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Main Street Maryland
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Main Street Maryland Program is a place-based designation that strives to strengthen the economic potential of Maryland’s traditional main streets and neighborhoods.
Current Applications
The Department is currently pursuing a Main Street Affiliate designation for Towson.
Approved Main Streets in Baltimore County
Maps
To view a detailed map of each sustainable community, visit our PDF Map Library.
Goals
Main Street Maryland emphasizes the importance of working simultaneously in the following areas:
- Design—Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning
- Organization—Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process
- Promotion—Marketing the traditional commercial district's assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors
- Economic Restructuring—Strengthening the district's existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities and challenges from outlying development
- Clean, Safe and Green—Enhancing the perception o f a neighborhood through the principles of Smart Growth and sustainability
Main Street Resources
The Main Street Maryland Program offers official designation as a state-recognized Main Street, as well as technical assistance, training and other services to communities across the State.
These services include:
- Main Street Manager orientation and professional development
- Site visits to help the community develop and plan for the future
- Architectural design and historic preservation assistance
- Specialized training on topics specific to commercial revitalization
- Education about State and Federal programs, grants, and loans
- Facilitate partnerships for designated Main Street communities and other business districts
Eligible Criteria
Maryland communities meeting the following criteria may apply for designation as a state-recognized Main Street:
- A minimum population of 1,000 based on the most recent U.S. Census survey
- Commitment to employ a program manager
- Commitment to organize and maintain a volunteer board of directors or advisory committee, and committees made up of public and private sector individuals
- Commitment to provide a sustainable program budget
- Must be a Sustainable Community approved by the State of Maryland
- Must have a defined, walkable central business district with a significant number of historic commercial buildings
Staff Contact
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Amy Trexler Mantay
Chief, Community Planning
Phone: 410-887-3480
Email: atmantay@baltimorecountymd.gov
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