Greater Chillum Selected for Maryland's Sustainable Communities Program
Prince George’s County Council Member Deni Taveras (D) – District 2, lauded the state of Maryland’s Smart Growth Sub Cabinet’s approval of a Sustainable Community Designation for Greater Chillum, located in District 2. Greater Chillum, which includes the neighborhoods of Chillum, Avondale, Carole Highlands, and Lewisdale, serves as a connecting corridor between Maryland and Washington D.C.
Council Member Taveras worked with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), various government agencies, County residents, and her Council colleagues to introduce CR-22-2017, legislation calling for the designation of Greater Chillum as a Sustainable Community.
“Prince George’s County is experiencing a lot of change and growth. We need a community plan in place that works towards revitalizing some of our transitioning Northern Gateway communities,” said Council Member Taveras. “It is important for all Prince George’s communities to grow and thrive. The Sustainable Community Designation is a game changer for District 2 and Greater Chillum as the area becomes more urbanized with a growing population. Now we will have access to the tools and opportunities that promote economic vitality; enhance public transportation; and preserve natural, historical and cultural resources.”
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Sustainable Communities Program is designed to encourage interagency and cross-governmental collaboration by providing designated Sustainable Communities with the opportunity to access an interagency revitalization toolbox of financing programs and tax credit incentives. Maryland has 105 approved Sustainable Communities with at least one in each of the state’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.
Prince George's County’s Department of Housing and Community Development Director Eric Brown noted the significance of the designation.
“This is a great step forward toward improving the Greater Chillum area. We look forward to working with Council Member Taveras and other partners to make Greater Chillum a better and more viable community.”
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