MAIN STREET MARYLAND (MSM) is a comprehensive downtown
revitalization program created in 1998 by the Maryland Department of Housing
and Community Development.
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| MARYLAND'S MAIN STREETS
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MAIN STREET RESOURCES
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ELIGIBILITY
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MANAGER'S CORNER
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CONTACTS
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The program strives to strengthen the economic potential of Maryland’s
traditional main streets and neighborhoods. Using a competitive process, Main
Street Maryland selects communities who have made a commitment to succeed and
helps them improve the economy, appearance and image of their traditional
downtown business districts. To accomplish Main Street goals,
DHCD
has partnered with the
National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center, which developed the Main Street Four Point Approach for commercial revitalization. Beginning in 2008, Main Street Maryland programs will also incorporate a Fifth Point: Clean, Safe, and Green. This approach emphasizes the importance of working simultaneously in the following areas:
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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
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ORGANIZATION: Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and
individuals who have a role in the revitalization process
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PROMOTION: Marketing the traditional commercial district's assets to customers,
potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors
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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 of a neighborhood through the principles of Smart Growth and sustainability
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MARYLAND'S MAIN
STREETS
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| Main Street Communities and the year they
were designated: |
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 Main
Street Maryland partners with Baltimore City Main Streets. Follow the link to
visit their site:
www.baltimoremainstreets.com
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MAIN STREET RESOURCES
The Main Street Maryland Program offers official Main Street designation, technical assistance, training, and other services to the 23 Main Street communities across the State including:
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Manager orientation and training sessions
- Individual site visits and attendance at local Main Street meetings
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On-site visits to help the community develop and plan for the future
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On-site design assistance
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Specialized training on topics specific to commercial revitalization
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Education about State and Federal programs, grants, and loans
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Conduct quarterly meetings and annual trainings
- Facilitate and promote outreach for Main Street communities
- Provide National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center membership
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ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
Maryland communities meeting the following criteria may apply for participation
in the Main Street Maryland program:
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A minimum population of 1,000 based on the most recent U.S. Census survey
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Commitment to employ a program manager for a minimum of three years
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Commitment to organize and maintain a volunteer board of directors and
committees made up of public and private sector individuals
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Commitment to provide a program budget for a minimum of three years
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Must be a Designated Neighborhood approved by the State of Maryland
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Must have a defined central business district with a significant number of
historic commercial buildings.
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| FOR MORE
INFORMATION
Main
Street Managers' Contact Information
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Amy Seitz
State Main Street Coordinator
410-209-5813
seitz@mdhousing.org
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