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Department of Housing and Community Development

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Releases Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report

March 20th, 2023

Annual Report Highlights Department’s Economic Impact and Program Successes

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report

NEW CARROLLTON, MD. (March 20, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development today published its Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report, which provides an overview of the department’s success and operations last fiscal year. The department’s $2.4 billion investment provided an economic impact of approximately $4.9 billion for the state, including $83 million in state and local taxes. Nearly 22,000 full-time equivalent jobs with $1.1 billion in wages and salaries were created. 

“The department continues to create jobs and drive economic impact while working to shelter all Marylanders,” said Secretary Jake Day. “DHCD programs provide funding for everything from housing developments, neighborhood revitalization projects and affordable mortgages, to broadband infrastructure and digital equity initiatives.”

The department’s productivity remained at historic highs while continuing to adapt to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. DHCD has served as the lead agency to administer more than $2 billion in state and federal resources toward COVID-19 response and recovery. In Fiscal Year 2022, approximately $1.2 billion has been invested in affordable rental housing development and rental services, including $504 million in federal low-income housing tax credits and state funds. The department’s Neighborhood Revitalization programs invested $232.8 million to support revitalization projects and services to improve communities across the state. 

Through the Neighborhood BusinessWorks business lending program, the department provided $9.3 million in capital to 44 new and growing small businesses. Additionally, an investment of $37.9 million went toward energy efficiency and home repairs last fiscal year, which improve the quality of life for Maryland homeowners and renters by making their homes modern and comfortable while reducing utility costs. For the third consecutive year, the Maryland Mortgage Program made an average of more than $1 billion in loan reservations with borrowers receiving an additional $20.2 million in down payment assistance.

Read more about the department’s activities here.

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Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband to Host Online Meetings on Broadband Funding and Accessibility

March 10th, 2023

Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband to Host Online Meetings on Broadband Funding and Accessibility

The Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband will host online meetings starting next week with key stakeholders to focus on broadband funding and accessibility.Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband to Host Online Meetings on Broadband Funding and Accessibility

We encourage you to forward this information to your colleagues and local affiliates to attend these important engagements. You are welcome to use the link for the session that best meets your schedule and area of interest.

From 10-11 a.m. EST on:

  • Monday, March 13, 2023, State and Regional Agencies, Register
  • Wednesday, March 15, 2023, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Register
  • Wednesday, March 22, 2023, Anchor Institutions and Covered Populations, Register
  • Wednesday, March 29, 2023, Workforce Development, Register

We look forward to your participation!


PUBLIC NOTICE: Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Project Based Housing Voucher Program Waiting List for Units in the Town of Elkton to Open March 10, 2023

March 8th, 2023

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (March 8, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development today announced that applications will be accepted for the Project Based Voucher Program waiting lists in Elkton, Maryland, for select housing units at the following locations:

  • The Willows at Windsor, 300 Friendship Road, Elkton, MD 21921
  • Rudy Park Apartments, 900 Rudy Park Drive, Elkton, MD 21921
  • Birchwood at Main (62 and older), 150 E Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921

Applications will be accepted online only from 9:00 a.m. on March 10, 2023, through March 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

Preliminary applications must be submitted online at https://www.waitlistcheck.com/MD1645. The application is available in multiple languages. All pre-applicants will have an equal opportunity of being selected. Submission of a pre-application does not guarantee placement on any waiting list. Waiting list placement will be based on a computerized random selection.  Those selected for the waiting list will be reviewed to determine preliminary eligibility, and their preferences will be applied to determine the final order. As housing units become available, those next on the waiting lists will be contacted to complete a full eligibility application.

Individuals with disabilities or others who need additional support may receive assistance completing a preliminary application by contacting a DHCD representative at dhcd.hcv@maryland.gov or 1-800-445-4340. Applicants who do not speak English can request translation services at that number.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development staff will be on site at the following location to assist individuals who need assistance completing the application process:

Thursday, March 16, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Elkton Branch of the Cecil County Public Library, 301 Newark Avenue, Elkton, Maryland 

The Project Based Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federally funded, rental assistance program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Other municipalities in Maryland maintain their own programs and waiting lists.

