Business Development and Infrastructure Support Highlighted in DHCD Day Trip to Kent County
CHESTERTOWN, Md. – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day visited Kent County on Monday for the department’s latest Day Trip tour stop, visiting town main streets and learning how DHCD has made a positive economic impact on the area.
Kent County was DHCD’s 21th Day Trip across Maryland, which is meant to connect department leadership with residents, business owners and public officials. The tours also allow DHCD staff to see first-hand how projects supported by department loans and grants help the state’s communities.
From Fiscal Year 2020 to 2025, DHCD invested nearly $62 million in Kent County for broadband, neighborhood revitalization, community development and homelessness prevention projects.
“Maryland’s counties and towns reach their full potential with a combination of strong local leadership and collaboration with the state,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “We are proud to work with Kent County and places such as Chestertown, Millington and Rock Hall to achieve their vision of long-term economic success and strong neighborhoods.”
“Today’s visits to our Main Streets in Chestertown and Rock Hall, along with the success story of Washington Square Shopping Center, underscore the progress Kent County is making in building vibrant communities and supporting local businesses,” said Ron Fithian, President of the Kent County Commissioners. “The new Wastewater Treatment Plant will pave the way for thoughtful development along the 301 corridor, including two proposed warehouses that are expected to create approximately 300 new jobs for residents.
“Equally important is looking ahead to the needs of our residents. The senior housing village in Millington remains a top priority, consisting of 52 units, which will allow our older citizens to stay rooted here, close to family, friends, and essential services.
“Together, these projects reflect Kent County’s commitment to creating strong, livable communities for every generation.”
DHCD’s tour started in Chestertown’s Washington Square Shopping Center. Staff visited Play It Again, Sam, a coffee shop and recipient of a department Business Boost microgrant. The award helps businesses seeking to expand or establish a location, with a preference to supporting home-based businesses who want to have their first separate commercial location.
Following a roundtable discussion with local officials, staff then traveled to Rock Hall, where Secretary Day and local officials toured the town’s main street area.
The tour concluded in Millington with a visit to the site of a future wastewater treatment plant as well as the Millington Senior Housing and Millington Community Resource Center. The resource center was a recipient of a Community Development Block Grant. Funded federally and administered in Maryland by DHCD, CDBG helps strengthen communities by expanding affordable housing opportunities, creating jobs, stabilizing neighborhoods and improving the overall quality of life.
More photos of DHCD’s Kent County visit can be found on the department’s Flickr page.
DHCD’s Day Trips tour will continue in September in Prince George’s County.
