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SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
APPLICATION FOR DESIGNATION RENEWAL
Eligible Applicants:
Local Governments with a Sustainable Communities Designation
Local Government Consortiums with a Sustainable Communities Designation
Sustainable Communities Application Rounds
January 27, 2017
April 7, 2017
July 2, 2017
October 6, 2017
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Division of Neighborhood Revitalization
2 N Charles Street, Suite 450
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-209-5800
http://dhcd.maryland.gov/
LARRY HOGAN, Governor KENNETH C. HOLT, Secretary
BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, Lt. Governor
General Information – SC Renewal 2017
i
OVERVIEW OF SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
The Sustainable Communities Act of 2010 established a framework for reinvestment and revitalization of
Maryland’s existing communities creating a single, locally designated geographic focus area. Since that time
the “Sustainable Communities” designation has provided an efficient means of targeting scarce public and
private resources for multiple State agency investments and prioritizations.
PURPOSE OF RENEWAL AND STREAMLINED APPLICATION
The Sustainable Communities (SC) designation must be renewed every five years. This renewal application
provides an opportunity for local governments to update their existing SC action plan and report on the
accomplishments made over the past five years. Through the renewal process, local governments can request
additional technical assistance and highlight any areas from the original action plan for which progress must
still be made.
APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
If a local government has limited capacity, staff from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community
Development (DHCD) and Department of Planning (MDP) will be available to assist local government officials
through the application process.
Please contact Mary Kendall at DHCD if you would like to request or learn more about this assistance (see page
iii for contact information).
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES BENEFITS
The benefits of a Sustainable Community designation are substantial. The SC designation is a threshold
requirement for application to several State of Maryland revitalization programs (such as the Community
Legacy Program and Strategic Demolition Fund listed below). Other programs offer additional points or
preference in the application process. (See attachment “Sustainable Community Benefits”). The Sustainable
Communities designation provides access to a suite of resources that can support housing and community
development, local transportation enhancements, tax credit programs and programs to support a healthier
environment. Taken together, these resources can promote safer, healthier and more attractive communities for
families to live and put down roots.
Community Legacy Program is administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community
Development and provides local governments and community development organizations with financial
assistance to strengthen communities through such activities as business retention and attraction, encouraging
homeownership and commercial revitalization. Community Legacy funds are restricted to Sustainable
Community Areas.
Strategic Demolition Fund is administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community
Development and provides grants and loans to local governments and community development organizations
for predevelopment activities including demolition and land assembly for housing and revitalization projects.
General Information – SC Renewal 2017
ii
The Strategic Demolition Fund catalyzes public and private investment in the reuse of vacant and underutilized
sites. These funds are restricted to Sustainable Communities.
Application Eligibility and Threshold Requirements
Local governments (municipal or county) are eligible to apply.
Eligible applicants are to convene their Sustainable Communities Workgroup to discuss the accomplishments
and challenges of their Sustainable Community Action Plans in addition to any update they may like to make to
the Action Plan. The applicant may choose to select new members to participate in the Workgroup. The
purpose of this workgroup is to continue and reinforce working relationships and collaborations among local
governmental departments and better align community development priorities and strategies. In addition, this is
an opportunity to assess if the Workgroup would like technical assistance from State government agencies to
implement certain action items or develop strategies to address local challenges.
Threshold Requirements
All Sustainable Community applications must meet the following threshold requirements:
1) Sustainable Community Area boundaries must be entirely within a Priority Funding Area (PFA) and should
be an area in need of renewal and reinvestment that would benefit from a targeted long-term strategy;
2) The proposed Sustainable Community is within or near a town center or transportation center, or there is a
need for financing assistance for small businesses, nonprofit organizations or microenterprises;
3) The updated Plan must be consistent with other existing community or comprehensive plans;
4) A Sustainable Communities Workgroup is re-convened and a roster of members must be provided with the
application.
Applications that do not meet these threshold requirements will not be considered.
Application Evaluation
The Sustainable Community application for renewal will be evaluated based on the reporting of the
accomplishments achieved and a thorough assessment of local strengths and weaknesses and how well desired
outcomes, strategies and action steps are connected to the local conditions.
Priority Funding Areas
All Sustainable Communities must be located entirely within a Priority Funding Area. Applicants can verify
Priority Funding Area boundaries by visiting the MDP website at:
http://www.mdp.state.md.us/OurProducts/pfamap.shtml
General Information – SC Renewal 2017
iii
Application Training
The Department will be hosting various webinars for communities planning to submit a renewal application.
Attendance at a minimum of one application training session is strongly encouraged for all applicants. Contact
Mary Kendall (contact information below) to schedule an application training.
Application Submission
Applications will be submitted both electronically/digitally and via postal mail. Each applicant must submit
two hard copies (one original and one copy) of their application with all required attachments. DHCD reserves
the right to not consider incomplete applications.
The first printed page of the electronic application is a Table of Contents (see page vi). This should also serve as
a checklist and be used to provide corresponding tabs. In addition to the hard copies of an application, all
pictures and maps are to be submitted on a CD-ROM or flash drive. Pictures should be burned to the CD in a
JPEG format and maps should be burned to the CD in a pdf format. Please ALSO include GIS shapefiles of
Sustainable Community boundaries and other GIS related data. Please label your files on the CD-ROM
appropriately, i.e., “Proposed Sustainable Community Boundary,” “Current Sustainable Community
Boundary,” etc.
No incomplete applications will be accepted.
Deliver Sustainable Community Applications to:
Sustainable Community Application
ATTN: Mary Kendall
Division of Neighborhood Revitalization
Department of Housing and Community Development
2 N Charles Street, Suite 450
Baltimore, MD 21201
Site Visits, Follow-up Discussion, Technical Assistance
During the application review process, the review team may make site visits and/or hold meetings with
applicants. In addition, applicants may be contacted by the Department for follow-up discussions prior to
awards.
In collaboration with the Maryland Department of Planning, the Department of Housing and Community
Development is offering technical assistance to local governments with limited capacity to prepare their
Sustainable Communities applications for renewal.
Approval
Approval of applications will be made by the Governor’s Smart Growth Coordinating Committee on the
recommendation of an inter-agency review team. The review team is coordinated by the Department of
Housing and Community Development.
All questions related to application content, please contact Mary Kendall at 410-209-5800 or by email at
General Information – SC Renewal 2017
iv
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PLAN ELEMENTS
Ongoing designation as a Sustainable Community is contingent upon the continuation, expansion, and/or
modification of a multi-year investment strategy that addresses the topic areas of Environment, Economy,
Transportation, Housing, Quality of Life, and Land Use/Local Planning. The table below provides a non-
exhaustive list of ideas that can be incorporated into each element as they are addressed in the sections that
follow in this application.
ENVIRONMENT: Environmental accomplishments and objectives may include improvement of
quality of land, water, air or watersheds, increased tree canopy, mitigation or adaptation to issues related
to sea level rise, reduction of carbon footprint, improved energy conservation, access to local foods,
green infrastructure, stormwater infrastructure/management, construction of parks, trails and other
recreation facilities, recycling, improved water and sewer capacity, etc.
ECONOMY: Economic accomplishments and objectives may include increased regional accessibility,
business attraction/retention, improved health of the business district and decreased commercial
vacancies, improved accessibility to employment opportunities and economic drivers, adopted local
policies/regulations that encourage economic growth, enhanced marketing and tourism, improvements to
cultural and historic assets, etc.
TRANSPORTATION: Transportation accomplishments and objectives may include increased access
to transit corridors, improved pedestrian safety and increased accessibility/sidewalks, alternative modes
of transportation, such as bikeways and trails, public transit, such as bus and rail, carpooling, improved
parking and road conditions, etc.
HOUSING: Housing accomplishments and objectives may include an increase in affordable, workforce
or market rate housing, either for homeownership or rental, improved housing conditions and values,
increase in housing programs, reduction in foreclosures and residential vacancies, increase in property
values and home sale values, etc.
QUALITY OF LIFE: Quality of life accomplishments and objectives may include crime, socio-
economic demographics, educational opportunities, museums, libraries, historic and cultural assets, civic
amenities, faith-based organizations, economic health of households, sense of place, etc.
LAND USE/LOCAL PLANNING: Land use accomplishments and objectives may include changes to
zoning, improved land use policies, increase/decrease in taxes and fees, etc.
General Information – SC Renewal 2017
v
RENEWAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The Sustainable Communities application for renewal has three sections:
A. Contact information, General Information, Organizational Capacity:
In this section, applicants are asked to update their contact information, provide information
about demographic shifts over the past five years and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their
Sustainable Communities workgroup.
B. Qualitative and Quantitative Report on accomplishments over past five years:
The report is an opportunity to reflect on any accomplishments achieved in the Sustainable
Community area. It is a tool used to evaluate if the SC applicant achieved its intended outcomes,
implemented the strategies initially envisioned and identify what resources were used. Renewal
applicants are encouraged to discuss how priorities, actions, and objectives were or were not
achieved across the six elements listed on the previous page (iv), including how any of the elements
may have interrelated during the five initial years of SC designation.
C. Sustainable Communities Action Plan Update:
The Sustainable Communities Action Plan has been revised so that it less time consuming and
focused on developing a strategic implementation plan. Renewal applicants are asked to use their
previous Sustainable Communities applications as a basis for their updated Action Plan. You may
identify which weaknesses have not yet been addressed or which strategies have not yet been
implemented. Include your revitalization priorities for the next five years, basing them on your
community’s current strengths and weaknesses.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application
vi
CHECKLIST AND TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPLICANT: Town of Elkton
NAME OF SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY: Elkton Sustainable Community Area
Please review the checklist of attachments and furnish all of the attachments that are applicable.
