“When I was growing up in the area near Port Street, most people knew each other. We kids were free to roam and play; it was a young boy’s dream. One goal for redevelopment is to return the waterfront area to a place where kids can play and discover. The plan calls for recreation areas for children, benches where you can sit and read a book and a boardwalk along the river’s edge.”
Easton has had a busy year. The town has seen strong economic growth and has supported important infrastructure partnerships. Permitting is strong for construction projects, including Talbot County’s new elementary school on Glenwood Avenue.
In the past year, record storms have underscored the importance of protecting our land and waterways. We’ve recently secured grants that will finance planning and design work on three of the town’s watersheds. Easton’s engineering department is mandated by the Maryland Department of the Environment to work towards a plan for controlling pollution in storm runoff. The current MS4 application includes GIS mapping of the town’s impervious surfaces–as well as important stream restoration.
Completion of the Rails-to-Trails extension on Wayside Avenue and the foot bridge over the Tred Avon, is evidence that the Easton Point redevelopment project is coming to life. Look for landscaping and continued improvements to the paths.
After years of planning, the Housing on the Hill Redevelopment Project is succeeding in its goal of creating affordable housing while retaining the integrity of its historic neighborhood. The first house constructed as part of the effort was recently finished, with the second slated to be ready for sale in the spring.
Our goal is to keep middle income jobs in Easton, jobs that contribute to the community’s economic diversity and appeal. To that end, with the help of a $2.2 million grant from the US Department of Commerce and Economic Development, we’re exploring Mistletoe Hall Farm as a site to attract innovative new industry and ensure that existing companies remain here.
At the same time, we’re working hard to find merchants and other businesses to locate to our downtown. We hope that we’ll continue to lease the available storefronts to new tenants.
Economic development requires attention to detail and constant support. It requires balancing growth and preservation. When we do this well, we ensure that Easton will continue to thrive.
