State of Maryland Invests $1 Million in the City of Cambridge

Targeted assistance provided for “Smart Site” Main and Maple Street Development Investment Announced by Governor O’Malley at Small Business Roundtable

CAMBRIDGE, MD (January 7, 2010) – As part of a Small Business Roundtable event, Governor Martin O’Malley announced and additional $600,000 in assistance from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for “Smart Site” activities in the City of Cambridge, bringing the State of Maryland’s total investment in Cambridge’s “Smart Site” areas to $1 million. Cambridge was designated as a “Smart Site” in June, 2009 by Governor O’Malley for the City’s Maple Street Neighborhood Initiative, a comprehensive plan which calls for the revitalization of the historic residential communities adjacent to Cambridge’s Main Street business district with a focus on “green” infill housing.

“We’re excited to announce new funding that will strengthen and grow the City of Cambridge,” said Governor O’Malley. “Together, we’re making vital investments for our hardworking families by revitalizing our communities, promoting sustainable business practices, and preserving the heritage of neighborhoods across our One Maryland.”

Cambridge received a total of $300,000 through the Community Legacy program for three projects in the City’s Maple Street district. The City was awarded $240,000 for the acquisition and construction of “green” infill housing for low- to moderate-income homeowners; $50,000 for curb and gutter replacement, and; $10,000 for the fabrication and installation of a historic marker on Pine Street to commemorate a traditional African-American neighborhood. The City also received $300,000 from the HOME Initiatives program (HOME) for the “Smart Site Green Infilling Housing” project. The HOME funds will support the new construction of two additional “green” infill houses in the Maple Street district.

Cambridge previously received assistance through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). WAP assistance totaling $150,000 will be used for energy efficiency improvements on 40 townhome units in a multifamily rental development owned by the Cambridge Housing Authority, including air sealing, duct sealing and insulation. Cambridge also was awarded $250,000 in CDBG assistance to support a housing rehabilitation program for low- to moderate-income homeowners that is expected to assist 15 households.

“The City of Cambridge has done a tremendous job revitalizing and strengthening its downtown business district, and now they’re looking to build on that success in the surrounding residential communities through their Maple Street initiative,” said DHCD Secretary Raymond A. Skinner. “The State is proud to be a partner in these efforts to support Cambridge as an economically viable, environmentally friendly community that celebrates its rich history and culture.”

The Maple Street district of Cambridge is one of 15 “Smart Sites” throughout Maryland as designated by Governor O’Malley. “Smart Sites” are site-specific capital projects that encourage public and private investment and green building practices in existing Maryland communities. The “Smart Sites” designation helps encourage State and local partners to work together to coordinate and align investment in innovative ways that encourage smart growth and sustainable communities in appropriate areas throughout Maryland.

“Smart Sites,” Community Legacy, HOME, CDBG and WAP are all programs that support Governor O’Malley’s Smart, Green & Growing initiative. Smart, Green & Growing is a multi-agency, statewide initiative launched by Governor O’Malley to help Maryland achieve a more sustainable future by linking community revitalization, transportation improvements, economic development, smart growth and environmental restoration efforts. For more information, please log on to: http://www.green.maryland.gov.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development works with partners to finance housing opportunities and revitalize great places for Maryland citizens to live, work and prosper. To learn more about DHCD’s Community Legacy, HOME, CDBG, WAP and other DHCD programs, visit www.mdhousing.org.

News updates also are available by following DHCD on Twitter (www.twitter.com/MDHousing) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/marylandhousing).

For more information:

Andy DeVilbiss
410-514-7710
devilbiss@mdhousing.org

Rosa Cruz
410-514-7712
cruz@mdhousing.org

Jacqueline Lampell
410-514-7704
lampell@mdhousing.org