Easton Economic Development Update 2018 by Easton Economic Development Corporation

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE 2018 Easton, Maryland

“We know that the majority of population growth over the next 15 years in Talbot County will occur in Easton. Port Street and Easton Point have the potential to responsibly absorb much of that growth, while providing our citizens public waterfront access, a new park, affordable housing, new jobs and improved streetscapes. This (small area) master plan will provide the much needed road map for that to happen.” –Mayor Robert “Bob” Willey

Mayor’s Note “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.

Talbot County shipbuilding dominated the market.

The Free School of Talbot County was established, providing teachers twenty pounds a year plus access to produce from the school farm.

Streets of the Town of Talbot Court House (which later became Easton) were laid out.

1790

Third Haven Meeting Hall completed.

1697 -1698

English settlers established Talbot County.

1684

1630s -1698

Historical cover photos courtesy of the Talbot Historical Society, Easton, Maryland. Butcher: FIC2001.321, photographer unknown Dover Street: 1981.019.018999, photographer unknown

1785

Photo courtesy of Hunter Harris

1723

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.

The Shore’s first newspaper, The Maryland Herald and the Eastern Shore Intelligencer, was founded in Easton.

DIRECTOR’S DESK

WALKABLE COMMUNITIES

Small houses work best when they are within walking distance of stores, schools and recreational facilities. A National Association of Realtors found that 60 percent of respondents –of all ages–prefer neighborhoods that don’t require a lot of driving, and are willing to trade home and lot size for walkability.

Getting to where you want to go requires knowing where you’ve been, setting a vision for the future and implementing the necessary steps to get there. Like taxes and death, change is certain. The Easton Economic Development Corporation was created with a mission to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, and to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. In this annual update, through the lens of economic development, we examine the past, present and potential future of Easton through a historical timeline and photographs, an examination of current trends shaping our future, updates on Easton’s food economy, downtown, Port Street redevelopment, Easton Utilities, the planning process and resources for business owners.

HEALTHY FOOD

To complement the active lifestyles that blossom in walkable neighborhoods, residents will seek healthy foods. More and more consumers are turning to locally grown, nutrient-dense foods. Situated amidst the Eastern Shore’s bounty, Easton is in a position to accommodate these preferences.

For monthly updates, be sure to sign up for WayPoint by going to our website www.eastonedc.com. Enjoy! Tracy Ward

TRENDS SHAPING EASTON’S FUTURE

The location-based entertainment industry is expected to reach $12 billion in the next five years. Seventy-eight percent of millennials report preferring to spend their money on experiences over things. Music festivals and active events, like Easton’s annual Paddle Jam, organized by the Talbot County’s Young Professionals, will become more and more popular in the coming years.

AGING POPULATION

Mayor’s Note ....................... 3

WORKING FROM ANYWHERE

By 2030, seniors will head more than 40 percent of rural households, meaning concerns about both affordability and accessibility will grow along with the aging population. The town of Easton’s affordable housing fund offers grants to homeowners in the Town of Easton for approved renovations to ensure that older residents can continue to live independently.

Director’s Desk ................... 4 Trends Shaping Easton’s Future ............... 4-5 Easton’s Local Food Economy ................. 6-7

People are choosing to move to Easton for the small town vibe and natural beauty, opting to raise their families here, or split time between their offices in the city and the Eastern Shore. Growing access to broadband and new rules allowing federal employees to work remotely will increase the potential for telecommuters to settle here.

RETAIL TO ANYWHERE - PLUS MORE FOOD

Likewise, retail shops that lend vibrancy to our downtown may not survive on foot traffic alone. Stores like Vintage Books and Fine Arts and Albright’s Gun Shop are tapping into the online shopping trend, finding it an essential ingredient to their success. At the same time, downtown areas and retail centers will become more food-focused as Americans continue to dine out more than they eat in.

Downtown Update ........... 8-9 SMALL HOUSE LIVING

Taxes on property, billiard tables and dogs were levied by the Town Commissioners.

1791 -1828

1790

Economic Development Update is published by the Easton Economic Development Corporation. All content was provided by EEDC.

Easton “Boom years” and the rise of the middle class.

New Court House built in Easton.

CAREER PATHWAYS

According to Forbes, more and more people are looking for faster and cheaper routes to good jobs. This may mean fewer four-year college educations in favor of community colleges and certificate programs. Chesapeake College’s programs in health professions, skilled trades and education create pathways to employment in the country’s fastest growing industries.