Eligibility for the Project Based Housing Choice voucher is determined based on a family’s total annual gross income and is limited to United States citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. In general, the family’s income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family resides.

For more information, visit http://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/HousingChoice/. To check the status of an application, visit https://www.waitlistcheck.com.

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PHOTO RELEASE: Governor Wes Moore Swears in Jake Day as Maryland’s Housing Secretary

March 6th, 2023

Former Mayor of Salisbury Takes Oath of Office in Historic Ceremony

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (March 3, 2023) – Jake Day, the former Mayor of Salisbury, was sworn in as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Thursday evening. Governor Wes Moore administered the oath of office for the Moore-Miller Administration’s cabinet secretaries in the State House.

“I am honored the governor has asked me to serve in this important role and to be a part of this administration to make a positive, lasting impact on housing in the state,” said Secretary Day. “The department provides critical resources such as financing to build affordable housing and funding to revitalize communities. And under my leadership, we will expand on its successes and ensure everyone has access to a safe, reliable place to live and essential community resources.”

Governor Wes Moore swears in Jake Day as the Secretary of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

As a native of Salisbury, Maryland, Day previously served as the 28th Mayor of Salisbury and City Council President, where he has gained on the ground experience working with partners to develop nearly $650 million in new construction, including youth community centers, and creating a permanent supportive housing program to address chronic homelessness. Day has been recognized for his continuous dedication to improving and revitalizing the city’s infrastructure, attracting economic growth and development through business-first initiatives, and creating jobs.

An urban designer and architect by training, Day has served as the Director of the Center for Towns for the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, where his experience includes utilizing design, planning, and implementation assistance to establish vibrant, sustainable small cities and towns. Day was also elected as the 79th president of the Maryland Municipal League, representing Maryland’s 157 municipalities, and was one of Maryland’s representatives to the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Local Government Advisory Committee.

Governor Wes Moore swears in Jake Day as the Secretary of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Governor Wes Moore swears in Jake Day as the Secretary of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

In addition, Day is a Major in the United States Army assigned to the Maryland Army National Guard as an Information Operations and Special Technical Operations Officer with the 110th Information Operations Battalion. He is a veteran of the Global War on Terrorism.

As DHCD’s new Secretary, some of his priorities for the department include providing shelter for all, expanding affordable housing, righting the wrongs of the past, making lovable places and connecting all Marylanders to broadband.

Day received his Master of Science in Nature, Society & Environmental Policy from Oxford University. He also earned a Master of Urban Design from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Maryland. He is the proud father to two beautiful daughters, Lilly and Olivia.

Governor Wes Moore swears in Jake Day as the Secretary of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

The swearing in on Thursday marked the most diverse cabinet in the state’s history.

“This is a proud day for our administration as we keep our promise to all Marylanders, by ensuring that our government represents the people we serve,” said Governor Moore. “We have built a team of secretaries who are ready to lead and prepared to serve. I am honored to work with them to shape the future of this state and make this Maryland’s decade.” 

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Governor Moore Announces $13.4 Million to Support Affordable Housing Following Board of Public Works Meeting

March 1st, 2023

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 1, 2023) –Governor Wes Moore today announced $13.4 million to support projects that create or preserve affordable rental housing units, awarded this morning during the Board of Public Works meeting. The board approved requests from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to provide $10.4 million through the Rental Housing Works Program and $3 million from the Partnership Rental Housing Program to support three projects in Dundalk, Hanover, and Edgewood. 

“These programs are critical and effective state initiatives that create or preserve affordable housing rental units in communities across our state,” said Governor Wes Moore. “We are committed to ensuring that Marylanders in every county across the state have access to affordable housing, and we look forward to working in partnership with our local leadership to promote equitable housing opportunities for all.”