Contents of the notebook should be tabbed and organized as follows:
√Section A - Sustainable Community Renewal Applicant Information
√Section B – Sustainable Community Renewal Report (Projects, Strategies and Partners)
√Section C – Sustainable Community Renewal Action Plan Update (Matrix)
√Section D – Sustainable Communities Workgroup Roster
√Section E – Signature Letter (acknowledging Disclosure Authorization and Certification)
√Section F – CD-ROM: The CD-ROM should include the following contents:
Map in pdf format of the proposed Sustainable Community modification area
GIS shapefile of the modified Sustainable Community boundaries and other GIS related data, e.g.,
spreadsheet of detailed listing of parcels that form the project boundary. (If you have additional
comments or questions about the GIS mapping requirements, please contact Brad Wolters, Senior GIS
Specialist, Department of Housing and Community Development, [email protected])
Pictures (jpeg format) of your accomplished projects of the last five years (as indicated in Section B)
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section A
1
I. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY RENEWAL APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name of Sustainable Community: Elkton Sustainable Community Area
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Renewal Applicant: Town of Elkton
Applicant’s Federal Identification Number: 52-6000790
Applicant’s Street Address: 100 Railroad Avenue, P.O. Box 157
City: Elkton County: Cecil State: MD Zip Code: 21922
Phone Number: (410) 398-0970 Fax Number: (410) 392-6633 Web Address: www.elkton.org
Sustainable Community Renewal Application Local Contact:
Name: Jeanne Minner Title: Planning Director
Address: 100 Railroad Avenue City: Elkton State: MD Zip Code: 21921
Phone Number: (410) 398-4999 Fax Number: (410) 398-0128 E-mail Address:[email protected]
Other Sustainable Community Contacts:
Name: Robert J. Alt Title: Mayor
Address: 100 Railroad Avenue City: Elkton State: MD Zip Code: 21921
Phone Number: (410) 398-0970 Fax Number: (410) 392-6633 E-mail Address: [email protected]
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section A
2
I. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY – General Information
A. Please inform us if you want to propose any changes to the existing Sustainable Community
Area(s)
(1) Provide a description of SC Area boundary modification. How did you determine that these are the
most appropriate boundaries for its target area? Describe the methodology for choosing this target
area. The Town of Elkton would like to modify our SC Area boundary to include infill areas
south of U.S. Route 40. The updated SC Area includes several small infill parcels recently
annexed, and a tract of land consisting of eight of the nine parcels once contemplated for
development of a PUD. This area is in Elkton’s PFA and sewer service area and is surrounded
by and/or adjacent to the existing SC area. The Town is actively collaborating with owners
and potential developers of the nine larger parcels to establish a Public/Private Partnership
with the intent to develop a world-class Sports and Recreation venue. This will address
Elkton’s open space deficit, promote recreational opportunities including water access and
further economic development by attracting more investment in the Town, creating jobs and
greatly expanding tourism. This project will implement recommendations of the Chesapeake
Bay Watershed Public Access Plan (2013) and the Cecil County 2011 Land Preservation, Parks
and Recreation Plan.
(2) If you are not requesting any changes to your boundary, explain why.
(3) Include the following in as an attachment (if requesting a modification to your current boundary):
a. PDF or JPEG of modified Sustainable Communities boundary map,
b. GIS shapefiles of modified Sustainable Community boundary (mapped to the parcel
boundary),
(4) Approximate number of acres of entire SC Area:__3,254__________
(5) Existing federal, state or local designations:
√Main Street ☐Maple Street
☐National Register Historic District √Local Historic District √Arts & Entertainment District
√State Enterprise Zone Special Taxing District ☐BRAC ☐ State Designated TOD
√Other(s): HUB Zone
(6) Describe the SC Area’s current demographic trends (with respect to age, race, household size,
household income, educational attainment, number of housing units, or other relevant factors). How
have demographics changed in the last five years?
The demographic trends in Elkton indicate the population is getting somewhat older and
earning slightly less than before. High school graduation rates are rising, as is the poverty
rate. The median age has increased from 32.8 to 36.3 years old, with the number of individuals
age 62 and older increasing from 11.6% to 12.6% of the total population. The percent of
children under 5 decreased significantly, from 8.4% to 6.3%. The percent of school-age
children (ages 5-19) increased slightly from 22.3% to 22.8%, while adults 18 and over, saw an
increase from 72% to 74.8% of the population.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section A
3
The racial diversity is relatively unchanged, with the white population currently at 77.5%
(77.3% at the 2010 Census). Black or African American population increased slightly from
15.1% to 15.6%. The Asian population increased from 2.6% to 3.1%, while the Hispanic or
Latino population saw the largest increase – from 5.9% to 7.5% of the population. *
Household size has also increased slightly from 2.65 to 2.71 persons per household. Household
income has decreased, with the median household income at $53,851.00 – down from
$54,902.00 in 2010 and is much less than Cecil County ($66,396.00) and Maryland
($74,551.00). Elkton’s poverty rate for individuals has increased dramatically over the past
five years from 12.6% to 17.5%. This is higher than Cecil County (10%) and nearly double
that of Maryland (9.7%). As for educational attainment, the rate of high school graduation
has increased significantly, from 80% to 85%. The number of individuals with an advanced
degree decreased slightly from 22.3% to 20.8%. The number of housing units increased from
5,944 to 6,102. Housing vacancy rates increased from 6.1% in 2010 to 9.9%. *(Note: comparisons were between the 2010 Census and the 2011-2015 ACS).
B. Organizational Structure, Experience and Public Input:
(1) Describe any changes to the Applicant’s organizational structure. Specifically, how has membership
of the Sustainable Communities Workgroup changed in the last five years? Who are/were the
leaders, and how will/did the Workgroup advisor or staff manage implementation of the SC Area
Plan? The SC Workgroup consists of many of the same members as in the original structure,
with the exception of the Mayor and one other member. Mayor Robert J. Alt is our current
Mayor who replaced Joseph L. Fisona in 2014, and Kelly McKenna has been replaced by
Bernard DeMarinis. The SC Workgroup will continue to meet as needed to advise and assist in
the implementation of the Community Action Plan. The Sustainable Communities
Workgroup consists of the following persons:
Mayor Robert J. Alt – resident, elected official, businessman and commercial property
owner.
Town Commissioner Mary Jo Jablonski – resident, Elkton Town Commissioner, Main
Street Manager, Executive Director of the Elkton Alliance, former Director of the
Elkton Boys and Girls Club, Façade Grant Administrator, successfully managed over
$400,000 in façade grants.
Margie Blystone – resident, Elkton Alliance Board of Directors, Elkton Design
Committee Chairman, Elkton Arts & Entertainment District Chairman, Façade Grant
Committee member, former co-owner of the Palette & the Page (voted Elkton Small
Business of the Year 2014), and TADD committee member (Tourism, Arts &
Downtown Development for the Eastern Shore).
Linda Tipton - Public Affairs manager with Delmarva Power.
Kathy Kunda - Board of trustees of Cecil College, Business and Education Partnership
Advisory Council coordinator for Cecil County Public Schools and Base Realignment
and Closure liaison, Project Coordinator at Cecil College working with STEM. Board
of Directors of the Cecil College Foundation and Women in Defense STEM
Subcommittee, Boys and Girls Clubs of Cecil County, Northeastern Maryland
Technology Council Visionary Alumni Subcommittee, Susquehanna Workforce
Network Youth Council, Elkton Chamber & Alliance and the Cecil County Chamber of
Commerce Ambassador and Membership Committee.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section A
4
Candy Davis – Operations Manager for Elkton Gas (recently retired), Elkton Chamber
and Alliance and Cecil County Chamber of Commerce Board member, former Sales
and marketing for Harvey and Harvey, former business analyst for CSX railroad.
Cindy Osborne – Executive Director of the Elkton Housing Authority, Executive
Director of Elkton Development and Management Corporation, Sr. Professional
Housing Manager for the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials
(NAHRO), Housing Choice Voucher Manager, Housing Quality Standards Inspector
for the HCV Program, and Uniform Physical Condition Standards Inspector for the
LIPH Program. Current Sr. Vice President of The Maryland Association of Housing &
Redevelopment Agencies, a member of The Mid Atlantic Regional Council Board of
NAHRO and NAHRO Small Agency Task Force, Board Member on The Cecil Co.
Inter-Agency Council on Homelessness.
Bernard D. DeMarinis – resident, electrical engineer, President of University Research
Park (URP), a not-for-profit 501C3 organization that strives to increase
research/higher education activities in northeastern Maryland. Former Director of
Strategic Initiatives for MITRE. He is an officer/Board member of a large number of
professional, technical and educational organizations.
Jeanne D. Minner AICP – Director of Planning for the Town of Elkton for 25 years,
American Institute of Certified Planners, successfully managed over $5 Million in
grants for the Town of Elkton.
(2) What have been the strengths and challenges of the capacity of the Sustainable Communities
Workgroup with respect to implementation of the SC Plan?
Elkton’s Sustainable Communities Workgroup consists of dedicated and active community
representatives, including elected officials, residents, business owners, and other key
stakeholders, all with many years of experience in their professions, as well as their dedication
to serve on a variety of Boards, including the Elkton Chamber and Alliance. Elkton also has
established partnerships with Cecil County Government and other local entities. Several
Sustainable Community members serve on the Cecil County Economic Development
Commission and the Susquehanna Workforce Network. Mayor Robert Alt works tirelessly to
encourage investment in Elkton. The Town staff are also a key strength in implementing the
Sustainable Community Plan. The Town Administrator has nearly 30 years’ experience with
managing municipal improvement projects, and the Director of Planning has 25 years’
experience with urban planning and managing a variety of grants. The challenges include
securing adequate funding in order to acquire property or to construct public improvements.
(3) How did residents and other stakeholders in the community provide input to the Sustainable
Communities Action Plan update? On which existing local plans (comprehensive plans, economic
development plans, sector plans, etc.) is the Sustainable Communities Action Plan based?
The SC Action Plan update is based on the existing Sustainable Community Plan and the
Elkton Comprehensive Plan (January 2010). The SC Workgroup reviewed the SC Plan and
provided recommendations for updating the Plan. The working group consists of a broad
cross-section of residents, elected officials, business owners, utility providers, public housing
providers, educators and local government staff.
