FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2017
CONTACT: Porlan Cunningham, 301-952-3038
TTY: 301-952-4366
UPPER MARLBORO, MD--- The growing, diverse Greater Chillum area of Prince George’s County was recently designated a Sustainable Community by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This important designation ensures access to a comprehensive package of State resources and technical expertise supporting the revitalization of the area and provides the County with a framework for planning and promoting environmentally, economically and socially responsible growth and redevelopment there.
Greater Chillum was selected as a Sustainable Community based on a comprehensive application developed by the Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), in collaboration with County agencies, the Prince George’s County Executive’s Office, County Councilmember Deni Taveras, and community residents and stakeholders. The application detailed an area in need of renewal and a planned strategy to encourage and guide investment and promote economic growth in the area.
Located inside the Capital Beltway, Greater Chillum is a densely populated community that is currently transitioning from an auto-centric suburb to a more urbanized area, with a significant percentage of residents reliant upon public transportation. Greater Chillum seeks to improve walkability for pedestrians and encourage more bicycle use by incorporating protected bike lanes and new crosswalks in the area. The community also hopes to become more environmentally friendly and to create local economic opportunities by establishing a small business incubator to support entrepreneurs and start-ups.
“The Planning Department is delighted to collaborate with our community and government partners to obtain this prestigious sustainable communities designation for the Greater Chillum Area,” said Andree Greene Checkley, M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Director. “With this designation in place, our planners can move forward to work with the community to help realize their vision for the future.”
“The Sustainable Community designation is a game changer for District 2 and Greater Chillum as the area becomes more urbanized with a growing population,” said County Councilmember Deni Taveras. “Now we will have access to the tools and opportunities that promote economic vitality.”
Greater Chillum is the twenty-second community in Prince George’s County to be named a Maryland Sustainable Community. For more information about this program, visit the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development website: www.mdhousing.org, or go to www.pgplanning.org to learn about this and other M-NCPPC community planning activities in the County.
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