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The Department of Housing and Community Development’s Rental Housing Works and Partnership Housing Rental programs provide financing for projects that create or preserve affordable rental housing units. The Rental Housing Works program finances rental housing that will be occupied by individuals with incomes at 60% of area median income. The Partnership Rental Housing Program finances rental housing that will be occupied by individuals with income of 50% below State-wide area median income.

The three projects include:

  • $6.5 million in Rental Housing Works and Partnership Rental Housing loan program funds to support the new construction of a 72-unit age-restricted community to be located in Hanover, Anne Arundel County.
  • $3.4 million in Rental Housing Works Program funds to support the new construction of a 68-unit age-restricted mid-rise apartment community in Edgewood, Harford County.
  • $3.5 million in Rental Housing Works Program funds to support the new construction of an 84-unit age-restricted community to be located in Dundalk, Baltimore County.

“The funding approved today will provide more than 200 units of safe, high-quality affordable housing for Maryland’s working families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Acting Secretary Jake Day. “Using the effective tools the department has at its disposal, such as the Rental Housing Works program, we are able to work with public, private, and nonprofit partners to leverage additional resources to support the state’s investment.”

The board also approved more than $20 million to support numerous capital grants projects in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Cecil, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties and Baltimore City; $4.6 million request to support the construction of stormwater retrofits, outfalls, and streams restorations in Montgomery County parks; and $5.4 million to support Phase 2 construction of Morgan State University’s Health and Human Services Center.

For more information about today’s Board of Public Works meeting, visit: bpw.maryland.gov.

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LEGAL NOTICE: Notice for Public Hearings -Updating Maryland’s Annual Action Plan

February 1st, 2023

Under the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), notice is hereby given that the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (the Department) will hold a series of public hearings to develop its Fiscal Year 2024 (Federal Fiscal Year 2023) Annual Action Plan in conformity with the State’s Consolidated Plan (ConPlan).  

The ConPlan is a 5-Year planning document required by HUD that sets statewide goals and priorities for housing, community development, and economic development activities.  Special emphasis is given under the Plan to provide assistance for extremely low, low, and moderate-income persons.  In addition to being a planning document, the Consolidated Plan also serves as the State’s application to HUD for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), Housing Opportunity With AIDS (HOPWA) and the Housing Trust Fund (HTF).  These funds are used primarily in the State’s rural areas, as many communities, including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s Counties, as well as the Cities of Annapolis, Baltimore, Bowie, Cumberland, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Hagerstown and Salisbury receive funding directly from HUD. 

The ConPlan Plan also makes it possible for the Department, public housing authorities, local governments, nonprofit organizations, community action agencies and others to apply for funding under HUD’s competitive grant programs.  Local public housing authority Plans must be consistent with the State’s ConPlan, the USDA’s Rural Development housing programs and Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits are also coordinated with the Plan. Lastly, while not directly covered by the Consolidated Plan, HUD funding allocations for the Section 8 Certificate and Voucher programs may be made in a way that enables jurisdictions to carry out their Consolidated Plan. 

In developing its five-year Plan, the State determined it would focus its resources on four main priorities:  Revitalizing Communities, Expanding the Supply of Decent Affordable Housing, Providing Homeownership Opportunities, Reducing Homelessness and supporting services for the disabled and Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS. The FY2024 Annual Plan update (which will be for the third year of the current 5-Year Plan) will establish one-year goals for these priorities. 

Pre-DRAFT Hearings – FY 2024 Annual Action Plan 

Through the pre-draft hearings in February, the Department will seek public input to identify projects in their communities that will meet goals identified in the ConPlan. Goals listed in the ConPlan can be found on our website.  Please use the link below to access a copy of the plan on DHCD’s website.

https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Pages/ConsolidatedPlan.aspx

Hard copies of the current ConPlan are available at the following libraries: the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, the Blackwell Library in Salisbury, the Washington County Free Library in Hagerstown, the Lewis J. Ort Library in Frostburg, the Frederick Douglas Library in Princess Anne, and the Southern Maryland Regional Library in Charlotte Hall. A large print version is available at the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Baltimore. Copies of the ConPlan are also available by calling, writing, or e-mailing the address and phone numbers listed below. 