(4) Would you like any technical assistance from State agencies to help expand the capacity of your SC
Workgroup or implement your SC plan? The Town of Elkton would appreciate technical and
financial assistance from State agencies to help implement our SC plan. Bay Restoration funds
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section A
5
may assist the Town with extending sanitary sewer collection systems to areas of failing septic
systems, and FEMA funding programs may help to address certain floodplain issues.
Financial and technical assistance will be necessary to conduct a watershed analysis and
implement stormwater retrofit activities. Grants and technical assistance will be pursued for
other desired outcomes identified in the Action Plan section of this Sustainable Communities
Plan.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
6
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY RENEWAL REPORT
PART I: QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT
Purpose:
The purpose of this assessment is to capture significant projects/ improvements that have been completed since the
approval of your local government’s Sustainable Communities designation.
In relation to the goals stated in your local government’s Sustainable Community Action Plan, please highlight three
major accomplishments from the last five years, including how you achieved them. When writing your narrative, consider
the questions below and refer to the six elements discussed in the General Information section of this document (page iv)
– Environment, Economy, Transportation, Housing, Quality of Life, and Land Use/Local Planning.
1) Outcome: Which outcomes identified in your Sustainable Community plan were you able to achieve?
2) Projects: Which projects did you implement in order to achieve the outcome? Also indicate when you started
and completed these projects.
3) Partners: With whom (i.e. state agencies, local stakeholders) did you partner to complete projects?
4) Impact: What kind of measurable impact did the achieved outcome have on your community? Are there other
intangible benefits?
5) Pictures: Please also include pictures that depict your accomplishments.
[EXAMPLE] Descriptive Narrative: Please list the most significant accomplishments that apply
Example – Accomplishment 1
Outcome: Improved stormwater management
Projects:
Project 1: Stormwater Retrofit Plan – In October 2014, the Town Council approved the Town’s stormwater retrofit
plan which outlines various strategies and capital budget expenditures over the next five years. Strategies include
reducing the amount of impervious surface in the community and improving stormwater management. One of the plan
recommendations is to pass an ordinance that assesses an environmental protection fee on municipal permits.
Project 2: Green Streets – The Town added green elements to approximately 600 linear feet of roadway that had been
experiencing severe flooding. Specifically, bioswales were constructed and trees were planted.
Partners:
Chesapeake Bay Trust – provided technical assistance
MD DHCD – provided financial assistance in form of a Community Legacy grant (totaling $50,000).
Impact: The implementation of the projects had a significant impact on the community by improving stormwater
runoff. The streets with the newly constructed bioswales no longer experience flooding.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
7
Descriptive Narrative: Please list the most significant accomplishments that apply.
Accomplishment 1: “Identify cost-effective drinking water sources for redundancy and
growth, and develop a plan to develop those sources.”
Outcome: The design and construction of two (2) additional municipal wells (well #2R and #5).
Projects:
Project 1: Well 2R: Located at 14½ Walter Boulden Street, this project began in 2012. The well house was
completed in 2016. Well 2R is a backup well and is combined under the existing permit for well 1R, jointly
providing a water appropriation of 100,000 gallons per day (gpd) (200,000 gpd during month of maximum use).
Project 2: Well 5: Located adjacent to Elkton’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, this well is permitted for 100,000
gpd. This project began in 2013 and the well house was completed in 2016. Well 5 is a backup well. Once
withdrawals are initiated, a reduction of 100,000 gpd (150,000 gpd during month of maximum use) for
withdrawals from the Big Elk Creek by the Elkton Surface Water Treatment Plant.
Partners: Town of Elkton; KCI Technologies; Wickersham Construction
Impact: This project addresses the Environment element by providing improved water capacity. The new wells
also impact the Economy, Housing, Quality of Life and Land Use/Local Planning elements by providing
infrastructure necessary to ensure adequate, safe drinking water, through operational flexibility, redundancy, and
additional supply capabilities, to the citizens and businesses in the Town of Elkton.
Accomplishment 2: “Rehabilitation of the Belle Hill Water Tower”.
Outcome: Completion of rehabilitation of Belle Hill Water Tower Projects: This project, located at 319 Belle Hill Road, entailed the repair and rehabilitation of a 400,000 gallon
water storage facility originally constructed in 1987. The tower was deteriorating and was in need of repairs.
The project was identified by an inspection report by Mumford-Bjorkman Associates, Inc. on June 14, 2012.
Repairs included removal of interior coating and exterior lead paint, repair of areas of corrosion, recoating of
interior and repainting of exterior, and installation of a number of proper safety and security components.
Total project cost was estimated at $791,788.00. The Town of Elkton applied for and received a grant from MD
Community Development Block Grant for $500,000.00. The project came in under budget with a savings to both
the Town and the State.
Partners: DHCD provided financial assistance in the form of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
totaling $400,000.00.
Impact: This project addresses the Environment element by providing improved water capacity and the
Economy, Housing, Quality of Life and Land Use/Local Planning element by maintaining infrastructure
necessary to ensure adequate, safe drinking water and fire flow for businesses and residents now and in the
future. The Belle Hill Water Tower is an important component of Elkton’s water distribution system. The
restorative work was necessary to retain its viability in the system. The Belle Hill Tower provides municipal
water storage, pressure and fire flow to the northeast portion of the Town, and is interconnected to all other
water systems to provide additional back up for supply and storage.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
8
Accomplishment 3: “Installation of Wayfinding signage and Gateway features”
Outcome: The installation of four (4) Wayfinding Signs at the major intersections on the periphery of town
was completed on August 1, 2016.
Projects: The Town of Elkton, in late 2009, requested the assistance from Architect on Call Design Services, to
develop a Wayfinding Plan that will enable visitors to navigate successfully in, around and through Elkton’s
Central Business District. On March 2010, the Town received recommendations for locations and prototypes of
Wayfinding signs for Elkton’s Downtown from David H. Gleason Associates, Inc. – the architectural firm that
provides technical assistance to Towns through the Architect-On-Call grant. A list of destinations was developed
by the Town staff. The project was delayed until SHA completed drafting a “Community-Based Signing
Guidelines” document. The Guidelines were finalized in 2011. The Guidelines required that the Town utilize
professional engineers to design and submit signage plans to SHA. In 2012 Elkton engaged the services of KCI
Technologies for design and specifications for approval by SHA. Over the next three years, the Town worked with
SHA on the Wayfinding sign designs and locations. SHA required that we also design and install a number of
Trailblazing signs as a condition of approval. The Town is working with their engineer to design Trailblazing
signage plans.
Partners: David H. Gleason Associates; Maryland Downtown Development Partnership; KCI Technologies, Inc.,
Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), Town of Elkton.
Impact: The purpose of the Wayfinding Project was to design a wayfinding signage system for downtown Elkton
in order to provide directional assistance for a wide variety of users. The system provides directions to high-
traffic generating destinations from multiple approaches, as well as directions to public parking and all other
destinations of public interest for both for the driver and pedestrian. We want visitors to know where they are,
help them find the way to where they want to go, and recognize that they have arrived in the right place and to get
there safely. This project addresses the Transportation Element by improving safety through wayfinding for
motorists, and the Quality of Life, Land Use/Local Planning and Economy Elements by attracting and
efficiently directing motorists to key destinations in Elkton’s Central Business District.
Descriptive Narrative: Please use this section to describe any major outcomes or projects from
your last Sustainable Communities Action Plan that have NOT been accomplished and why.
Outcome: Community Recreation Center
Narrative: The Town has identified a need for a community recreation center. Town-owned land on U.S. Route
40 was considered, but ultimately rejected due to concern regarding safe access by pedestrians and distance to
neighborhoods. The Town has now identified surplus land owned by the Cecil County Board of Education/Cecil
County Government that could be developed as a community recreation center. This site is in the center of
Elkton’s downtown, in a Qualified Census Tract, and within walking distance of a number of neighborhoods.
Elkton is currently in negotiations with Cecil County Government to acquire the property on which to build a
community recreation center. The Town will be applying for CDBG funds in FY18 for this project. We hope to
begin construction within the next year.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
9
Outcome: Passenger Rail Service
Narrative: The only gap in commuter rail service along the Amtrak Northeast Corridor (NEC) is a 21-mile
stretch between Perryville, Maryland and Newark, Delaware. A priority project is to re-introduce passenger rail
service to Elkton, develop a multi-modal transportation center and implement Elkton’s Transit-Oriented
Development (TOD) Plan. Reopening the Elkton Train Station is about jobs, the environment and sustainability.
Passenger rail service would provide more transportation choices and improve access to community amenities,
enhance economic competitiveness, support existing communities, coordinate policies and leverage investment.
The Mayor of Elkton and Elkton planning staff began meeting with representatives of MDOT/MTA;
representatives of WILMAPCO (Wilmington Area Planning Council), consultants Parsons Brinkerhoff and Cecil
County planning in January 2012 to develop the 2014 Elkton Rail Feasibility Study. The study included
reviewing previous rail studies and Elkton’s TOD Plan, updated ridership modeling by WILMAPCO and a NEPA
study. We developed a conceptual layout, cost estimates, and determined that passenger service to Elkton was
feasible. The capital cost estimate for Elkton rail service is $20-$25 million. Elkton also held some preliminary
meetings with Union Hospital and Cecil College regarding shared, phased parking for the train station. We may
also consider leasing parking from the adjacent bowling alley.
The 2014 Elkton Rail Feasibility Study lays the foundation for the next phase which is preliminary engineering
(PE). The next step is to develop 30% preliminary engineering designs in order for this project to be eligible for
federal aid funds (TIGER grant). The good news is the estimated cost keeps going down with each study.
