Maryland Announces Four New Sustainable Communities
NEW CARROLLTON, MD — Three Eastern Shore towns and one community in Carroll County have been named Maryland’s newest Sustainable Communities. With the addition of East New Market, Finksburg, Galena, and Hebron, the Smart Growth Subcabinet has designated 116 Sustainable Communities across Maryland since the creation of the program in 2010. Sustainable Community designations help Maryland’s diverse communities connect with state and local resources to support comprehensive, thoughtful strategies for environmentally, economically and socially responsible revitalization.
Dorchester County – Town of East New Market
Located about six miles northeast of Cambridge, the Town of East New Market was officially named in 1827 and incorporated in 1832. Rich in history beginning with pre-Columbian Native Americans, this small town of approximately 400 residents is a Nationally Registered Historic District and a stop on the Harriet Tubman Scenic Byway across the Eastern Shore. East New Market seeks to provide more services and infrastructure upgrades for its residents, including better pathways and bike facilities and increasing cultural and tourism programming in the town’s Friendship Park.
Carroll County – Finksburg
A small unincorporated community located near the border of Carroll and Baltimore counties, Finksburg is named for Adam Fink, an early 19th century tavern and toll road owner. Visitors can learn more about Fink and other local history at the Country Store Museum and the home of the Historical Society of Carroll County, while residents enjoy the modern Carroll County Public Library, the first green building in the county. Local stakeholders would like to continue the implementation of the Finksburg Corridor Plan, encouraging both redevelopment and new development and improving pedestrian access and safety in areas adjacent to Maryland Route 140, the community’s main artery. Finksburg also seeks to enhance the protection of its natural resources and increase community activities.
Kent County – Town of Galena
Near the Sassafras River, Galena features a small town feel for travelers and residents alike with charming businesses and outdoor recreation. With roots from America’s earliest years, Galena holds legends and stories to charm any history buff. Galena hopes to leverage its Sustainable Community designation to become more energy efficient by installing solar street lights and educating its residents in the user of solar energy. Although a small quiet town, Galena plans to grow smart and efficiently by changing zoning to allow for multifamily and affordable housing and by promoting infill development in its commercial area, as well as launching a façade improvement program to attract and retain businesses. The town also plans to create a community center offering a variety of programming and services and to increase transportation options for its aging residents.
Wicomico County – Town of Hebron
Founded in the late 19th century as a train depot outside of the City of Salisbury, the Town of Hebron is named after the Biblical city and was officially incorporated in 1931. With its proximity to the railroad, the community rapidly became a manufacturing and agricultural hub. Hebron’s Sustainable Community area is centered on the core of the town, including its historical Main Street, and revitalization efforts will begin with façade improvements on residential and commercial properties.
