I would like to thank Sherrie Becker for organizing this great event this morning, and say congratulations to Sherrie and all the businesses involved in the Pikesville Chamber of Commerce. This is one of the best Chambers, you do a remarkable job of marketing the Pikesville area and creating an environment that welcomes and supports businesses of all types.
The Pikesville area is a part of Baltimore County with tremendous assets. You have engaged citizens who volunteer and participate in this community. You have good schools, successful community policing, and a diverse and strong business community. Businesses in the Pikesville Commercial Revitalization District have proven the value of investing in established commercial districts, and the area has been one of the more successful partnerships between county government and the business community.
Since 1997, the commercial revitalization program has leveraged approximately forty million dollars worth of private, commercial property improvements in Pikesville. Wea??ve invested over three million in streetscape improvements, and the businesses here have taken advantage of those funds to create a successful district.
To keep this momentum going, both county government and business leaders must continue to anticipate changes and be prepared to meet the needs of Pikesville residents. We know from talking with members of this community that residents here want an attractive, pedestrian-friendly shopping area in the heart of Pikesville. Baltimore Countya??s Office of Economic Development is working hard to attract new investment to this area, and I believe we can help build the commercial center Pikesville wants.
In the proposed budget currently before the County Council, we have suggested an appropriation of two million dollars for the revolving loan fund. The loan fund can loan up to 250 thousand dollars for land acquisition, new construction and new equipment for existing businesses. We have partnered with five banks to create the Revitalization Advantage Program, providing discounted interest rates for businesses located in the commercial revitalization districts.
In the coming months, the County Council will see two new pieces of legislation, one from me and one from Councilman Kamenetz. Both will encourage walkable, pedestrian friendly commercial development, and both will be valuable tools in the renaissance of commercial areas countywide. Neighborhood business districts are the heart of Baltimore Countya??s economy, and they are a stabilizing force in our communities. Those of you who work so hard to build successful business here deserve as much support as County Government can give you, and we will continue to do our best, so that you can do your best.
I would like to congratulate the Community Recognition Award winners. You are more than deserving, and it is because of people like you that the renaissance of Pikesville is not only possible, but grows more successful everyday. I thank you again for this lovely breakfast, and I hope to see all of at the Pikesville Renaissance Roundtable on April 29.
Revised November 3, 2004
Courthouse 