A starter service to Elkton is feasible earlier than 2030. Officials from Cecil County, the Town of Elkton and
MARC met earlier this year to discuss the possibility of MARC resuming service to the existing rail station in
Elkton. Restoring the existing train station would reduce the cost of the project to $3 million, and could be
accomplished by 2021. This scenario also would not require a maintenance facility to be constructed in
Perryville.
Also of note, officials from DART and MARC met during the summer of 2016 to discuss extending Maryland
passenger trains from their current terminus in Perryville, Maryland north to Newark, Delaware. Those train
arrivals could align with northbound departures of Philadelphia-bound SEPTA trains. A feasibility study is
currently underway by WILMAPCO, to estimate ridership demand for increased rail transit across the Delaware-
Maryland state line.
In addition, the Amtrak NEC Future Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement Preferred Alternative plan includes
a future Elkton station, however, it is shown north of Elkton’s corporate limits. The Town sent a letter in
February 2017 requesting that the future Amtrak passenger station is located within Elkton, at the site of the
former train station.
Next steps include continuing efforts by Elkton and Cecil County officials to push for restoring passenger rail
service to Elkton; entering into formalized agreements with property owners adjacent to the new train station and
multi-modal transit center for Phase 1 shared parking; and possible acquisition/relocation to construct rail
siding, a platform, parking lot and road re-alignment, if necessary.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
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Outcome: Elkton Pedestrian Plan
Narrative: The Town of Elkton in 2014 requested the assistance of WILMAPCO in developing a Pedestrian Plan.
The project will build upon and incorporate pedestrian improvement maps recently completed with MD SHA and
studies and analysis such as Elkton’s Comprehensive Plan (2010), WILMAPCO’s Top Pedestrian Priority
Segments (2012), Elkton Walkable Community Workshop (2008), MD SHA’s U.S. Route 40 Improvements
(Landing Lane to MD 213) 2012 and WILMAPCO’s 2013 Transportation Equity Report Environmental Justice
and Title VI (2013).
The project will assist the Town in creating a comprehensive pedestrian plan that will prioritize improvements to
pedestrian facilities, create complete streets, establish walkability enhancements within Transportation Justice
areas where identified, identify areas in need of retrofits to meet ADA standards, and establish a network of
bicycle and pedestrian facilities within Elkton.
Participants include the Town of Elkton, WILMAPCO, SHA planners, and Cecil County Planners.
This project is currently under development. The Town of Elkton Planning Department and Elkton Department
of Public Works has been meeting regularly with WILMAPCO and SHA planners to conduct and gather field
data. We expect the Pedestrian Plan to be completed by the end of FY 2018.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
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SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY RENEWAL REPORT
PART II: QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT
Purpose:
The purpose of the quantitative assessment is to capture indicators of accomplishments in each Sustainable Community.
Indicators should reflect the five year time period since the adoption of the Sustainable Communities Action Plan. Thus,
the following questions focus on the common outcomes that were identified in the various Sustainable Community Action
Plans approved by the State. The assessment will be grouped in the sections of Environment, Economy, Transportation,
Housing, Quality of Life and Land Use.
Please answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge.
Check “YES” if applicable to your community. If you answer “YES” please quantify the accomplishment (i.e. Q: Has
there been an increase in the number of businesses in your Main Street/commercial district? A: YES 4 new businesses
have opened in the past five years). In your answer, be sure to only share the quantifiable changes that have occurred since
your Sustainable Communities designation was approved. If necessary, please also provide a short description of the
accomplishment.
Please check “NO” if the question item did not have any impact on your community. If you answer “NO” please briefly
summarize what kept you from achieving your plan’s desired outcomes.
Check “N/A”, if the question item does not apply to your Sustainable Community.
If there is an issue with which you would like assistance in addressing, please check “interested in technical assistance”.
State agencies would like to provide assistance to communities in helping them achieve their goals identified in their
Sustainable Community Action Plans.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
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ENVIRONMENT YES
If YES, specify in
quantifiable units and
compare values from the
last five years
NO
If NO, why not? What kept
you from achieving your
plan’s desired outcomes?
N/A
Interested
in technical
assistance
1. Has there been an improvement in water quality?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X *Installation of a rain
garden in the Howard Street
municipal parking lot.
*Installation of landscape
islands in the Main Street
municipal parking lot.
*An illegal sanitary
connection to storm sewer
was detected and corrected.
*Elkton is working on the
new MS4 requirements to
plan for water quality
projects to meet our
TMDL.
2. Has the amount of impervious surface in your
Community been reduced? (Amount in SF)
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X The rain garden and
landscape islands in the two
municipal parking lots
involved the removal of
impervious surface and
installation of landscape
plant materials.
3. Have there been improvements and/ or additions to
your park and/ or recreational green space?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X *The Town of Elkton
developed a dog park and
installed playground
equipment in East Meadow
Park. *Elkton High School
students planted 30 trees in
West Meadow Park.
4. Did the Sustainable Community implement any
recycling or waste reduction programs?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X Continuation of single-
stream recycling program
with municipal trash
service and continuation of
neighborhood “clean-up”
days.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
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5. Do all residents have access to healthy food options
(i.e. fresh food grocery stores, farmers markets etc.)
within the Sustainable Community?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X Continuation of Elkton
Farmer’s Market in
downtown Elkton.
OTHER:
The Town of Elkton solar power project.
X The Town of Elkton
contracted with Standard
Solar Inc. to install 7.4
acres of solar panels in a
field adjacent to Elkton’s
wastewater treatment plant.
The Town of Elkton Electric Vehicle Charging stations project
and LED lighting in a newly renovated municipal parking lot.
X The Town of Elkton
contracted with Charge
Point to install two (2) 2-
port electric vehicle charge
stations and four (4) LED
lights in a downtown
municipal parking lot.
The Town of Elkton installed 60 LED street lights on Main
Street February 20, 2017.
X The Town of Elkton
installed 60 LED street
lights on Main Street
February 20, 2017.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
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ECONOMY YES
If YES, specify in
quantifiable units and
compare values from the
last five years
NO
If NO, why not? What kept
you from achieving your
plan’s desired outcomes?
N/A
Interested
in technical
assistance
1. Has there been an increase in the number of new
businesses in your Main Street/ Commercial District?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X There are eight (8) new
retail businesses open and
three (3) new service
establishments in the Main
Street area. The Town also
has 3 new food truck
vendors.
2. Did the Municipality/ Sustainable Community area
receive any designations that support local economic
development?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X Elkton has received
accreditation for our Main
Street Program, renewed its
HUB zone status and
renewed and expanded our
Enterprise Zone. Elkton
has also received a re-
designation of its Arts &
Entertainment District for
an additional 10 years
(2016-2026).
3. Has there been an increase in foot traffic in the Main
Street/commercial district?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences) – what contributed to
the increase:
X *Lyons Pharmacy on Main
Street was the subject of the
reality television show,
“Restaurant Impossible”.
The improvements by the
show, and the international
publicity attracted tourists
from all over the world.
*The former Howard House
restaurant was redeveloped
as Minihanes’s Irish Pub
and now includes live
music and Irish cuisine.
*Spork, a farm-to-table
restaurant and bakery
recently opened and has a
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dedicated following.
*Cecil County Department
of Tourism moved into a
storefront in downtown
Elkton. *The Elkton
Alliance produces “rack
cards” and brochures and
distributes them to area
hotels, B&Bs and Rest
Areas.
*The Elkton Alliance and
local business owners in
2016 produced a
promotional video based on
Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t
Stop the Feelin’.
4. Have the number of commercial vacancies decreased?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X The vacancy rate in the
downtown went from 10%
to 5% due to new owners
and the willingness of
commercial landlords to
work with commercial
tenants on rent prices.
5. Has there been an increase in local jobs within the
Sustainable Community for its residents?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X A 26,000 square foot
building was leased to the
State of Maryland,
employing approximately
30 people. Union Hospital
expanded and leased a
30,000 square foot building.
Terumo Medical has/is
hiring an additional 100
employees with their latest
expansion.
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OTHER: Other new businesses in Elkton’s Sustainable
Communities Area include the following:
X Dental Offices, Radiation
Oncology Center, 2 Car
Dealerships, Thrift Store,
medical billing offices,
urgent care centers, cell
phone store, convenience
store, 10 restaurants, a dog
groomer, and a counseling
center.
TRANSPORTATION YES
If YES, specify in
quantifiable units and
compare values from the
last five years
NO
If NO, why not? What kept
you from achieving your
plan’s desired outcomes?
N/A
Interested
in technical
assistance
1. Has the amount of bike trails/paths increased? How
many linear feet do the trails cover?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X Due to limited staff and
funding we were unable to
accomplish every goal on our
SC plan within 5 years.
X
2. Have there been improvements to the public transit
infrastructure?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X *Cecil County Transit has
expanded their Mid-County
Route #3 service that serves
Elkton, North East,
Charlestown and both Cecil
College in North East And
Cecil College Elkton Station.
This connection was
designed to help facilitate
transportation service for
school students while
providing extended hours of
evening operation for
additional passengers’ needs.
*Cecil County’s new Route
#4. This services the town of
Elkton, Glasgow, DE,
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Newark Industrial Park, Four
Seasons Plaza, Newark Park
& Ride, Newark Train
Station, Newark Transit Hub
and the Rt. 279 corridor
including the Elkton Library
& Cecil College Elkton
Station.
*Representatives from Cecil
County Government and the
Town of Elkton met recently
with MTA regarding
extension of MARC service
to Elkton as soon as 2021.
3. Has there been an increase in sidewalks? (Amount in
linear feet)
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X *Sidewalks are required for
all new and redevelopment.
*New sidewalks and
crosswalks have been
installed along MD 279/213
adjacent to Elkton Housing
Authority apartments and
now provides a safer
pedestrian access to the
schools.
*Elkton is currently drafting
the Elkton Pedestrian Plan
with assistance from
WILMAPCO and MD SHA.
