Court is a much less obvious choice.

What I would like to see is a comprehensive explanation of the county’s plans for these properties, how the proposed housing fits into the surrounding land uses, and whether the potential Bechtel acquisition has any bearing on the area’s long-term future.

These are legitimate planning questions that deserve public discussion.

In my experience as a commercial real estate broker, I understand that acquiring strategically located properties can make good business sense.

And when the county is both a major property owner and the government responsible for land-use planning, transparency becomes especially important.

Coincidence or a larger plan? The public deserves to know.

Become a MacRo Insider

Rocky Mackintosh, Broker of MacRo, LTD and Associate Broker/Senior Advisor with Mackintosh Commercial Brokerage has been advising regional landowners, investors, and institutions for over 50 years.  He has been an active member of the Frederick community for over five decades and has served on a number of community organization boards, including as a member of the Frederick County Charter Board from 2010 to 2012.  Learn about his recent affiliation with Mackintosh, Inc., Commercial Real Estate.