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Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton announced Park Heights as Baltimore City’s ninth Main Street District. This designation is important for economic growth and community development in West Baltimore. Park Heights is Mayor Scott’s hometown, and he is proud of the progress being made in the neighborhood. The Main Streets program aims to revitalize neighborhood economies and support business development. Park Heights Renaissance, Inc. will work to make the Main Streets approach inclusive and impactful. The designation is expected to attract investments and create new opportunities for partnerships in the community. This milestone marks a commitment to restoring Park Heights as a thriving community. The neighborhood’s future looks bright with upcoming projects and developments.
In the neighborhood where he grew up, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, along with Baltimore City Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton were both visibly proud and delighted to announce Park Heights as Baltimore City’s ninth Main Street District. Other state and city officials attended the event on Monday, May 13, 2024.
A Main Street designation is important, but this one is particularly notable for a number of reasons. First and most obvious, is the fact that Park Heights is home to Scott. “This is where I grew up, on these very streets, on this very block,” he declared as he unveiled the new Main Street map. “Good luck dealing with my dad and my uncles,” he quipped as he walked off to take pictures with local community members and business owners.
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Secondly, this designation marks a pivotal moment in the city’s ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth and community development, in West Baltimore, and specifically in this otherwise long-neglected part of West Baltimore.
This designation of the Main Street District was the first in the last nine years, pointing to the importance of the occasion.
A Celebration of Success and Potential
Park Heights, a 1500-acre neighborhood in Northwest Baltimore, is home to 30,000 residents. “This designation as a Baltimore Main Street District is the culmination of work that has been ongoing for years, but that has been championed by this mayor,” Middleton pointed out. Scott added, “Today’s designation of Park Heights as the next Baltimore Main Street is a reflection of the incredible success that has been built in the neighborhood and the limitless potential it has.”
This announcement is not just a recognition of the work that has already been done; it’s a promise of continued progress that benefits all Park Heights residents. As a product of the neighborhood, Scott’s pride in those working tirelessly to make Park Heights the best version of itself is palpable. This initiative adds another feather to Scott’s legacy of fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development in Baltimore.
The Impact on the Community
The Baltimore Main Streets program follows Main Street America’s four-point model of economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization. It’s a city-wide effort to revitalize neighborhood economies and support business and community development. The program provides customized support and public funding to attract new businesses and jobs in designated districts.
Park Heights Renaissance, Inc. (PHR), a key partner in this initiative, plans to implement the Main Streets approach in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and impactful. PHR CEO Yolanda Jiggetts stated, “PHR is excited to work hand in hand with business partners, residents, and stakeholders… We look forward to strengthening collaboration and garnering new resources to support a BOLD NEW HEIGHTS!”
Middleton, a staunch advocate for community development, sees this as a significant step towards achieving equitable growth in Baltimore. Her commitment to the community is reflected in her support for this initiative, further solidifying her legacy as a leader dedicated to uplifting Baltimore’s neighborhoods.
The Road Ahead
The designation is expected to leverage additional investments in the Park Heights community, expanding on the investment and development already occurring in the neighborhood. Park Heights has recently seen significant projects taking root, including affordable housing units, a new library branch, and public school overhauls. Pimlico Race Track’s $400 million redevelopment is another testament to the neighborhood’s bright economic future.
The upcoming addition of nearly 1,000 residential units forecasts a bright economic future for Park Heights’ commercial areas and opens the door to numerous partnership opportunities. As Charyln Nater, Director of the Baltimore Main Streets program, said, “The foundation of a strong community lies in working together. As we embark on this new journey, we are forging partnerships that will benefit generations to come.”
The designation of Park Heights as a Baltimore Main Street District is a significant milestone in Baltimore’s and Park Heights’ journey towards economic revitalization.
“This unveiling is a commitment to restoring Park Heights as a thriving, economically sustainable community,” Scott stated.
Dana Henson, a local developer, added that while she’s a businesswoman, “My commitment is first and foremost to the community.”
As Park Heights embarks on this new chapter, the neighborhood stands as a beacon of hope and potential, ready to write its success story.
Karanja Gaçuça is a political commentator, geo-political analyst and journalist covering politics, economics and finance, and international geopolitics. A former Wall Street analyst, he’s also a tech founder and owner of Enkaare LLC, an online tech recruitment platform startup.