4. Have there been any roadway improvements that
support “Complete” or “Green” streets?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X *Bridge Street sidewalk
improvements;
*MD 279/MD 213
intersection improvements;
*East High Street ADA
sidewalk improvements;
*Railroad Avenue traffic
calming/sidewalk
improvements.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
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5. Has traffic congestion along major roads decreased?
(Amount in percent)
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X SHA changed the traffic
control devices at certain
intersections (MD 268 at
Main Street; and MD 268 at
High Street) from stop lights
to stop signs. This has
enabled traffic to flow more
freely at those intersections.
OTHER:
HOUSING YES
If YES, specify in
quantifiable units and
compare values from the
last five years
NO
If NO, why not? What kept
you from achieving your
plan’s desired outcomes?
N/A
Interested
in technical
assistance
1. Have any residential facades been improved?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X A 6-unit apartment building
on West Main Street received
a Façade Grant of $23,000.00
with matching funds for a
total investment of 46,000.00.
2. Has the home ownership rate increased?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X The home ownership rate per
the 2010 U.S. Census for
Elkton was 50.3%. The
2011-2015 ACS shows home
ownership increased to
52.3%.
3. Has there been an increase in the number of housing
units in the Sustainable Community area? What
number and/or percent are affordable?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X North Street Apartments – 53
new affordable senior
apartments; 20 homes in the
South Stream development; 2
homes in Gilpin
neighborhood (infill); 1 on
Lincoln Ave. (infill).
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
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4. Has there been demolition of blighted properties?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X Demolition of the former
George’s Restaurant
property, and the Becker
Homes building. The Becker
property was redeveloped as
a Wawa. Both properties are
located on US Route 40
(Pulaski Highway).
5. Has the residential vacancy rate decreased?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X No, housing vacancy rates
have increased from 6.1% in
2010 to 9.9%.
X Yes
OTHER:
X *Cecil County Housing
Office offers housing
counseling services and
administers the Housing
Choice Voucher Program
(Section 8), among other
housing programs.
*The Elkton Housing
Authority (EHA) owns and
manages 3 properties
providing 150 units of
federally subsidized
affordable apartments and
also administers 40 Housing
Choice/Section 8 rental
assistance Vouchers.
EHA has partnered with the
Ingerman Group in a PPP to
renovate and undertake new
construction of the EHA’s
existing housing to provide
modernization, ADA
accessibility, and greater
housing choice for LMI
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
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families.
QUALITY OF LIFE YES
If YES, specify in
quantifiable units and
compare values from the
last five years
NO
If NO, why not? What kept
you from achieving your
plan’s desired outcomes?
N/A
Interested
in technical
assistance
1. Has there been a decrease in crime rate?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X The Elkton Police
Department statistics show
that during 2016, total crime
in the Town of Elkton
decreased by 10% compared
to the previous 5-year
average.
2. Have there been improvements and/ or additions to
your public spaces (i.e. museums, community centers,
public plazas)?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X *Elkton constructed a new
dog park and playground in
Meadow Park East.
*The Historical Society of
Cecil County will unveil its
new World War 1 exhibit this
year.
*Public improvements also
include decorative iron
archway, mailbox, and bird
bath at the Elkton Alliance
building.
*decorative custom iron gates
at Meadow Park and Marina
Park were designed and
constructed by a member of
our Department of Public
Works.
*Painting and improvements
at a gazebo in Eder Park.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
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3. Has there been an increase in public art/ arts &
entertainment programs/venues (i.e. murals, movie
theatre, music events)?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X Elkton has approximately 40
outdoor events annually,
including 15 Arts and
Entertainment venues.
A new art installation has
been placed on the Cecil
County Courthouse property.
The fiberglass (full-size) Elk
(from a previous art venue)
was repainted at the corner of
Main and Bridge Streets.
Creatively repainted benches
in front of the Elkton
Alliance; “Never Wet”
stenciled pop-up sidewalk art
project; “Chalk the Walks”
event; “Before I Die I Want
To…” wall; new Christmas
decorations on the
Downtown streetlights; Color
Vibe 5K Run; Music on Main
Thursdays; Car shows;
Empty Bowls event;
downtown empty storefront
window decorating; new arts
section of Fall Fest;
Historical Society of Cecil
County Cemetery Tour; an
increase in the number of
venues along the Elkton Art
Loop during First Friday
events. In addition, Cecil
College offers a Lifelong
Learning Program, Youth
programs, including Summer
Camp and Theater programs,
and Concerts, a student Art
Gallery and Open Mike
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
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night.
4. How many historic properties were
renovated/improved?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X There have been 16 Historic
District Work Permits issued
in the past 5 years.
5. Are there any residential health and wellness
opportunities in place (i.e. athletic facilities,
recreational indoor/ outdoor courses or groups)?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X A dog park and playground
was constructed in Meadow
Park East. The YMCA
constructed a new outdoor
pool at their site in Elkton.
OTHER:
LAND USE/LOCAL
PLANNING YES
If YES, specify in
quantifiable units and
compare values from the
last five years
NO
If NO, why not? What kept
you from achieving your
plan’s desired outcomes?
N/A
Interested
in technical
assistance
1. Have there been any infill developments?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X Construction of 53 senior
apartments in the downtown
which entailed the adaptive
reuse of a historic building.
Commercial infill included
two automobile dealerships, a
thrift store, an office building
and a fast food restaurant.
Sustainable Communities Renewal Application - Section B
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2. Has there been an increase in the amount of
preserved/protected land?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X Additional land placed under
Forest Conservation
easements as a requirement
for development activities.
3. Have there been any developments hindered by
growth constraints?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X Lack of water and sewer
infrastructure at the periphery
of the Town boundaries have
hindered potential
development in those areas.
4. Have there been any zoning or any policy changes
that have fostered growth in your Sustainable
Community?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X Elkton updated their Zoning
Ordinance to encourage more
mixed-uses at a pedestrian-
scale in the Town Center
zone.
5. Have there been any significant improvements to the
municipal infrastructure within the Sustainable
Community (i.e. street lighting, water/sewer lines)?
If so, explain (1-2 sentences):
X *Belle Hill Water Tower
rehabilitation.
*Elkton Water Treatment
Plant Raceway Dredging
Project.
*Walnut Hill Water Tower
rehabilitation.
*117-119 West Main Street
Parking Lot improvements.
*VFD installation at Water
Treatment Plant.
*Upgrades to the Warner
Road, Meadows at Elk Creek
and Patriots Glen Sanitary
Sewer Pump Stations.
*Development of two
additional wells.
*Sidewalk reconstruction
with brick accent on East
Main Street.
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OTHER:
COMPETITIVE FUNDING: Use the rows below
to list competed funds sought for sustainability or
revitalization projects since receiving Sustainable
Communities designation.
Source
(federal, state,
foundation, etc.)
Amount
Received
If no funding was received, what technical or
other assistance from the state would help
with future applications?
Other Notes
Funding Program:
CDBG Grant: Rehabilitation of Belle Hill Water
Tower
State $500,000.00
Funding Program:
CDBG Grant: Raceway Dredging Project
State $227,000.00
Funding Program:
CDBG Grant: Walnut Hill Water Tower
Rehabilitation project
State $448,915.00
Funding Program:
Community Legacy: Façade Grant
State $550,000.00
Funding Program:
Strategic Demolition Smart Growth Impact Fund
Grant: Municipal Parking Lot improvements
State $100,000.00
Funding Program:
MDNR Community Parks & Playgrounds grant:
Dog Park
State $24,000.00
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Funding Program:
CDBG Grant: North Street Senior Residences
State
$500,000.00
*Please add more rows if necessary
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26
III. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN UPDATE
The Sustainable Community Action Plan (SC Plan or Plan) is meant to be a multi-year investment strategy – a
strategic set of revitalization initiatives and projects that local partners believe will increase the economic
vitality and livability of their community, increase prosperity for local households and improve the health of the
surrounding environment. The Plan should be flexible enough to be updated regularly and renewed every five
years as the community envisions new goals. The priority initiatives and projects identified in the action plan
are your priorities for improving the livability of community places -- residential, commercial, or other public or
private properties – and the sustainability of new work, retail, recreational and housing opportunities for
residents. At the same time, the plan should only discuss the strategies that will impact the geographic area
targeted for revitalization, so that resources have the best opportunity to have the intended effect. These projects
can also be designed to reduce the environmental impact of the community through water and energy resource
conservation and management strategies. In this way, the Plan can be a road map for local stakeholders as well
as State agencies to work together to create a more a livable and sustainable community.
All communities submitted an SC Plan when the community earned its original designation. Some applicants
may want to take advantage of the designation renewal process to outline new strategies, set new priorities or
reaffirm existing strategies for their Sustainable Community. Changes to SC Plans may be due to changes in
external factors affecting the community or changes in the priorities of the applicant.
Guidance for completing the Action Plan can be found on the next page.
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27
Action Plan Guidance
The document has been broken down into the same six categories as the Quantitative Assessment section of this
document. These parts address key components of your Sustainable Community Action Plan. Follow the
guidelines below to fill out the matrix.
1) For each of the different sections, pinpoint essential strengths and weaknesses of your community.
Example Transportation: Strength - Good sidewalk connectivity. Weakness - Insufficient amount of
downtown parking.
2) Based on those strengths and weaknesses, formulate specific outcomes that address the most
pressing issues or greatest potentials. Include a means of measuring the success of said outcome.
Example Economy: Outcome – Expand broadband fiber optics in Town. Progress Measure - Linear
measurement of fiber laid and number of residential and business connections.
3) After defining the outcomes, list detailed strategies (break down to several action steps if needed)
that will serve as the means to achieve those goals. Example Economy: Strategy - Increase number of
Town sponsored events Develop with community input, a series of weekend events that the Town
could host.
4) List potential partners that can support the successful implementation of these strategies through
different types of resources. Example Economy: DHCD (Community Legacy program), Small
Business Administration (Services and financial assistance) etc.