Additionally, public input on the annual plan can be provided through the SFY 2024 Annual Plan Input Survey

Hearings

The State will hold six pre-draft hearings on the Annual Plan as scheduled below. All hearings are accessible to persons with disabilities.  Persons requiring a translator should request one at least three days prior to the hearing they plan to attend. 

First Hearing:  Public Hearings for Annual Action Plan 
Wednesday, February 8 · 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Towson – Baltimore County Public Library
320 York Road
Towson, MD 21204

Second Hearing:  Public Hearings for Annual Action Plan 
Thursday, February 9 · 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cumberland – Allegany County Department of Economic and Community Development
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502

Third Hearing:  Public Hearings for Annual Action Plan 
Friday, February 10 · 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Owings – Calvert Library Fairview Branch
8120 Southern Maryland Blvd
Owings, MD 20736

Fourth Hearing:  Public Hearings for Annual Action Plan 
Monday, February 13 · 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Easton – Easton Town Office 
14 South Harrison Street 
Easton, MD 21601

Fifth Hearing:  Public Hearings for Annual Action Plan 
Tuesday, February 14 · 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lanham – DHCD headquarters
7800 Harkins Road
Lanham, MD 20706 

Sixth Hearing:  Public Hearings for Annual Action Plan 
Wednesday, February 15 · 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Virtual – Google Meet joining info: https://meet.google.com/oaa-ivsu-msv
Or dial: (US) +1 442-324-4475 PIN: 778 804 905#

Any questions or comments should be directed to me or Senior Policy Analyst at the address, phone numbers, or e-mail listed below: 

Bernice Mensah, Director @ bernice.mensah@maryland.gov
James Parker, Senior Housing Policy Analyst, James.Parker1@maryland.gov 
Housing Economic Research Office 
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
7800 Harkins Road
Lanham, Maryland 20706
(301) 429-7446 or Maryland Relay for the Deaf at 1(800)735-2258.  


PHOTO RELEASE: Governor Moore Celebrates Revitalization and Reopening of Baltimore’s Historic Lexington Market

January 31st, 2023

$45 Million Redevelopment Features Opening of a New 60,000 Square Foot Market Building, Public Plaza, and Return of More Than 40 Businesses

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 31, 2023) – Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller today joined state and Baltimore City officials, development partners, and business owners to celebrate the newly revitalized and reopened Lexington Market. Today’s ribbon cutting and ceremonial bell ringing marked the opening of a new, 60,000-square-foot market building, public plaza, and the return of more than 40 businesses that will feature a mix of relocated institutions including Faidley’s Seafood and Connie’s Chicken & Waffles and new Baltimore favorites including Tio G’s Empanadas and Taharka Brothers Ice Cream.

“This transformational project shows the power of the state working together with private partners and the City of Baltimore to better serve Marylanders,” said Governor Moore. “The $45 million redevelopment of this Baltimore treasure will keep it in operation for many decades to come so it can continue to be a home to merchants, a gathering place for residents and attraction for visitors to our great state and to the city of Baltimore.”

lex_mar_1

Led by Baltimore Public Markets Corporation and Seawall Development, Lexington Market’s revitalization includes funding from both the Maryland Department of General Services and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Between the two agencies, the state has invested more than $12 million through four programs. The new market has more than 40 leased merchant spaces and increases the new merchant representation of Black-owned businesses to more than 50 percent, along with more than 50 percent women-owned businesses.

