Officials call public hearing in effort to revitalize historic downtown district

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – Walking through the pine street historic district today you’ll see quite a few run down homes and vacant lots.  But the city, partnering with a number of non-profits, is asking residents how to invest more than a million dollars in this community.

“We want to hear, public space, how do envision public space, and is there enough.  Is there adequate public space.  Is there adequate resources.  Housing, what type of housing do we see as needed for the neighborhood here,” said Yvette Robinson, housing specialist for the City of Cambridge.

Some of the residents we spoke with told us they want to see more infrastructure in the area to benefit children and seniors.  Residents also discussed bringing in more events, like the Groove City Fest that was brought back to Pine Street this summer.

“We grew up with culture.  There was always events, there was always teachings, there was always lessons for the youth,” said Lynette Wongus, a lifelong Cambridge resident.

Plans are already in the works for six homes to be built by Habitat for Humanity, Choptank chapter.

Three to be new constructions, and three other homes to be historic preservations.

“We’re looking at new construction.  Habitat for Humanity has already started some of those new construction, and working with the community to get folks in those homes,” said Robinson.

Along with a $500,000 grant from the state Department of Housing and Community Development, hundreds-of-thousands of dollars have also been pledged from the city, Habitat and other organizations.

Officials tell us that if they see success here, the plan is to continue applying for funding to replicate revitalization in other city districts.

“Long-term, we look at seeing this develop and grow, and then taking this and moving it into others, spreading out to other wards,” said Robinson.

For anyone who couldn’t make it out Thursday night, you can give City Hall a call, they have those questions raised at the session that you can reply back to through mail or email.

Officials are also looking to empower people with the knowledge they need to be home owners.  They hope that more knowledgeable home owners and renters in the area can help with economic and work force development moving forward.