1795

Resources ......................... 15

1794

Affordable and energy efficient, small houses seem to be here to stay. With the average American devoting upwards of one-third of their income towards housing costs, tiny houses can mean affordability. In Easton, developer Hoppy Stafford is constructing eight cottages, each 800 square feet a block from the Easton courthouse. Each home has two bedrooms and a kitchen with high ceilings throughout.

Planning Update ............... 14

First Eastern Shore schooner line was established between Easton and Baltimore.

Rembrandt Peale advertises his services as a “portrait painter” in the Herald.

1804 -1814

Port Street Update ..... 10-11

1799

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXPERIENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT

The Messenger schooner built at Easton Point - later captured by the British.

EASTON’S LOCAL FOOD ECONOMY Easton’s growing food community is driving economic development and helping to support sustainable agriculture on the Mid Shore. The availability of fresh local food and quality ingredients is influencing a higher level of cuisine, resulting in Easton being recognized in the hospitality industry for its growing community of restaurants and interesting food purveyors.

PIAZZA ITALIAN MARKET

Emily Chandler picked Easton in 2008 for her Italian Market because it serves as a cultural center for the Mid Shore, a place where consumers want to learn about cooking and explore the culinary world.

EAT SPROUT

Ryan and Emily Groll started Sprout, an online meal delivery company of nutritionist-designed and chef-crafted food in a food truck. Today, Sprout has 17 employees in a new permanent storefront. The company buys from local farmers and offers small-batch artisanal products made fresh every day.

Food entrepreneurs liken Easton’s business climate to an incubator where they can experiment with new products and concepts, as well as collaborate with each other as they grow their individual businesses. As a result, Easton is attracting high-quality businesses that are impacting the quality of life for its residents. By promoting local food and creating access and awareness to buyers, these businesses are bringing people closer to their food, helping to decrease the carbon footprint, improving food security and introducing a new and healthier way of life.

FAR EASTERN SHORE WINERY

CHESAPEAKE HARVEST

Chesapeake Harvest is changing how quality food is being distributed to businesses and consumers on the Mid Shore, offering an online farmers market and retail market, connecting farmers directly to consumers and wholesale buyers.

Owners Tara and Tien-Seng Chiu’s storefront boutique micro-winery on Route 50 serves as a tourism gateway to Easton, steering people to Easton’s restaurants, shopping, galleries and museums.

“We are situated near Easton’s Farmers’ Market, so people can stop at both places to buy local food, and then go home to cook it. I like being a part of the supportive family of small business owners like me.”

“Everyone we buy from is benefitting and growing. We believe your taste buds are made happiest by food that’s crafted close by.”

- Emily Chandler

- Ryan Groll

RISE UP COFFEE

Tim Cureton had a vision for Rise Up Coffee, an artisanal coffee roaster, headquartered in Easton. From its initial drive-through trailer in St. Michaels, MD, the company now has grown to 120 employees in eight locations across Maryland and Delaware. The company has plans to break ground in 2019 for a new, larger facility across from its roastery in Easton.

World demand for wheat and corn boosts Easton’s agriculture economy.

- Tim Cureton

The Easton Hotel, later named the Brick Hotel and the Stewart Building, was constructed.

The first steamboat line on the Eastern Shore docked at Easton Point.

1820 -1840

Fort Stoakes was erected near Easton Point in preparation for the war.

- Tien-Seng Chiu

1815

Farmer’s Bank of Maryland, the Eastern Shore’s first bank, was established in Easton.

1813

1805

- Jordan Lloyd

1817 -1819

“Wine shouldn’t have rules. We want to make wine fun and friendly.”

“The coffee experiment has overrun the laboratory. Easton is a welcoming environment for starting new things and incubating new concepts. We are proof of that.”

1815

“Chesapeake Harvest is creating better access to quality food at an affordable price point that works with businesses’ everyday rhythms.”

7 Peace in Europe leads to a decrease in demand for agricultural products, ushering in an agricultural depression.

PUBLIC INVESTMENT DOWNTOWN Twenty years ago, Easton became one of Maryland’s first designated Main Street communities, but the stroll-able town center is home to plenty of businesses that have been around much longer than that. In a year that saw Toys ‘R’ Us struggle to stay afloat, the toy store Crackerjacks celebrates 40 years downtown.