Sustainable Community Action Plan Elkton
Submitted by Town of Elkton
4/4/2017
[Type text]
Environment (Environmental strengths and weaknesses can include but are not limited to quality of land, water, air, watersheds, tree canopy, risk of sea level rise, carbon footprint, energy conservation, access to local foods, green infrastructure, stormwater infrastructure/management, parks,
trails and recreation, recycling, water and sewer capacity, etc)
Strengths Weaknesses Critical Area and Floodplain overlay zones protect environmentally sensitive
areas.
Forest conservation ordinance protects trees and canopy cover.
Sensitive Areas ordinance protects streams, wetlands and steep slopes.
Wastewater treatment plant recently upgraded to provide improved service capacity and cleaner state-of-the-art technology (BNR/ENR).
Floodplain land acquired for open space.
Farmer's Market to ensure access to healthy local food.
Pet waste bags available in parks to reduce the amount of pet effluent entering the waterway.
Stormwater management ordinance requires environmental site design and other best stormwater practices.
Rain garden and rain barrel installation at public parking lot/Farmers’ Market.
The town is a member of the Cecil County Watershed Implementation Plan Advisory Committee (WIP), which assess water quality and collaborates to plan and install best management practices (BMP) for stormwater.
Elkton is an MS4 Phase II community/SWM program.
There are several large public parks adjacent to Big and Little Elk Creeks, and Howard’s Pond.
Tree planting (30) in 2016 by Elkton High School students at Meadow Park.
There is a small craft launch at Marina Park.
Residential recyclables (single stream) are collected by Waste Management once a week.
Elkton has installed energy and cost efficient devices in our Water Treatment Plant.
Elkton installed a 7-acre solar array adjacent to our WWTP,
Elkton installed LED lights in our Municipal Building and on 60 street lights.
Elkton installed four (4) EV charging stations in our Municipal lot.
Land is relatively flat and conducive for development.
Street tree planting at the Elkton Municipal Building.
Trees and landscaping were installed at the Municipal Stairway.
A watershed assessment is needed to determine the location of BMPs and stormwater retrofits for compliance with Elkton’s MS4 permit. Following the watershed assessment, engineering design, and cost estimates for stormwater management retrofits are needed to meet our nutrient loading reduction requirements. Funding is needed to assist Elkton in implementing the required stormwater retrofits and other MS4 requirements. In addition, sanitary sewer service should be extended to areas with failing septic systems.
A majority of Elkton’s parkland is in the 100-year floodplain. The parks end up being closed for days during and after flood events. There is a need for additional parkland/ballfields outside of floodplain.
Lack of a trail system to connect neighborhoods to each other, the downtown, our Historic Elk Landing site and the East Coast Greenway, Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway and the Mason-Dixon Trail.
Need to develop a Sourcewater Protection Plan to protect drinking water quality.
Need to conduct an Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) analysis to determine the extent and location of any breaches in the sanitary sewer collection system.
The streambanks along the Big Elk Creek are deteriorating in areas and are in need of restorative work. Siltation of the Big Elk Creek contributes to the intermittent flooding problems in Elkton.
[Type text]
Desired Outcomes and Progress Measures
Based on the strengths and weaknesses identify the strengths on which you would like to build and the challenges you would like to address.
What outcomes are you trying to achieve? Where/ in what area do you want those
changes to happen? Progress Measure: Identify how you will know
that you have achieved your outcome.
Strategies and Action Items Identify strategies that will help your community to achieve each
identified outcome to the left. If applicable, break down each strategy into specific action items that outline different steps of the strategy.
Specify how you are planning to achieve the desired outcomes.
Implementation Partners Which community stakeholders need to be involved to realize each action step and strategy?
Name specific public and/or private sector partners.
Outcome 1: Compliance with TMDL/MS4
requirements.
Progress Measures: Reduction in nitrogen and
phosphorus loads from existing impervious surfaces.
Strategy A: Identify and apply for funding assistance Strategy A: Conduct a Watershed Assessment Strategy B: Complete a BMP analysis Strategy C: Develop a construction timetable Strategy D: Draft engineering plans to extend sewer service to failing septic systems in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. Strategy E: Connection of sanitary sewer to septic systems in the Critical Area
Town of Elkton KCI Technologies (consulting engineer) Cecil County MDE grants
Outcome 2: Identify potential parkland outside of the 100-year floodplain on which to develop active outdoor recreation opportunities. Progress Measures: Establish additional recreation opportunities in an area not subject to flooding.
Strategy A: Identify available property conducive for recreational use. Strategy B: Contact owner to determine willingness to sell property. Strategy C: Conduct an appraisal of the property. Strategy D: Identify possible funding assistance for acquisition of the property. Strategy E: Develop a park plan for the property. Strategy F: Identify potential grants for park development.
Town of Elkton Private property owner(s) MD DNR Program Open Space
Outcome 3: Development of a trail system that connects neighborhoods, the downtown and our parkland. Progress Measures: Creation of a Heritage Trail system
Strategy A: Engage the services of a consultant to develop a comprehensive trail system in Elkton. Public participation is a key component of this plan. Strategy B: Identify funding sources. Strategy C: Develop engineered trail plans and cost estimates. Strategy D: Apply to grant programs for construction assistance.
Town of Elkton Consultant MD DNR Program Open Space FEMA MD Heritage Area Grant Program Federal Trails Program
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Outcome 4: Development of a Sourcewater Protection Plan. Progress Measures: Establishment of maps and associated land use regulations for the protection of wellhead recharge areas.
Strategy A: Engage the services of a consultant to accurately map wellhead recharge areas. Strategy B: Draft sourcewater overlay regulations to ensure future land use will not compromise municipal wells. Strategy C: Adopt Sourcewater Protection maps and land use regulations.
Town of Elkton Town Consulting Engineers Consultant MDE MDP
Outcome 5: Completion of a comprehensive Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) analysis. Progress Measures: Reduction of flow surge at Elkton’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) during periods of precipitation. Thus providing more plant capacity and eliminating the costs of treating stormwater inflow at the WWTP.
Strategy A: Identify any available grant funding. Strategy B: Engage a consultant to determine locations of compromised pipes in the sanitary sewer collection system. Strategy C: Develop plans to repair sanitary sewer collection system. Strategy D: Repair areas of I&I.
Town of Elkton Elkton Department of Public Works Elkton’s Consulting Engineers Consultant MDE
Outcome 6: Streambank restoration project. Progress Measures: Stabilized stream banks, and reduced silt loads in the Big Elk Creek. Reduced incidents of flooding.
Strategy A: identify sources of grant funds Strategy B: Engage a consultant to analyze and map the condition of the stream banks. Strategy C: Identify areas of erosion and develop stabilization strategies. Strategy D: Implement stabilization strategies Strategy E: Explore possibility of dredging excess silt from the Big Elk Creek Strategy F: Obtain necessary permits to dredge the Big Elk Creek. Strategy G: If approved, hire contractor to dredge excess silt from the Big Elk Creek.
Town of Elkton Consultant MDE FEMA Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission ACOE
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Economy (Economic strengths and weaknesses can include but are not limited to regional accessibility, business attraction/retention, health of the business district and commercial vacancies, workforce/employment and economic drivers, local policies/regulations, marketing, tourism,
cultural and historic assets)
Strengths Weaknesses
Elkton is the county seat and is the commercial, governmental, and employment center for a large rural area.
Elkton is within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). An MSA is an area of one or more adjacent counties or county equivalents that have at least one urban core area of at least 50,000 population, plus adjacent territory that has a high degree of social and economic integration with the core as measured by commuting ties. The PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA has a population of over 6 million.
Elkton’s Sustainable Community Area includes the downtown mixed-use central business district. Union Hospital; Cecil College; Circuit and District Courts; Cecil County Board of Education; the Cecil County Health Department; Cecil County Historical Society; Cecil County Arts Council; Cecil County Office of Tourism; Cecil County Chamber of Commerce; Elkton Chamber and Alliance (including a Visitor Center); Elkton Police Department and Elkton Municipal Offices are all located in the downtown central business district.
Elkton is a Main Street Community with a strong Façade Grant program.
Elkton’s downtown includes an Arts & Entertainment District and Historic District.
Certain zones provide assistance to property owners such as Maryland Main Street; Arts & Entertainment district; HUB zone; Enterprise Zone; and Historic District.
Active Chamber of Commerce/Elkton Alliance that hosts a large number of Community Events within the CBD.
The Elkton Alliance, a collaborative CDC, works closely with the MD Dept. of Commerce to provide assistance to local businesses.
The Elkton Alliance actively recruits new businesses to the downtown.
The Susquehanna Workforce Network is a regional nonprofit working in Harford and Cecil that works to maximize the nation's regional business potential.
Broadband is available throughout the town.
Water and Sewer availability throughout town.
Proximity to "tax-free" Delaware hinders growth.
Perception of high water and sewer connection fees may discourage potential growth.
Lack of grocery stores in downtown.
Number of vacant storefronts/buildings in the downtown.
Poor property conditions in the business district with high vacancies and blight.
Existing marketing plans and strategies are over 15 years old, and need to be updated
Absence of a multi-year Capital Improvement Plan.
Homeless population in parks, outside certain businesses and in the downtown.
Flooding affects certain commercial areas.
Lack of multi-modal transportation system (see Transportation section below).
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Small-business assistance program available via the actively used, award-winning (National Medal) Elkton branch of the County Public Library.
The Elkton Alliance was recently approved for a grant to engage a consultant to conduct an updated Market Analysis and Marketing Plan (Branding Design and Action Plan).
The Upper Chesapeake Corporate Center on U.S. Route 40, is an attractive industrial park in the SC Area, and is the location of Cecil County Administration Offices, Cecil Soil Conservation Services, Cecil County Emergency Management, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a trucking business, several industrial firms, a day care center, medical offices, a credit union, a grocery store and 60 undeveloped acres available for development.
Cecil County’s Phase 1 Business Incubator space is located in the downtown Cecil College campus.
Elkton is represented on the Cecil County Economic Development Commission.