“The opening of the new Lexington Market is a remarkable milestone in the ongoing redevelopment of Baltimore,” said Department of Housing and Community Development Acting Secretary Jake Day. “Projects like this are a testament to the power of the progress we can achieve across Maryland when everyone works together to improve our cities, towns, and communities.”

lex_mar_2

The Department of Housing and Community Development provided $3 million through the Neighborhood BusinessWorks program to kickstart development in 2020. The funds supported three months of construction and enabled the project to meet financing requirements to secure additional tax credits. An additional $2 million was awarded through the Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative, a program that supports redevelopment in Baltimore City and surrounding inner-beltway communities. The Baltimore Public Markets Corporation also received a grant award from the Community Safety Works program for beautification, community clean-ups, security cameras, and community engagement and programming.

In partnership with the Baltimore City delegation to the General Assembly, the Department of General Services awarded $7 million from the Capital Grants Program through bond bills authorized in the previous six legislative sessions. A proposal for an additional $3 million in Capital Grants Program funding for Lexington Market will soon be presented to the Board of Public Works.

“DGS is honored to be a celebrating partner in today’s ribbon cutting,” said Department of General Services Acting Secretary Atif Chaudhry. “I am extremely proud that the state’s capital grant funds are being invested to assist in the redevelopment of this historic market.”

Lexington Market was founded in 1782 and is described as the longest operating public market in the country. Today’s reopening celebration featured a bell ringing ceremony with the descendants of James B. Carpenter, who had a shoe shine stall in the market and, in 1963, began a tradition of ringing the bell outside each morning to signal the start of the market day. 

For more information about Lexington Market and its businesses and merchants, visit: https://lexingtonmarket.com/.

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Housing Choice Voucher Program in Six Eastern Shore Counties to Open for Applications on February 1, 2023

January 25th, 2023

Waiting Lists Will Be Available for Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Somerset, Talbot, and Worcester Counties

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (January 25, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development today announced that the Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting lists will open for Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Somerset, Talbot, and Worcester counties. Online applications will be accepted beginning at 9 a.m. on February 1, 2023, until 5 p.m. on February 28, 2023.

Preliminary applications must be submitted online at https://www.waitlistcheck.com/MD1645. The application is available in multiple languages. Individuals with disabilities or others who need additional support may receive assistance completing a preliminary application by emailing dhcd.hcv@maryland.gov or calling 1-800-445-4340. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development staff will be on site at the following locations to assist individuals needing assistance completing the application process:

Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

  • Somerset County Public Library, 11767 Beechwood Street, Princess Anne, Maryland
  • Worcester County Public Library, 307 N Washington Street, Snow Hill, Maryland

Tuesday, February 21, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

  • Dorchester County Public Library, 303 Gay Street, Cambridge, Maryland

Monday, February 27, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

  • Caroline County Public Library, 101 Cedar Lane, Greensboro,  Maryland

All preliminary applicants will have an equal opportunity of being selected. Submission of a preliminary application does not guarantee placement on any waiting list. Waiting list placement will be based on a computerized random selection. Those selected will have their applications reviewed to determine preliminary eligibility and their preferences will be applied to the selected applicants to determine the final order of the waiting list. As housing vouchers become available, those next on the waiting lists will be contacted to complete a full eligibility application.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally funded, locally administered rental assistance program to assist very low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in securing decent, safe and affordable housing in the private market. The department administers the program for several counties on the Eastern Shore and in Western Maryland. Other larger jurisdictions in Maryland maintain their own local programs and waiting lists.

Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined based on a family’s total annual gross income and is limited to United States citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. In general, the family’s income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family resides.

For more information, visit http://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/HousingChoice/. To check the status of an application, visit https://www.waitlistcheck.com.

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Hogan Administration Announces more than $65 Million Awarded to Address Rising Construction Costs

January 11th, 2023

As Part of Affordable Housing Package, Funding will go Toward 27 Rental Housing Projects and Assist the Construction of 2,149 Units 

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (January 11, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) today announced the award of more than $65 million to 27 affordable housing projects to assist with the construction of 2,149 units amid rising construction costs and interest rates, as part of a $200 million affordable housing initiative announced earlier this year. DHCD established the Multifamily Capital Fund program to expand funding for projects with a high public purpose that need assistance due to financing gaps brought on by the pandemic, as well as the Construction Relief Fund and Development Relief Fund for projects that previously received state funding and are experiencing cost shortfalls.