Academy Art Museum Courtyard Entrance Plan - As a key element of its capital campaign, the Academy Art Museum will relocate its main entrance through a freshly landscaped pathway from Harrison Street through the courtyard. By undertaking this renovation, the face of the Museum will open towards neighbors and partners, aligning the Museum with the cultural corridor of Harrison Street, presenting a pleasant public space in the downtown. The Museum’s atrium gallery will also undergo renovation and updates to enhance the visitor experience. The Museum has hired awardwinning architects Ziger/Snead of Baltimore to design the new entrance. The investment in the courtyard entrance and atrium gallery is estimated at under $1M.

HOUSING ON THE HILL With an $800K community development block grant, the town of Easton is restoring six houses in the historic “Hill” neighborhood for affordable workforce housing. The project will completely renovate each of the smaller homes, maintaining their historic significance and bringing them to modern energy efficiency standards. This project includes the well-known historic Buffalo Soldier House at 323 South Street. The first house is nearing completion and is on the market for $129,000. Two more homes will be completed in the spring.

ACADEMY ART MUESEUM AU G U ST 2 7, 2 0 1 8

Entrepreneurs from other parts of Maryland have discovered Easton’s charms, and demonstrate their confidence in the local business climate by setting up shop here. Levity boutique, for example, has brought its eclectic mix of home décor and fashion from Annapolis to Harrison Street and Prim Salon has been so successful on Dover Road that its owners have made Easton their primary residence. Optical Galleria, with locations in Centreville and Ocean City, is a perfect fit for a town that serves as both the county seat and an art hub, by combining art shows with the eye care services every community needs.

ACADEMY ART MUSEUM

Inspired by Easton’s growing reputation as an LGBTQ-friendly town, the Hummingbird Inn on Aurora Street is an inviting and welcoming getaway; the Victorian style B and B recently celebrated its first anniversary.

AVALON THEATRE RENOVATIONS

Academy Art Museum- Courtyard View Looking From Harrison Street

The reinvented Mason’s is likewise celebrating one year under Academy Art Museum- Courtyard View Looking Toward Harrison Street new management, and the Tidewater Inn is putting finishing touches on a multi-million dollar renovation, with elegant new The Avalon Foundation has launched its Second Century Fund, a $2.1M campaign with three simple ballrooms and wedding spaces ready for the season. After five goals: modernize the systems and accessibility of the Avalon Theatre; bring the facility’s decor back years of success downtown, Vintage Books and Fine Arts to its 1930s art deco aesthetic; and leave the Foundation with appropriate capital reserves to recently expanded its space four-fold and moved to a higher maintain its assets. The Avalon Theatre is the heart and soul of the Avalon Foundation’s work. The visibility spot at 4 North Washington Street. project includes reconfiguration of the balcony to upgrade comfort, safety and sight lines to the stage; renovations to bathrooms to improve capacity, accessibility and experience; plaster restoration and Celebrate Blue Point Hospitality’s continuing commitment to reintroduction of historic art deco design elements; replacement of the theatrical lighting system to downtown with a dram at The Stewart, a Scotch and whisky bar, improve energy efficiency and meet modern technical requirements. and look for the company’s bookstore as well as an ice cream and pie shop in the coming year. Massing

Courtyard view

SHORE RIVERS Shore Rivers recently completed a full renovation of the steam plant of the old McCord Laundry, now the Eastern Shore Conservation Center. Shore Rivers invested $60K of reserved funds for the renovation, which houses offices of ts Easton-based Riverkeepers, scientists, agricultural and restoration specialists, and environmental education managers. The group works to protect and restore the Sassafras, Chester, Miles, Wye and Choptank rivers and all of their tributaries, as well as the Eastern Bay. Restoration of the steam plant completed the historic restoration of the Eastern Shore Conservation Center, perhaps downtown Easton’s best example of adaptive reuse of a historic commercial complex.

Recognizing the appeal of downtown living, local landlords are creating apartments above downtown storefronts, investments that keep Easton’s stores open late and keep the sidewalks busy.

“The Hill” became a predominantly African-American neighborhood in Easton.

1870s

Resident and waterman Eli Pratt piloted packet boats, including hauling ice from Havre de Grace.

1870s

The railroad arrives in Easton.

1870

Steamboats arrive at Easton Point to pick up more than 200 “colored troops” who volunteered for the Union army.

