Berlin Awarded $1.4M for Flower St Community Center

BERLIN, Md. – The Town of Berlin has been awarded $1.4 million in federal funding for the future Community Center on Flower Street.

The funding was granted through the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, and will be administered by the USDA Rural Development. It will fund the early phases of the project, including site preparation, project design, and future construction.  Once the multigenerational facility is complete, it will house SHORE UP! Inc.’s Head Start Center, programs for children and families, computer labs, recreational spaces, and a museum highlighting the history of the site and neighborhood.

“Investing in community spaces that serve our residents helps neighborhoods thrive,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, who requested and worked to secure the funding with Senator Angela Alsobrooks. “That’s why we fought to secure this direct federal funding to help the Town of Berlin move forward with a new community center at the historic Flower Street School site. This effort demonstrates how we can learn from the past to create a better future for all as we convert this building into a hub for the community.”

Alsobrooks expressed her support for the project as well, saying the community center will be a space of fellowship, friendship, history, and advocacy where children and seniors alike can grow.

Berlin Mayor Zach Tyndall acknowledged the Senators involvement, saying, “I sincerely thank Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks for supporting Berlin’s request for funding for this vital project in our community. This investment allows us to take meaningful steps forward toward making our community’s vision a reality.”

Officials say updates on the community center’s development will be provided as milestones are reached.