A economic development promotional video was filmed in 2016 based on Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop This Feelin”, and featured the Mayor, local businesses, newspaper, Arts Council, citizens, and municipal employees.
Elkton’s Historic Elk Landing site and events attract tourists to Elkton.
Desired Outcomes and Progress
Measures Strategies and Action Items Implementation Partners
Outcome 1:
Completed Branding
Design and Action
Plan.
Progress
Measures: Increase
in the number of
successful
businesses and
industry in Elkton’s
Sustainable
Communities Area.
Increase the number
Strategy A: Work with the consultants recently engaged by the Elkton Alliance to develop a Branding Design and Action Plan. Strategy B: Develop a prioritized list of capital projects to implement the Branding Design and Action Plan. Strategy C: If necessary, seek out financial assistance to implement the recommendations of the Plan.
Elkton Alliance Town of Elkton Consultant Town engineers Business Owners
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of tourists visiting
Elkton. Increase in
employment rate
and income levels.
Outcome 2: Development of a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan. Progress Measures: Well-maintained, fully functioning municipal infrastructure.
Strategy A: Develop a prioritized 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, which incorporates the recommendations of the Marketing Plan. Strategy B: Research funding sources to finance the recommended capital improvements Strategy C: Implement capital improvements consistent with timelines set forth in the plan.
Town of Elkton Elkton Alliance Town’s engineer MDE SHA DHCD
Outcome 3: Collaborate with Cecil County agencies on addressing homelessness. Progress Measures: Reduction in the number of homeless individuals in Elkton.
Strategy A: Convene another meeting with representatives from Cecil County Government, the Health Department and Social Services, the Mary Randall Center and the Men’s Shelter and other key stakeholders/service providers. Strategy B: Collaborate with the stakeholders to identify strategies to reduce homelessness in Cecil County. Strategy C: Identify grant funding that may enable implementation of strategies identified. Strategy D: Begin implementing strategies
Town of Elkton Cecil County Health Department Social Services Mary Randall Center Men’s Shelter DHCD
Outcome 4: Revisit the Flood Control Study completed by ACOE for Elkton in 2006. Encourage and assist property owners to implement the flood control measures recommended in the study.
Strategy A: Engage a floodplain expert to review the findings and recommendations of the Elkton Flood Control Study completed by the Army Corps of Engineers in 2006. Strategy B: Determine if additional analysis of the floodplain is necessary. Strategy C: Identify available funding through FEMA for floodproofing or acquisition. Strategy C: Meet with property owners affected by flooding, and encourage the installation of floodproofing measures.
Town of Elkton Consultant FEMA Property Owners
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Progress Measures: Increase in the number of properties that have installed floodproofing measures. Reduction in flood damage to buildings in the floodplain.
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Transportation (Transportation strengths and weaknesses can include access to transit corridors, pedestrian safety and accessibility/sidewalks, alternative
modes of transportation, such as bikeways and trails, public transit, such as bus and rail, carpooling, proximity to transportation centers, parking, road conditions)
Strengths Weaknesses
Completed 13 million dollar Main Street streetscape (phase 1) program with pedestrian improvements, traffic calming, and lighting.
Streetscape Phase II completed to the western end of Main Street.
Large public parks suitable for trail systems.
Located on major highway routes.
Newly adopted Bicycle Master Plan to improve cycling access.
Compact downtown with street grid.
Cecil County Transit Office provides fixed-route and demand-response transit service between Elkton, Glasgow, Newark, University of Delaware, North East and Perryville.
New wayfinding signs have been installed.
Implemented recommendations of Elkton’s TOD Plan regarding changes to the Zoning Ordinance.
Public Parking lot improvement project on Main Street included two-way access to Main Street, 4 electric vehicle charging stations, landscaping and LED lighting.
Elkton is currently developing a Pedestrian Plan.
New sidewalks and crosswalks linking Elkton Housing Authority residents with schools and downtown.
Lack of commuter rail. The former station is now closed, and there is no
connection to MARC. Lack of Elkton train station is missing link between Newark and Perryville, MD. Passenger rail service needed to connect Baltimore, Aberdeen, Elkton, Newark and Wilmington.
Lack of bicycle infrastructure.
Poor trail-cycle lane-sidewalk connectivity for bikers and pedestrians. (See Environment above).
Some sidewalks difficult to traverse and/or include impediments.
Not all major roads have sidewalks.
Lack of a multimodal transportation system to attract new workers to the area.
CBD needs more streetscape improvements. Priority is the “Train to Main“ (North Street, Railroad Avenue and Bow Street)
Bow Street municipal parking lots in need of upgrades.
A number of privately-owned parking lots are deteriorating and in need of maintenance.
Traffic congestion on MD 213 at U.S. Route 40.
Desired Outcomes and Progress Measures
Strategies and Action Items Implementation Partners
Outcome 1: Re-establish passenger rail service to
Elkton.
Progress Measures: The establishment of passenger rail service and a multi-modal transportation hub in downtown Elkton will create jobs, provide more transportation choices, improve access to community
Strategy A: Extending MARC passenger rail service to Elkton. Strategy B: Construction of a multi-modal transit center: Identify funding sources and partners; engage consultant to design transit center; bid and construct transit center. Strategy C: Construction of Phase III streetscape on North Street and Railroad Avenue to establish the “Train to Main” pedestrian link: Identify funding for streetscape improvements; engage consultant to design improvements; bid and construct improvements.
Town of Elkton Cecil County Government MTA MARC State of Maryland State of Delaware WILMAPCO Consultant
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amenities, enhance economic competitiveness, and enhance Elkton’s sustainability.
Outcome 2: Improved bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.
Progress Measures: Increase in the amount of “complete streets” in Elkton. Improved safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. Creation of healthy transportation choices in Elkton.
Strategy A: Implement the prioritized pedestrian and ADA improvements recommended in the Elkton Pedestrian Plan. Strategy B: Research funding opportunities for construction. Strategy C: Engage engineer to develop sidewalk improvement plans Strategy D: Construct improvements to the sidewalk infrastructure
Town of Elkton WILMAPCO Consulting engineers Elkton DPW SHA
Outcome 3: Improved public and private parking lots Progress Measures: Increase investments in public and private parking lots to make them more attractive, improve lighting and landscaping and efficiency in layout.
Strategy A: Identify key parking lots in need of improvement. Strategy B: Contact the owners of the parking lots and encourage them to make the necessary improvements/maintenance. Strategy C: Explore grant opportunities to assist the property owners.
Town of Elkton Property Owners DBED
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Housing (Housing strengths and weaknesses can include affordability, homeownership vs rental, housing stock diversity, housing condition and value,
housing programs, foreclosures, residential vacancies, property values, home sale values)
Strengths Weaknesses
Diversity in housing age and type and price points.
A variety of housing options are available close to downtown.
Affordable housing is available in the SC area and throughout the town > over 13% of housing units in town are available to LMI individuals.
Several buildings on the National Historic Register and the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties.
A new 53-unit affordable senior housing complex within walking distance of bus and the proposed train station -> building was full within 7 months of opening.
The Elkton Housing Authority (EHA) provides affordable housing to 150 households on three (3) properties: Rudy Park, Windsor Village and Main Street Elderly – all within the Sustainable Community Area.
EHA received $250,000.00 in Strategic Demolition funds for improvements to their properties mentioned above. EHA has partnered with the Ingerman Group in a PPP to renovate and undertake new construction of the EHA’s existing housing to provide modernization, ADA accessibility, and greater housing choice for LMI families.
EHA administered a “Living to Leave a Legacy” grant that enabled them to place a family in a home. EHA administers 40 Housing Choice rental assistance vouchers.
Cecil County Housing Department offers a number of housing programs to assist those who are delinquent with mortgages, rent, budgeting, etc.
There are numerous faith-based food and shelter assistance programs for those in need.
Elkton’s Comprehensive Plan identifies areas of future growth/annexation areas.
Absentee landlords.
The Town is concerned about the high percentage of rental properties and would like to see an increase in home ownership.
12.3% vacancy rate.
Need for additional quality residential housing in downtown.
Lack of/deferred property maintenance.
Reduction of Federal funding for Housing Authorities.
There have been 191 foreclosures on homes in Elkton in the past 5 years.
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Desired Outcomes and Progress Measures
Strategies and Action Items Implementation Partners
Outcome 1: The renovation and new construction of
the EHA’s existing properties.
Progress Measures: Re-investment in the
residential units to provide modernization, ADA
accessibility, and greater housing choice for low-
income households in need of affordable housing.
Strategy A: Utilize 9% LIHTC and a conversion of assistance under the HUD RAD Program. Strategy B: Begin construction, renovation, modernization and increase handicap accessibility for Windsor Village; Rehabilitate/reconfigure the Main Street Elderly property; demolish and construct new and expanded townhome apartments at Rudy Park.
Elkton Housing Authority The Ingerman Group
Outcome 2: Meet with Cecil County Housing Officials to identify and address barriers to homeownership. Progress Measures: Increase in the number of owner-occupied housing units in Elkton.
Strategy A: Meet with Cecil County Housing Officials to identify barriers to homeownership in Elkton. Strategy B: Collaborate with Cecil County Housing Officials on addressing the barriers to homeownership. Strategy C: Implement strategies.
Town of Elkton Cecil County Housing Office DHCD
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Quality of Life (Strengths and weaknesses can include crime, socio-economic demographics, educational opportunities, museums, libraries, historic and
cultural assets, civic amenities, faith-based organizations, economic health of households, sense of place, etc)
Strengths Weaknesses
Elkton's Union Hospital is an award-winning, full-service community hospital located in downtown Elkton. It is nationally recognized for clinical excellence in the treatment and prevention of disease. The 84-bed (licensed), not-for-profit hospital is dedicated to providing superior, personalized, quality health care and is the largest regional hospital in Cecil County. Union Hospital also offers wellness and addiction programs and has expanded its footprint and services in downtown Elkton.
