Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Proposes $6.4 Million for Projects on the Eastern Shore

EASTERN SHORE, Md. — The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced Tuesday that Eastern Shore counties are set to receive a combined $6.4 million through the state’s Revitalization Programs, for 33 projects in the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

One of those programs is the Facade Improvement Program, which provides funding to local governments and community development organizations to enhance the appearance and appeal of facilities and business building exteriors. The department has proposed grant funding in the amount of $50,000 to the town of Delmar to enhance the look of the Downtown area.

“It helps leverage a lot of private money… it helps leverage a lot of good will… it helps new businesses when they start up. Often times, it can help subsidize the exterior signage and awnings, whatever the case may be, and it’s a win-win for everyone,” Director of State Revitalization Programs Kevin Baynes said.  The department proposed another $50,000 for facade improvements in the City of Cambridge.

Also on the department’s list of proposals is additional funding to complete Phase 2 of the Lot 16 Pavilion and Riverwalk Crossing Project, also known as the developing SBY Market Center. The development will include a mixed-use residential and retail building — housing apartments and commercial ground floor space. A proposed $340,000 would go to the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s project. The project will also extend The City of Salisbury’s riverwalk, river bulkheads, and streetscape.

“We, the division of neighborhood revitalization, try to revitalize downtowns, and one key thing to do that is in fact put people downtown, because then people will need goods and services, and [it will] put feet on the street. Also, it’s good from a smart growth perspective. They often walk to work if they’re working in Salisbury, so it helps with the congestion,” Baynes said.