Eastern Baltimore County Commercial Revitalization Districts

There are 22 officially designated 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, enter your address into the search bar. Your district will be listed under the "economic" heading on the left side of the page.

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 (AOC)

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. Learn more about the AOC Program: Architect-On-Call Program

Architect-On-Call Contact: Maria Mougridis

Email: mmougridis@baltimorecountymd.gov

Building Improvement Loan Program (BILP)

A $60,000 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. This loan program is managed by the Department of Economic and Workforce Development (DEWD).

Email: businesshelp@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. 

This program is managed by the Department of Economic and Workforce Development (DEWD)

Email: mailto:businesshelp@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: David Birkenthal
Email: dbirkenthal@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 Maps (PDF)	Contact Info
Essex Map Middle River Map	Ainsley Jacobs: ajacobs1@baltimorecountymd.gov
Loch Raven Overlea-Rossville Map Parkville Map	David Berkinthal: dbirkenthal@baltimorecountymd.gov

Agency Partners	Business Association Partners
Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce Baltimore County Council Department of Economic and Workforce Development (DEWD) Landmarks Preservation Commission Baltimore County Revenue Authority Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Resource Center Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Maryland Department of Transportation	Greater Arbutus Business Association Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce Liberty Road Business Association Overlea-Fullerton Business and Professional Association Perry Hall White Marsh Business Association Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce Northwest Chamber of Commerce Security Woodlawn Business Association Towson Chamber of Commerce

Essex Community Development Corporation - Essex CDC

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

Executive Director: Chrissy Erb 

Board Chair: Cliff O'Connell, Cliff's Hi-Tech Auto Body Shop

Board Vice Chair: Sam Weaver, Weaver's Marine Service

Board Secretary: Lisa Harlow, Heritage Society of Essex-Middle River

Board Treasurer: Nathan Barbo, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

Members:

Sharon Kihn, Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce (Ex Officio)
Bob Romadka (Ret. ) Attorney at Law
Tony Pearce, State Farm Insurance on Eastern Blvd. 
Kelly Slocum, Real Estate Agent, RE/MAX
John Gontrum,  Whiteford, Taylor Preston LLP

This portion of the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce website funded by a grant from Baltimore County.