1870

Easton and Talbot County became a center for selling “surplus” slaves to expanding cotton and rice plantations further south.

1863

1820 -1860

Fashion and home decor, art and antiques, food, drink and hospitality: There’s a lot to discover on Easton’s main streets.

The first Talbot County cannery opens at Easton Point.

PORT STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE

3 5

Webb’s Hope - The Neighborhood Service Center recently completely renovated Webb’s Hope affordable apartments at 36 West St. The property was donated, and Neighborhood Service Center invested close to $450K to upgrade the units and enhance their safety with fire alarms and a sprinkler system. Currently, Webb’s Hope has 23 residents, with one unit set aside specifically for youth 18-25 who are aging out of foster care, in coordination with the Department of Social Services. The building has a waiting list of close to 100 people, demonstrating the ongoing need for affordable housing in Easton.

Habitat for Humanity Habitat Choptank is wrapping up a five-home project on Port Street, with two of the homes now completed and sold to first time homeowners. Two are targeted to sell by June 2019, and the last by the end of 2019. New homeowners are in the pipeline for each of these new homes.

American Legion Post 77 - To celebrate its 100th birthday in 2020, American Legion Post #77’s Building to Serve! capital campaign will renovate, expand and modernize the Post’s current home, with a $900K investment to be raised from grants and private donations. The renovation will add an event and banquet facility, and space for community wellness programs.

Project Title

Addition & Alterations

American Legion

Project Title

Addition & Alterations

Blake-Blackston American Legion Post 77 Blake-Blackston 102 Glenwood Ave. Post 77 Easton, Maryland 21601

102 Glenwood Ave. www.mdblakeblackstonpost77.org Easton, Maryland 21601 www.mdblakeblackstonpost77.org Legion Contact:

Legion Contact: George Jenkins George Jenkins TEL: (410) 829-2735 TEL: (410) 829-2735

Sheet Title

North Elevation North Elevation (Existing); West (Existing); West Elevation (Existing) Elevation (Existing)

General Notes

NORTH ELEVATION (EXISTING) SCALE: 1/4"= 1'-0"

No. 1

Mark

Date 30 OCT 2016

P.O. Box 1822, Easton, MD, USA 21601-1822 TEL: (410) 820-9176 FAX: (410) 820-4044 www.cpgoebel.com

Architect, Ltd.

Architecture Land Planning Design & Construction Management

Charles Paul

Issues and Revisions

Architecture Land Planning Design & Construction Management

Professional Cerification: I certify that these documents were prepared or approved by me, and that I am a duly registered architect under the laws of the State of Maryland license number 9707, expiration date 10-15-2017

Charles Paul

P.O. Box 1822, Easton, MD, USA 21601-1822 TEL: (410) 820-9176 FAX: (410) 820-4044 www.cpgoebel.com

Issues and Revisions

This sheet (and all drawings, specifications, notes and data appearing hereon) is an original and unpublished instrument of service of the Architect and may not be duplicated, used or disclosed without his express written consent. c

No.

Mark

Date 30 OCT 2016

Project No.

16-10

WEST ELEVATION (EXISTING)

Scale

SCALE: 1/4"= 1'-0"

Sheet

Graphic Scale

1/4"= 1'-0" 04

Sheet No. 0

WEST ELEVATION (EXISTING)

10'

Easton Elementary School Construction has begun on a new state-of-the-art 128,000 square foot Easton Elementary School for 1,167 students from Pre-K to 5th grade. The new school will be ready for students by March 2020. The total cost for the new Elementary School is estimated at more than $52M. EASTON ELEMENTARY

PROJECT ADDRESS

Scale

305 Glenwood Ave Easton, Maryland 21601 PROJECT OWNER

TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Sheet

10'

ARCHITECT

30 WEST KING STREET CHAMBERSBURG, PA | 17201-1540 P: 717.263.8464 | F: 717.263.6031 NOELKERHULL.COM PA | MD | VA STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Abel Consulting Engineers

9055 Comprint Court, Suite 370 | Gaithersburg, MD | 20877 P: (301) 258-8884 | F: (301) 258-9457

M/E/P ENGINEER

Gipe Associates, Inc.

849 Fairmount Avenue Dulaney Center I, Suite 102 | Baltimore, MD | 21286 P: (410) 832-2420 | F: (410) 832-2418

FOOD SERVICE CONSULTANT

CIVIL ENGINEER

Lane Engineering, LLC.

