Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce - Eastern Baltimore County Commercial Revitalization Districts

Eastern Baltimore County Commercial Revitalization Districts

There are 18 Commercial Revitalization Districts in Baltimore County. They consist of a neighborhood of family owned businesses and national retail chains. Each district works with a planner who helps maintain the health of neighborhood commercial areas. Visit https://bcgis.baltimorecountymd.gov/myneighborhood/ to see if your business is located in a commercial revitalization district (listed under the "economic" heading on the left side of the page).

A map of neighborhood response sectors and commercial revitalization districts.

Programs

To apply to the following programs, applicants must meet with staff before filling out an application. Visit here to apply: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/planning/communityplanning/commrevitalization/index.html.

Architect-On-Call

Offers 10 free hours of architectural design services to improve the exterior of business buildings. The architect then provides design recommendations and a cost estimate.

Architect-On-Call Contact: Amy Mantay, Architect-On-Call

Phone: 410-887-3480

Email: atmantay@baltimorecountymd.gov

Building Improvement Loan Program (BILP)

A $30,000 interest-free loan is provided for exterior improvements such as awnings, signage, and landscaping. The loan can be combined with other economic incentives for larger projects. Other small interior and equipment improvements may be financed.

BILP Contact: Josephine Selvakumar, Commercial Revitalization Specialist
Phone: 410-887-3480
Email: jselvakumar@baltimorecountymd.gov

Commercial Revitalization Tax Credit

A five-year real property tax credit is offered if physical improvements increase property value by $100,000 or more. If improvement costs exceed $10 million, a 10-year credit is available. You must apply within 120 days of the completed project.

Tax Credit Contact: Joseph Fraker, Commercial Revitalization Specialist
Phone: 410-887-3480
Email: jfraker@baltimorecountymd.gov

Commercial Revitalization Action Grant (CRAG)

A $10,000 grant is awarded annually for projects that benefit all Commercial Revitalization Districts. For example, holiday lighting, welcome signs, street trees, security cameras, farmers markets, and more.

CRAG Contact: Bill Skibinski, Commercial Revitalization Specialist
Phone: 410-887-3480
Email: wskibinski@baltimorecountymd.gov

Commercial Revitalization Districts and Staff Contacts

Development projects within some Commercial Revitalization Districts may be subject to review and approval by the Design Review Panel. The commercial Design Review Areas include Arbutus, Catonsville, Essex, Loch Raven, Perry Hall, Pikesville and Towson.

Eastern Sector

Detailed Map	Staff Contact
Cowenton-Ebenezer Map (PDF)	Laurie Hay 410-887-3480 lhay@baltimorecountymd.gov
Dundalk Map (PDF)	Joe Fraker 410-887-3480 jfraker@baltimorecountymd.gov
Essex Map (PDF)	Krystle Patchak 410-887-3480 kpatchak@baltimorecountymd.gov
Loch Raven Map (PDF)	Laurie Hay 410-887-3480 lhay@baltimorecountymd.gov
Merritt-Sollers Point Map (PDF)	Joe Fraker 410-887-3480 jfraker@baltimorecountymd.gov
North Point Map (PDF)	Joe Fraker 410-887-3480 jfraker@baltimorecountymd.gov
Overlea-Rossville Map (PDF)	Laurie Hay 410-887-3480 lhay@baltimorecountymd.gov
Parkville Map (PDF)	Laurie Hay 410-887-3480 lhay@baltimorecountymd.gov
Perry Hall Map (PDF)	Laurie Hay 410-887-3480 lhay@baltimorecountymd.gov

Agency Partners

Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce
Baltimore County Council
Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development
Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission
Baltimore County Revenue Authority
Baltimore County Small Business Resource Center
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Maryland Department of Transportation

Eastern Baltimore County Task Force - Focused on Essex

In 2017, the Eastern Baltimore County Task Force was created and consists of community leaders who meet at the Chamber office to address issues in Essex. These issues include vacant homes and businesses, drug use, crime, rat infestation, graffiti, tree and shrub overgrowth, trash, and more problems. This small group of volunteers aims to combine efforts and build on the success of the Core Group of Community Leaders, Back River Restoration Committee, and other groups.

Examples of this work include placing new liners in downtown trash receptacles, creating a rat attack program, trash pick-up, public education and enforcement of County regulations. Overgrowth and dead trees were removed to create a pathway for emergency vehicles and fixing trip-and-fall hazards. It also assisted business owners with painting over graffiti and ensuring properties and thus waterways stay trash and garbage free. Currently, the Eastern Baltimore County Task Force is focusing on improving the streetscape, meaning the natural and built quality of streets, sidewalks, and building fronts. For more information on Task Force activities, click here.

Task Force Leadership