Preservation Maryland

Latest posts tagged in Advocacy

07/22/2021
By Nicholas A. Redding

Preservation Maryland Supports the Introduction of Federal Legislation

Preservation Maryland is proud to announce our role in the introduction of federal legislation, a first in the organization’s (almost) 90-year history.

07/19/2021
By Preservation Maryland

Preservation Primer: Historic Tax Credit

Finding funds for your preservation rehabilitation project can be complex and confusing. Fortunately, in Maryland, there are many programs designed to help private property owners maintain and rehabilitate their historic structure. Historic tax credits are a critical tool and may be just the funding boost you need to get your project completed!

07/13/2021
By Ruby Nwaebube

Spotlight on Smart Growth: Main Streets in Frederick County

One of the most popular community engagement activities in Smart Growth is the Main Street Program. In 1998, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development created a comprehensive downtown revitalization program called Main Street Maryland. For more than 20 years, this program has improved the economy, appearance, and image of Maryland’s downtown districts.

Main Street

The Program: Main Street Maryland is a comprehensive downtown revitalization program created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and established in Maryland in 1998 by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Nationally, Main Street organizations that make up the Main Street Network have rehabbed more than 251,000 buildings, produced $61.7 billion in investment, and created 528,557 jobs.

Today there are 23 designated Main Street communities across the state and 9 Main Street communities in Baltimore City.

Main Street Maryland Communities

Annapolis
Bel Air
Berlin
Brunswick
Cambridge
Chestertown
Cumberland
Denton
Dundalk
Easton
Elkton
Frederick

Frostburg
Havre De Grace
Middletown
Mount Airy
Oakland
Princess Anne
Salisbury
Takoma Park
Taneytown
Thurmont
Westminster

Baltimore Main Street Communities

Belair-Edison Main Street
East Monument Street Main Street
Federal Hill Main Street
Fell’s Point Main Street
Hamilton-Lauraville Main Street

Highlandtown Main Street
Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street
Pigtown Main Street
Waverly Main Street

Maryland communities meeting the following criteria may apply for participation in the Main Street Maryland program:

A minimum population of 1,000 based on the most recent U.S. Census survey

Commitment to employ a program manager for a minimum of three years

Commitment to organize and maintain a volunteer board of directors and committees made up of public and private sector individuals

Commitment to provide a program budget for a minimum of three years

Must be a Designated Neighborhood approved by the State of Maryland

Must have a defined central business district with a significant number of historic commercial buildings.

Our Position: Preservation Maryland emphatically supports the Maryland Main Street program and works with the Department of Housing and Community Development to assist, enhance and promote the work of these organizations whenever possible. Preservation Maryland supports full funding of the program as a component of the Department of Housing and Community Development budget.

Resources

Advocacy Issues Main Street