“During our administration, we have provided financing and tax credits to create or preserve more than 28,000 affordable rental units across the state, an unprecedented level of production,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “The additional funding provided through the affordable housing initiative to offset rising construction costs will help ensure the pipeline of new affordable housing opportunities isn’t disrupted by rising interest rates, construction costs and supply chain issues.”

The awards are going to projects in Anne Arundel, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Talbot, and Queen Anne’s counties, and in the City of Baltimore. To see the full list of project awards, visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Documents/PressReleases/Housing-Relief-Funds-Awards-January-2023.pdf.

The Multifamily Capital, Construction Relief and Development Relief funds are among a number of initiatives that were created to address the shortfalls for affordable housing projects, which also included an increase to the Rental Housing Financing Program funds for the 2022 competitive Low-Income Housing Tax Credit round and for ongoing projects that have yet to close financing.

“These funds help ensure efforts to respond to a shortage of affordable housing are not delayed,” said Acting Housing Secretary Owen McEvoy. “The $200 million affordable housing package is key to boosting economic growth and a successful recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Marylanders looking to access affordable rental housing can search and find current Maryland listings with accessibility features, amenities, affordability, and more at MDHousingSearch.org. Visitors to the site can also view information about future leasing opportunities for projects that are currently under construction.

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Hogan Administration Announces $15 Million for Redevelopment of Former Military Base in Washington County

January 9th, 2023

Catalytic Revitalization Tax Credit Awarded for Redevelopment of Property into Retail and Housing

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (January 9, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development today announced the second recipient of the State of Maryland’s Catalytic Revitalization Tax Credit, designed to rehabilitate formerly government-owned properties for economic and community development purposes. The redevelopment of Fort Ritchie in Washington County will receive a state tax credit worth up to $15 million for the comprehensive redevelopment and reuse at the historic site of the former military base.

“The redevelopment of Fort Ritchie will preserve a piece of history in Washington County, and be transformative for the surrounding community,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “This project will create jobs and housing opportunities in a rural part of the state.”

During World War II, the property in Cascade, Maryland, served as the War Department Military Intelligence Training Center. Fort Ritchie was closed in 1998 under the Base Realignment and Closure Act. The project will work in phases to adapt the existing historic stone buildings into retail and manufacturing, as well as provide new infill housing. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development also awarded the project a Community Legacy program grant earlier this year to turn a dilapidated structure at Fort Ritchie into an artisan village, as well as to preserve an historic Japanese Nisei mural inside.

Passed in the 2021 General Assembly session and signed into law by Governor Hogan, Senate Bill 885 created the Catalytic Revitalization Tax Credit. It supports the rehabilitation and renovation of a campus of properties formerly owned by the State of Maryland or the federal government, including: colleges or universities; public schools; hospitals and mental health facilities, and; military facilities or installations. These properties have typically been vacant for a significant time and often require mitigation of a variety of environmental and health hazards. 

“The Catalytic Revitalization Tax Credit is one way the Department of Housing and Community Development can foster economic growth and revitalize areas across the state,” said Acting Secretary Owen McEvoy. “The Fort Ritchie project is a great example of a worthwhile redevelopment that will serve the community.”

The tax credit was a recommendation of a study conducted by the Maryland Department of Planning. It is designed to fill financing gaps between the cost of rehabilitation and the market-rate value of the redeveloped property. Proposed revitalization projects related to the rehabilitation of these government-owned properties must foster economic growth, job creation, affordable housing, and other community improvements and services.

For more information about the Catalytic Revitalization Tax Credit and other revitalization and redevelopment programs, visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov.

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