Cecil College Elkton Station is conveniently located in downtown Elkton. The new state-of-the-art facility opened its doors in 2005 and credit courses were offered at this location for the first time in the College's history. The fine arts, music, theatre and teacher education programs are located here and they are joined by Cecil's four-year college and university partners. Elkton Station also serves as the home for career and community education and youth programs, as well as the Mid-Atlantic Transportation and Logistics Institute and workforce development and business solutions. The student learning experience is enhanced through presentation technology and ultra-modern studios designed specifically for dance, music, theater and ceramics. The Performing Arts Hall and Elkton Station Gallery host student performances and art work.
The Elkton (Central) Branch of the Cecil County Library is an actively used award-winning (National Medal) library. They recently constructed a new parking lot and installed a solar panel array.
Elkton has a Historic District which includes a number of buildings on the National Historic Register and Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties. The diversity of architecture in Elkton shows the steady development and prosperity of the town over its 230 year history.
Elkton's Historic District Commission reviews all requests for alterations or new construction in Elkton's Historic overlay zone to ensure community character. The Town is in the process of adopting new Historic District Design Guidelines.
Elkton is a Main Street community and coordinates efforts of Sustainable Communities with Main Street Five-Point Approach for commercial revitalization.
Elkton Chamber and Alliance hosts approximately 40 outdoor events annually,
Community lacks a neighborhood recreation center.
Schools estimated to be over-capacity within the next five years.
Perception of Increased crime, drug use, and prostitution.
Homelessness. (See Economy)
17.5% of the individuals living in Elkton are below the poverty level. This has risen significantly since the 2006-2010 ACS (12.6%) and is higher than Cecil County (10%) and nearly double that of Maryland (9.7%). (See Economy)
Household income has decreased over the past five years, with the median household income at $53,851.00 – down from $54,902.00 in 2010 and is much lower than Cecil County ($66,396.00) and Maryland ($74,551.00).
Flooding in some parks. (See Environment)
Lack of passenger rail service. (See Transportation)
Road congestion at 213/40.
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including 15 Arts and Entertainment venues.
Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Elkton.
The Cecil County Arts Council, the Cecil County Historical Society and Cecil County College also host a number of cultural and arts programs/events in downtown Elkton throughout the year.
The Historical Society of Cecil County’s Eva M. Muse library has the largest collection of books, manuscripts, maps, government documents and newspapers pertaining to Cecil County in existence. The constantly expanding collection contains over 2,000 books and 14,000 issues of newspapers (starting in 1827). The Cecil County Historical Society will add a new WW1 artifact display to its museum this year.
The Cecil County Arts Council acts as a clearinghouse for information on the arts in Cecil County. Now in its 40th year, the Arts Council is a non-profit organization, dedicated to “presenting, promoting and sustaining the arts in Cecil County”.
Elkton is the only town in Cecil County with a Parks and Recreation Department. The Parks and Rec Department offers children’s dance classes, summer day camp, youth basketball, crafts, junior police academy, etc.
Elkton has a number of public parks offering tennis, basketball, football, fishing, a walking track, a dog park, playground equipment and picnic pavilions, and a small craft boat launch.
Little League ballfields adjacent to the downtown.
Cecil County Tourism Office is now on Main Street in the downtown.
Farmers Market in the downtown.
The Town has been very successful in obtaining and managing a variety of grants for capital improvement projects.
Elkton has its own Police Department.
The Cecil County Health Department is located in downtown Elkton.
Historic Elk Landing site (Revolutionary War and War of 1812).
Elkton is served by 3 public elementary schools, 3 public middle schools, 2 public high schools, a Parochial school, and a Christian Academy.
High school graduation rates have increased significantly, from 80% in 2010 to 85% today.
Faith-based and non-profit organizations provide food and shelter assistance to those in need.
EHA resident services ensures active involvement of residents with a variety of services in their pursuit of self-sufficiency and upward mobility. EHA was one of the first PHAs to implement Smoke-Free Housing.
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Desired Outcomes and Progress Measures
Strategies and Action Items Implementation Partners
Outcome 1: Development of a community recreation
center within walking distance of older
neighborhoods within a Qualified Census Tract.
Progress Measures: The construction of a community neighborhood recreation center offering sports, recreation and education to the surrounding neighborhoods.
Strategy A: Prepare an RFQ to solicit qualifications for Design/Build firms Strategy B: Apply for funding assistance through DHCD’s CDBG program. Strategy C: Select a few firms from the responses to the RFQ to prepare an RFP to design and construct a community recreation center. Strategy D: Select a firm. Strategy E: Construct the building
Town of Elkton DHCD
Outcome 2: Reduction in crime/criminal activity.
Progress Measures: Continue to reduce crime rate, building on past success of the Elkton Police Department.
Strategy A: Make crime prevention a top priority. Strategy B: Ensure EPD has the resources it needs to do their jobs in a safe and effective manner. Strategy C: Keep public areas clean and well-lit. Strategy D: Continue to engage children in the community in EPD programs such as the Junior Police Academy. Strategy E: Engage adults in the community.
Town of Elkton Elkton Police Department Residents
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Local Planning and Land Use (Strengths and weaknesses in the local planning and land use subject area include but are not limited to zoning, land use, policies, taxes and
fees, historical patterns of development, lot sizes and shapes, etc)
Strengths Weaknesses
Dedicated elected officials and staff with decades of experience.
Active Elkton Chamber & Alliance; Cecil County Arts Council; Elkton Historical Society; Cecil College activities and events with dedicated volunteers.
Elkton’s location in the Mid-Atlantic.
Elkton was once known as “The Marriage Capital of the East”.
Transportation network includes a number of State highways and Interstate 95.
Location along major transportation routes (roads, rail and water) contributed to Elkton’s early growth and development.
Elkton is the County Seat.
Passenger rail is planned to be re-established in the downtown.
Compact and Walkable downtown.
Main Street community; HUB zone; Enterprise Zone; Arts & Entertainment District.
Current zoning conducive to revitalization/mixed-use development.
Elkton acquired 62 acres of historic, environmentally sensitive land through Program Open Space grants. The Elk Landing Foundation was established and granted a 99-year lease to restore, maintain and interpret the historic buildings on this site which played a role in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and is the site of Fort Hollingsworth.
Elkton recently reduced zoning barriers for senior and handicapped housing in the central business district.
Union Hospital and Cecil County College located in the downtown.
A number of large employers are located in and near Elkton.
Relaxed parking requirements in the Town Center zone.
Elkton was once perceived as a bedroom community for nearby New Castle County, Delaware. A number of large employers in NCC where many Elkton residents were employed, have closed or relocated in recent years (Chrysler, General Motors, Avon, MBNA). Elkton also has a need for additional parks, water access and recreation facilities. Large sports and recreation facilities are beyond the financial means of most small towns. Both of these weaknesses could be addressed by collaborating with sports developers via a public/private partnership (PPP). Mayor Alt has begun conversations with interested parties and property owners to develop such a facility on the south side of U.S. Route 40.
Need to develop a Sourcewater Protection Plan for our wellhead areas. (See Environment)
Need to link parkland with residential and commercial areas via trail system. (See Environment)
Elkton should either acquire or make an effort to protect the Little Wedding Chapel to preserve this iconic site and link to Elkton’s famous past.
Continue to work with and encourage the owner of the historic Holly Hall through Preservation Maryland’s Six to Fix Program to restore and adaptively reuse this important historic structure.
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Elkton has a water purchase agreement with Artesian Water Maryland for back-up to its surface water treatment plant.
Elkton recently constructed two (2) additional wells for redundancy and supply for future growth.
Elkton has a state of the art wastewater treatment plant with plenty of capacity.
Elkton’s Comprehensive Plan, Transit –Oriented Development Plan, and Bicycle Plan, promote and encourage Smart Growth Principles.
Elkton’s environmental regulations protect floodplains, wetlands, Critical Areas, forests, steep slopes and streams.
Elkton’s historic district regulations and design guidelines promote historic preservation.
Large community parks are located adjacent to the Big and Little Elk Creeks.
Plenty of available industrial-zoned land available for development.
There is an abundance of undeveloped land available for residential development.
Desired Outcomes and Progress Measures
Strategies and Action Items Implementation Partners
Outcome 1: Development of a world-class Sports and
Recreation venue in Elkton.
Progress Measures: Construction of Large sports stadium, a variety of outdoor fields and water park.
Strategy A: Engage the services of a consultant to perform a feasibility study to determine the viability of a Sports and Recreation Complex. Strategy B: If the consultant determines the project to be feasible, seek funding sources and partners for the project. Strategy C: Engage engineering firms to design the Sports and Recreation complex. Strategy D: Construction of the complex.
Town of Elkton Cecil County Government Property owners Sports complex developers Investors MD Stadium Authority
Outcome 2: Acquisition/preservation of the Little
Wedding Chapel
Progress Measures: Preservation of an important
link to Elkton’s iconic past. Attract increased tourism
to downtown Elkton.
Strategy A: Purchase the property, or, encourage purchaser to retain key features of the building. Strategy B: Apply for Strategic Demolition Funds for acquisition and restoration. Strategy C: Develop the site as a tourism attraction.
Town of Elkton Elkton Alliance DHCD
SIGNATURE LETTER
On behalf of [INSERT Applicant local government full name], I hereby approve the
application for renewal of the Sustainable Communities designation for [INSERT Sustainable
Community Name]. I understand that the Disclosure Authorization and Certification from the
original Sustainable Communities application continues to apply to the applicant local
government, and as such the applicant agrees that not attaching an objection constitutes consent
to the information being made available to the public, and a waiver of any rights the applicant
may have regarding this information under Maryland’s Access to Public Records Act, State
Government Article, Section 10-611 et seq. of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
I also confirm that I am named or a former holder of my current title is named as an
authorized official for the Sustainable Communities designation for my local government in the
Local Government Authorization submitted with the original application.
________________________________________________
Authorized Signature
_Robert J. Alt, Mayor_______________________________________________
Type Name and Title
________________________________________________
Date