Governor Larry Hogan announced late last month that more than $11 million in grant money had been awarded to local jurisdictions through three state programs: Community Legacy, the Strategic Demolition fund and the Baltimore Regional Neighborhoods Initiative.
Locally, Worcester County received $275,000, including $50,000 for facade improvement in both Berlin and Ocean City, $50,000 for a “green building initiative” in Ocean City, and $125,000 in Snow Hill for a building improvement program.
“My administration is committed to revitalizing Maryland’s older communities,” Hogan said in a press release issued Dec. 29. “These grants will help local communities make necessary improvements while paving the way for additional public and private investments in their neighborhoods and along their streets.”
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt said the state would rely on “community leaders and organizations to indicate their most pressing needs and we will respond with quick and effective support.”
In Berlin, Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said she had been anxiously waiting for the extension of the Community Legacy program. Wells used similar funding to help improve several businesses in and around the downtown area last year.
When that money was exhausted, Wells wrote a new grant application on behalf of the town.
“I had several applications on hold because I didn’t have any money yet,” she said.
To start, the grants will help several new businesses in Berlin, including one planned by Chef Toby Gilbert, who aims to open a small operation attached to Bruder Hill on Commerce Street, and another by Brian Robertson, who will be opening a print shop above Ta Da on Main Street.
Previous grants helped Uncle Jon’s Soaps, Art in the Fields, Jeffery Auxer Designs and Church Mouse.
“I think that it’s really encouraging that DHCD is continuing this program, and the businesses are really looking forward to maintaining the facades of their buildings and improving them with some grant money,” Wells said.
Locally, Worcester County received $275,000, including $50,000 for facade improvement in both Berlin and Ocean City, $50,000 for a “green building initiative” in Ocean City, and $125,000 in Snow Hill for a building improvement program.
“My administration is committed to revitalizing Maryland’s older communities,” Hogan said in a press release issued Dec. 29. “These grants will help local communities make necessary improvements while paving the way for additional public and private investments in their neighborhoods and along their streets.”
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt said the state would rely on “community leaders and organizations to indicate their most pressing needs and we will respond with quick and effective support.”
In Berlin, Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said she had been anxiously waiting for the extension of the Community Legacy program. Wells used similar funding to help improve several businesses in and around the downtown area last year.
When that money was exhausted, Wells wrote a new grant application on behalf of the town.
“I had several applications on hold because I didn’t have any money yet,” she said.
To start, the grants will help several new businesses in Berlin, including one planned by Chef Toby Gilbert, who aims to open a small operation attached to Bruder Hill on Commerce Street, and another by Brian Robertson, who will be opening a print shop above Ta Da on Main Street.
Previous grants helped Uncle Jon’s Soaps, Art in the Fields, Jeffery Auxer Designs and Church Mouse.
“I think that it’s really encouraging that DHCD is continuing this program, and the businesses are really looking forward to maintaining the facades of their buildings and improving them with some grant money,” Wells said.