Maryland Designates Aberdeen as Sustainable Community

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and Maryland Department of Planning has designated Aberdeen as a sustainable community under the state's Sustainable Communities Act of 2010, according to a joint-announcement by the two departments on Monday.

The proposal from Aberdeen's planning and community development department is to develop a transportation-oriented development site around the to preserve a small town and historic feel of the community. The proposal also calls for the conversion of Route 40 and other streets into eco-friendly boulevards and streets. This project plans to help redevelop the commercial district and develop senior and workforce housing.

"As these plans unfold throughout Maryland, with transit oriented development, new business facades, improved opportunities for affordable housing in revitalized towns and cities, I believe that a clear vision for sustainable communities will emerge," said DHCD Secretary Raymond Skinner in a press release.

Aberdeen is one of five cities, including Cumberland, Hyattsville, Laurel and Westminster, that are the first cities to be designated as sustainable communities.

A sustainable community area designation reflects that a municipality or county has identified a specific local area in need of revitalization and has created a strategy to encourage and guide local investment. The sustainable community strategy aims to increase economic, transportation and housing choices as well as the quality of the local environment.