State of Maryland Designates Three New Sustainable Communities

The Waterfront of Eagle Harbor, one of Maryland’s newly designated Sustainable Communities.

The State of Maryland’s Smart Growth Subcabinet designated three new Sustainable Communities, bringing the total of designated Sustainable Communities across the state to 112. The Sustainable Communities program provides access to a comprehensive set of revitalization resources, creating a revitalization “toolbox” for local governments.  Currently, there are 13 programs managed by six state agencies that support the development and prosperity of Maryland’s Sustainable Communities, ranging from grants that support brick and mortar community development projects to loans and tax credits that support small business development and job creation. 

Essex, Baltimore County

An unincorporated community nestled between the Back River and Middle River in Baltimore County, Essex features a formerly thriving commercial corridor and great environmental assets. Working with the State of Maryland and other partners, Essex hopes to attract investment, jobs, homeowners, and waterfront tourism.  More specifically, local stakeholders such as the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Essex Middle River Civic Council, Essex Development Corporation, Eastern Baltimore County Task Force, and the Back River Restoration Committee plan to mitigate flooding and improve water quality through stream restoration and tree plantings. These stakeholders also hope to rehabilitate dilapidated and aging housing stock, to decrease commercial storefront vacancies through marketing and outreach, façade improvement programs and streetscaping, and to improve alternative modes of transportation by adding new bike lanes.    

Town of Sharptown, Wicomico County

The waterfront community of Sharptown, located along the Nanticoke River and the Blue Crab Scenic Byway, is Wicomico County’s third designated Sustainable Community.  Incorporated in 1874, Sharptown played a significant role in the shipbuilding industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Town plans to implement flood mitigation strategies, enhance commercial opportunities, and encourage the development of senior housing for the community’s growing senior population.

Town of Eagle Harbor, Prince George’s County

The historic African-American community of Eagle Harbor was founded in 1925 and is located along the Patuxent River, where Calvert, Prince George’s and Charles Counties meet. The town would like to enhance opportunities for tourism and provide more amenities to its year-round residents, including a sit-down restaurant.  Additionally, the Town will work to rehabilitate of vacant housing stock, preserve and document the town history, construct a playground, and continue the town’s cleaning and beautification efforts.