117 Bay Street | Easton, MD | 21601 P: (410) 822-8003 | F: (410) 822-2024

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

ARCHITECT'S STAMP

Professional Certification: I hereby certify that these documents were prepared or approved by me, and that I am a duly licensed professional engineer under the laws of the State of Maryland. License No. , Expiration Date: __

SHEET INFORMATION KEY PLAN

AREA C

AREA B

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PLAN NORTH

RTH

REVISIONS

REV. #:

DESCRIPTION:

DATE:

PROJECT STATUS

JOB NUMBER: ISSUE DATE: SCALE:

16-10

A4 Boat House - Evergreen proposes an inclusive, new facility that will house two rowing teams with the capability to bring regattas to Easton. The 11,000 sq. ft. facility will include indoor and outdoor community spaces that promote community activities, instructional classes and events. This will be accomplished in an architectural setting of all natural light, sustainable materials, and radiant geothermal heating and cooling.

20'

PROJECT TEAM

AREA A

1/4"= 1'-0" 04

Sheet No.

17907 JUNE 01, 2018 12" = 1'-0"

SHEET TITLE:

OVERALL EXTERIOR MODEL VIEW (COLORED)

Building African American Minds - $2.5 million was raised and construction was started on a new gymnasium, community room and offices for BAAM on Jowite Street. Once this phase is completed, another $1M will be raised to add classrooms, event space and offices to BAAM’s current space, creating a solar-powered campus to house the organization’s after-school and community activities.

Project No.

PROJECT TITLE

Graphic Scale

04Charles Paul Goebel, Architect, Ltd. 2016

20'

SCALE: 1/4"= 1'-0"

PROJECT INFORMATION

Net Zero homes will soon be built by the Housing Commission of Talbot. Nine new units will be built in two multifamily housing units: one two-story structure with five units, and a second with four units. Each will have two bedrooms and one bath. These homes will front closely upon Port and West Street, maintaining the spatial scale and pattern of the surrounding neighborhood. Eleven parking spots, located behind the buildings, will be provided for the residents. The units will be built to a passive housing design with high energy designed heat and air systems, solar panels, extra insulation, triple pane windows, environmentally approved materials and a pleasant site design. The project will include eliminating the utility poles and placing all utilities underground. The sidewalk will consist of brick pavers, like those installed on the opposite side of Port Street last year. The Housing Commission will be accepting applications from income qualified individuals and families who meet the criteria.

SHEET NUMBER:

A4.0a

Pedestrian bridge and rail trail extension - A new pedestrian bridge and Rails-to-Trails Extension now links the Port Street area over 322 Bypass at Glenwood Ave, and over the Tred Avon River and along the water’s edge to St. Michaels Road. The bridge offers a new nature experience along the water’s edge at Easton’s only waterfront area. The trail extension and bridge are the first visible steps toward the vision of Port Street’s eventual redevelopment.

Easton Utilities Completes Landscaping for Easton Point Park - With a master plan in place and a strong, enthusiastic crew, Easton Utilities completed a noteworthy landscaping project for the future Easton Point Park. For aesthetics and to create a natural barrier, the landscaping features a variety of 45 trees and 53 shrubs. “This project aligns our mission and service to the Town of Easton with our proud tradition of environmental stewardship,” said Hugh E. Grunden, President and CEO for Easton Utilities.

Easton became a pioneer in constructing a complete municipal sewerage system.

1913 -1940

The Legislature authorized the Mayor and Council form of government.

1911

Electricity was made available to streets and homes.

1906

Frederick Douglas dedicated both the Asbury UM and the Bethel AME Churches in The Hill.

1878

Point Road (later to be called Port Street) was improved with oyster shells.

1878

1874

The showboat, The Adams Floating Theater, docked at Easton Point.

1 Renewable Energy Easton Utilities understands the importance of resource conservation and protecting the environment. The state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility has significantly reduced effluent nitrogen and phosphorous, which contribute directly to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. In addition, we have added two renewable energy sources at the Easton Sustainability Campus with the 1MW Landfill Gas to Electric Generator and the 2MW Solar Array which also generate clean energy locally that is cost effective for our customers.

to Electric Generator Online January 2017

2 MW Solar Array Online November 2017*

2,308,300 lbs Methane destroyed

The emissions of

5,605 cars

Annual projected Methane (Greenhouse Gas) converted to electricity

3,000,000 kWh

Enough to power

250 homes

Annual projected output (25 year avg)

ENR Wastewater Treatment Facility

90%

Less Nitrogen

97%

Less Phosphorous

Reduction in discharge since 2006

2 Innovative Technology

For more than 100 years, Easton Utilities has been an integral part of the Town of Easton as the municipal utility company for more than 13,500 customers. We are responsible for the operation, management and maintenance of the electric, water, wastewater, natural gas, cable television and internet utility services for Easton and portions of Talbot County.

