Main Street in the Town of North East is an example of the fine quality of life available in Maryland’s sustainable communities.

New Carrollton, MD – Maryland’s  newest sustainable communities are as diverse as the state itself.

Cecil County, on the state’s Eastern Shore, boasts two of the newest additions: the town of Rising Sun and the town of North East. Both are rich with historical landmarks, natural beauty and plenty of modern amenities that seamlessly combine both the new and old. Visitors to North East, for example, can learn more about the town’s rich history as a significant spot for watermen on the Chesapeake Bay by visiting the Upper Bay Museum. Rising Sun was originally considered part of Pennsylvania, but in 1760, with the advent of the Mason-Dixon line, the town was found to sit below the line and thus part of Maryland.

Elsewhere along the Chesapeake, the town of Rock Hall, in Kent County, once served as a port for tobacco and other agriculture and was visited by some of the country’s Founding Fathers. These days, the town is a favorite of boaters and fishermen as well as people simply hoping to spend some time taking in the area’s natural beauty.

Oxon Hill, located in Prince George’s County, boasts the National Harbor, which is quickly becoming one of the most popular spots in the state for dining, recreation and shopping and cultural events. Closer to Baltimore, Carroll County’s town of Hampstead was originally a small farming town bisected by the Western Maryland Railroads. These days, it’s a modestly sized town with a thriving main street.

Cecil County – Town of Rising Sun

Built around the tavern, “Rising Sun,” the Town of Rising Sun has since expanded into a bustling historic district. The town is already home to green spaces such as Veteran’s Park, Triangle Dog Park, and Diddie Richardson Park. The area also boasts multiple large community events, such as Sunfest, Spooktacular, and a Color Run. With these assets, the Town of the Rising Sun is in a good position to encourage and increase area pedestrian and bike connectivity and recreational opportunities. The town is not only seeking designation as an Arts and Entertainment district, but is also planning to improve streetscaping to promote town unity and a greater sense of place.  The Town plans to identify additional opportunities for parking downtown, promote property rehabilitation programs for both small businesses and home owners.  To help promote environmental sustainability, the Town has a strategy to minimize water pollution in the Octoraro Creek Watershed.

Cecil County – Town of North East

The Town of North East is conveniently located near several parks and recreation sites, such as Elk Neck State Park, Turner Park, and Herring Snatcher Park. With support from State programs, the Town plans to bring in more small businesses and attract more homeowners. The town is seeking to address pedestrian safety concerns by identifying and reconstructing sidewalks with large unsafe gaps, and also putting in new street lights in previously unlit areas. The town also plans to create opportunities for small businesses to grow and thrive with tenant fit out and façade improvement programs. For the residential community, the Town would like to see an increase in the rehabilitation of older homes to attract more homebuyers. The Town of North East is also looking to continue to support its parks and green spaces through capital investments, improved stormwater management practices, green streets, and rain gardens.

Kent County – Town of Rock Hall

The Town of Rock Hall, referred to as “The Pearl of the Chesapeake, is an active waterfront community on the Chesapeake Bay. The Town is located along the Chesapeake Scenic Byway and also boasts a historic, pedestrian friendly Main Street. The Town of Rock Hall’s plans are aimed at increasing tourism, revitalizing Main Street, and attracting homeowners. Specifically, the Town would like to establish a façade improvement program, increase parking in downtown, and repair sidewalks to improve pedestrian connectivity between the historic Main Street and popular waterfront.  Coupled with plans to organize more community events, these activities aim to support small businesses in the area. The Town would also like to encourage the rehabilitation of older, aging housing stock while preserving affordability for its residents.

Carroll County – Town of Hampstead

The Town of Hampstead is seeking to improve its historic Main Street.  To support small businesses, reduce vacancies and beautify the Main Street, the town plans to establish façade improvement and tenant fit out programs. Furthermore, the town plans to add additional parking sites to accommodate commercial activities. The town will also address issues of pedestrian safety by repairing sidewalks and adding light fixtures. To promote home ownership and energy efficiency, the town plans to encourage the use of weatherization grant programs in older homes. The town will also move to become more environmentally friendly through stormwater management programs, such as rain garden planting.

Prince-George’s County – Glassmanor-Oxon Hill

The Glassmanor-Oxon Hill community has significant plans to improve the quality of life in the area.  These plans aim to improve various issues such as public safety, water quality and access to healthy food options.  Plans for low impact development and green infrastructure will help manage stormwater runoff and improve the quality of water. Furthermore, efforts to reduce the amount of litter and illegal dumping in the Winkle Doodle Channel will reduce water pollution. To improve access to healthy food options, the Town plans to plant gardens near and on school grounds. The Town also aims to improve public safety through increased lighting and other environmental design techniques, providing bicycle facilities, increasing pedestrian walkways, and upgrading crosswalks. Plans for commercial revitalization include improving building facades and public spaces.