Strategic Demolition Fund and Community Legacy Awards Will Benefit Communities Across the State
Strategic Demolition Fund and Community Legacy Awards Will Benefit Communities Across the State
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces FY17 Grant Awards
NEW CARROLLTON, Md. (November 30, 2016) – Today, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced the fiscal year 2017 statewide awardees of two of its neighborhood revitalization grant programs, the Strategic Demolition Fund and Community Legacy. The department will award $3.2 million in Strategic Demolition Fund awards for 15 projects in 12 counties and $3.47 million in Community Legacy awards for 49 projects in 18 counties. These totals do not include projects in Baltimore City, which were announced earlier this fall.
The City of Frostburg was awarded a $50,000 Community Legacy grant for rehabilitation work on the interior and exterior of the historic Hotel Gunter.
“The Community Legacy and Strategic Demolition Fund programs are two of the department’s most powerful programs for building healthier neighborhoods in Maryland,” said Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “Whether it’s improving the facades on Maryland main streets, preserving historic buildings or removing blight, these projects will enhance neighborhoods across the state.”
The Community Legacy program provides local governments and community development organizations with essential funding and gap financing for important projects that will strengthen local communities, supporting housing and homeownership goals and attracting and retaining businesses. Projects include improving commercial facades, greening and streetscaping activities, renovating historic buildings for conversion into service or community centers, and rehabilitating blighted properties in downtown areas. It is one of Maryland’s most effective programs for promoting neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, tourism, and economic growth.
The Strategic Demolition Fund catalyzes activities that accelerate economic development and job production in existing Maryland communities communities by clearing the way for redevelopment and revitalization. Awarded activities include those projects that can have a high economic and revitalization impact in their existing communities.
Grants for strategic demolition and other eligible activities in Baltimore City are administered by the department through Project C.O.R.E. (Creating Opportunities for Renewal and Enterprise). Project C.O.R.E. awards will be announced before the end of the year. For more information on Project C.O.R.E., visit http://dhcd.maryland.gov/ProjectCORE/.
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CONTACT: Sara Luell, Director of Communications, sara.luell@maryland.gov, 301-429-7803