3 Charitable Giving | Community

Technology plays a vital role in providing the tools and information customers demand. To ensure these needs are met, Easton Utilities developed a unique business unit with its IT Professional Services, created in 2009. From coast to coast and internationally, IT Professional Services helps companies optimize their business operations impacted by the ever increasing role of technology in the workplace.

The value of being a municipal utility is that our customers are the stakeholders. We are local - we live and work here. The benefits remain in our community. We are reliable - we proactively make investments in our infrastucture. Our crews and fleet are agile to accomodate any scenario that could impact our customers, equipment and infrastructure. We are affordable - our prices are consistently lower than other regional providers. Based on a thorough annual analysis of rates compared to other regional providers, Easton Utilities estimates saving customers $8-$10M annually. The significant savings we create as a public utility company have a beneficial ripple effect throughout our community.

With more than 250 nonprofit organizations carrying out their missions in Talbot County, Easton Utilities is committed to supporting the great work they do in and for our community. We return more than $30K annually to a variety of organizations plus provide substantial in-kind services to assist with various events.

4 The ability to provide high-speed network capacity and a robust data infrastructure is critical to businesses, healthcare and educational institutions. Easton Velocity is embarking on a system-wide technology upgrade to replace and improve the infrastructure that delivers high-speed internet to current customers. This division of Easton Utilities is making a substantial investment to offer gigabit class services, maintain reliability, and support next generation technology.

Above all else, exceptional customer service is what sets Easton Utilities apart. Our mission is to “enhance the quality of life in our community” and this mindset is at the forefront of everything we do. We continue our commitment to safety, reliability, fiscal responsibility, and customer satisfaction through the following:

Our Promise

The Hammondtown neighborhood became a center for African American entertainment venues, shops and homes.

1934 -1935

Easton Point became the site of several oil depots and a large fertilizer warehouse.

1933

The Town purchased a local gas plant.

1930s

A new school for AfricanAmerican students was built with Rosenwald funds.

1922

The Town purchased a municipal water system.

1919

1914

Easton Utilities employs more than 140 exceptional individuals who are dedicated to keeping our town brighter, warmer and cleaner. The best way to sum it up is simply, Easton Utilities makes life better!

“Soft coal” brought to Easton Point helped power the new “Gas House” on West Street.

PLANNING WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?

RESOURCES

All new development in Easton is guided by the Comprehensive Plan, revisited and updated every 10 years, and our local zoning ordinances. Often, plans for a new development can take years to move through planning, permitting, fund development and public review. Public engagement for new development is a big part of the process. While it can slow down the development process, public participation ensures that all points of view are heard and best decisions are made with the most positive impact to the largest number of people. Sometimes, as in the case of Easton Point and the Port Street Corridor, Neighborhood or Small Area plans are also created to guide development in a smaller zone.

Enterprise Zone Tax Credit (EZ) - The EZ program provides real property and state income tax credits for businesses located in a Maryland enterprise zone in return for job creation and investments. Businesses located in the zone may also qualify for personal property tax credits on new investment and enhanced income tax credit for creating new jobs. For more information visit http://commerce.maryland.gov or contact Natalie Slater at (410) 690-7348 or natalie@eastonedc.com.

Easton residents are encouraged to become involved at all levels of planning. Current opportunities include:

Opportunity Zone (OZ) - The Opportunity Zone program is a nationwide initiative administered by the U.S. Treasury created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The program provides federal tax incentives for investment in distressed communities over the next 10 years. Areas designated as Opportunity Zones will be able to reap the benefits of capital gains to help redevelop underserved communities. For more information visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov or contact Tracy Ward at (410) 690-7348 or tracy.ward@eastonedc.com.

• The finalization of the MXW Zoning District for Easton Point • Updates to the Zoning Ordinance • Updated Design Guidelines • Small Area Plan for the West End • Comprehensive Plan Update. Contact the Town’s Planning Department to become involved at 410-822-2525.

