Hogan Administration Awards More Than $3.2 Million in Strategic Demolition Funding

Announcement Made at Groundbreaking for Indian Head Velocity Center

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt today announced Strategic Demolition Fund awards for Fiscal Year 2019 at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Velocity Center, a planned technology hub in Indian Head, Maryland. During his remarks, the Secretary announced $3,285,000 in awards for 13 projects in nine counties.

The Strategic Demolition Fund supports site acquisition and demolition of derelict buildings and redevelopment to spur economic and community revitalization. The department had received 30 applications requesting nearly $10 million in funding. Funding for demolitions in Baltimore City is provided through the Hogan administration's Project C.O.R.E. initiative, which has provided $33 million to support demolition projects in the city to date.

“This program and these grant awards exemplify our administration’s dedication to improving our communities,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “We are committed to providing opportunities for neighborhoods across the state to rehabilitate or demolish blighted structures, in order to help them revitalize and flourish for years to come.”

"Removing older, unused properties to create the necessary space for neighborhood revitalization can often be a challenge for some communities," said Secretary Holt. "The Strategic Demolition Fund assists with this critical need, providing a clean slate for positive redevelopment."

Joined by Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Mike Gill, Secretary Holt announced a $550,000 Strategic Demolition Fund award to the Charles County Chamber of Commerce Military Alliance Council for the demolition of the former Ely’s supermarket building to make way for the new Velocity Center. A partnership between the College of Southern Maryland, the Naval Surface War Center, and private investors, the Velocity Center will include a research center, technology incubator and education facility. The 20,000 square foot facility will contain features such as a cybersecurity laboratory and space for the university’s robotics team.

“The state’s support for the CSM Velocity Center helps to advance Indian Head’s progress toward becoming a center of world-class energetics and technology,” said Secretary Gill. “It’s another example of how Commerce, DHCD, and other state agencies have worked together to help the town grow and evolve. We’re very pleased to see this project move forward.”

The FY19 Strategic Demolition Fund awardees are:

Allegany County

• City of Frostburg, Center Street Redevelopment - Part II, $200,000
• City of Frostburg, Au Petit Rehabilitation - Part II, $75,000

Anne Arundel County

• Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis, Newtowne 20 Redevelopment, $350,000

Caroline County

• Town of Denton, Southern States Property Demolition, $100,000

Carroll County

• Episcopal Housing Corporation, West End Place, $100,000

Charles County

• Charles County Chamber of Commerce Military Alliance Council, Inc., Ely’s Property, $550,000

Dorchester County

• County Council of Dorchester County, West End Historic Property Preservation, $20,000
• County Council of Dorchester County, Thomas Holliday Hicks Mansion Preservation, $40,000
• Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Packing House, $350,000

Kent County

• Town of Chestertown, Chestertown Business Campus, $500,000

Talbot County

• Town of Oxford, Oxford MEWS Demo and Historic Stabilization, $175,000

Washington County

• City of Hagerstown, Urban Improvement Project, $500,000
• Town of Williamsport/Washington County, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park Headquarters Relocation, $325,000

TOTAL- $3,285,000