MAYOR, COUNCIL

PLANNING MEETING

ZONING ORDINANCE

DEVELOPER IDENTIFIED

PLANS REVIEWED

FUNDS PUT IN PLACE

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

Maryland Commercial Property Accessed Clean Energy Financing (C-PACE) - C-PACE financing provides 100 percent up-front capital to commercial property owners to implement building upgrades that save energy and lower operating costs. Improvements are repaid through a long-term surcharge on the property tax bill that transfers with the sale of the property. C-PACE benefits business owners by providing longer repayment terms than traditional financing and can be structured to make projects “cash-flow positive” from day one. Eligible projects for C-PACE financing include solar, wind, geothermal and high-efficiency lighting. To learn more about C-PACE, go to www.md-pace.com.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

F3 Tech Accelerator Program – www.f3tech.org Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center - https://chesmrc.org Small Business Development Center – http://www.marylandsbdc.org Talbot County Economic Development & Tourism – www.talbotworks.org Maryland Department of Commerce - http://commerce.maryland.gov/

The citizens of Easton approved the construction of a new fire house.

The Town of Easton approved the Port Street Small Area Plan.

2018

Department of Housing and Community Development – www.dhcd.maryland.gov

2017

Star Democrat reported, “Easton Point is this community’s gateway to the water. It is a priceless asset...”

hotDesks – www.hotdesks.org

1961

Chesapeake Bay Bridge completed.

1960

W.D. Gay’s seafood business operated from Easton Point.

Here’s an example of how the planning process is working for the Port Street Corridor: The Easton Comprehensive Plan has considered the redevelopment potential of Easton Point for decades. In 2017, a Port Street Small Area Master Plan was created. Hundreds of Easton residents, elected officials and planners spent the better part of a year in facilitated meetings to share ideas, learn about possibilities and best practices, and come to agreement on the best possible outcomes for eventual development along Port Street. Knowing that it could take some 15-plus years for development to happen, the Port Street Small Area Master Plan was created to suggest development ideas, but not prescribe specific projects. The plan is flexible, and allows for any number of projects to take place, all within smart growth guidelines such as focusing on increasing density inside of town, and including mixed uses that result in dynamic community spaces. Once the Port Street Small Area Plan was finalized, the Planning Commission began developing the regulatory framework and the MXW Zoning Overlay, that would ensure the desired outcomes.

1952

1947

CASE STUDY

SCORE – www.midshore.score.org

The Town of Easton approved the MXW Zoning overlay for Easton Point.

Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works toward managing Easton’s continued growth as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet. Easton is also home to many innovative companies that are leaders in their industries. Within sectors such as healthcare, advanced and renewable technologies, manufacturing, and agriculture, Easton businesses provide great jobs for a talented and skilled workforce. Easton, Maryland has been ranked among the best small towns in America. With its historic homes and tree-lined streets, Easton’s colonial roots are evident throughout the town. Outstanding restaurants, museums and a performing arts center have made Easton a cultural center on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Its population of 16,600 residents enjoys some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities available anywhere, with the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries providing the backdrop for sailing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and hunting.

Easton Economic Development Corporation 101 Marlboro Avenue, Suite 53, Easton, MD 21601 410-690-7348 | www.eastonedc.com

CHESAPEAKE HARVEST

Chesapeake Harvest is building a vibrant local food economy on the Eastern Shore with healthy food bursting with flavor. Chesapeake Harvest is committed to sourcing local, clean, and diverse ingredients that fuel the growth of a regional Chesapeake Cuisine. Chesapeake Harvest seeks out farmers who show their commitment to regenerative agricultural practices that protect the future of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Harvest gives preference to those who share its belief that sustainability is not a fixed point but a pathway of continuous improvement.

In 2018, Chesapeake Harvest opened an online wholesale and retail marketplace of locally produced food and food related products grown by Chesapeake Bay region farmers. Check out their site full of local proteins, fruits, vegetables, lovingly prepared products and more! Create an account and peruse the online marketplace. Wholesale Market: https://chwholesale.localorbit.com/market and Retail Market: https://chretail.localorbit.com/market. When you choose Chesapeake Harvest, you’re choosing the freshest, most flavorful, locally produced products from our region—while helping to build your community. For more about Chesapeake Harvest’s online marketplace, email: info@chesapeakeharvest.com or call (410) 690-7348.