[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6744263,"mediaKeyId","5357314-6fc8c89a9346243afc5ef1b51e9173a9","parentId",5357314,"title","Chestertown master plan prioritizes burying downtown wires and streetscape upgrades","audioSeconds",2069,"startMs",131000,"endMs",2200000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5357314-6fc8c89a9346243afc5ef1b51e9173a9&start=131&end=2200","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5357314-6fc8c89a9346243afc5ef1b51e9173a9/thumbnail_131000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6744263/Kent-County/Maryland/Chestertown-master-plan-prioritizes-burying-downtown-wires-and-streetscape-upgrades","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744263-1ab558c7b6fec7f6c8e357e008645332/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163860&Signature=FH3YcqADyb2dUupOOhrHb698Ct05O0Y06QnqCwMDLjnvCtADFUJjbKJypo8AlaW~dKI018fovZ4s21vP2pRmvHhcdP8NI~JfjKdUAxGdFnJ64FguCF-Ba4cEDPvldqpyy2uYExaUi2BETRIVfnXswB8H0cNborYdhIYgQVi06mbzftDJlZY~TFjFajnpOm1juaSseVt3UgZoY~OyI5LYLB4P4q-Tjgpv-NWymjKXFdu620V2mExR~a33fmOwN~61PC7~TTtQ5VVUU-wWOt8GGdQLGXjA3GvJjswrmQZAPmmNsBVizoC2lOGXJwHh2QD9p4HRN-~jsNR2YCL-PcmfdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kent County, MD","date","2025-07-10T08:13:30Z","article","Sunny Hunsinger, executive director of Main Street Chestertown, and Paul Heckles, past president of the organization’s board and chair of the master planning committee, told the Kent County Economic and Tourism Development Commission that the group’s downtown master plan focuses near term on burying overhead utility wires and modernizing streetscapes.

The presentation described the master plan as a community-driven, five‑year guide with more than 40 recommended projects developed in 2024 with consultant support from Design Collective and GMB Engineering. “Main Street Chestertown is one of a thousand, over a thousand Main Street organizations across the country,” Hunsinger said, and the plan provides a portfolio of projects and a strategy to secure funding and guide future decisions.

The presenters said Phase 2 narrows the 40 recommendations into a short list of priorities for 2025–26. Paul Heckles said the commission’s near-term focus should be two linked efforts: wires mitigation and a streetscape program. The wires work is limited, initially, to roughly four blocks around the High Street/Cross Street intersection; Heckles said the study counted about 38 wooden utility poles and 26 cobra‑style light fixtures in that area and that some overhead conductors likely predate current utility ownership.

Heckles and Hunsinger argued the benefits of moving utilities underground include more consistent sidewalk lighting, fewer service interruptions, improved tree canopy management and resilience, and aesthetic improvements that could support tourism and business investment. “When you hang your light 20 or 30 feet up in the air, these trees, when they get fully leafed out, they block the light and you end up with very dark areas on the sidewalk,” Heckles said while explaining public‑safety goals for new fixtures.

Presenters described steps already taken: a December walkaround with Delmarva’s lead engineer, an engineering‑proposal request to GMB to perform Phase 2 engineering work, and plans to convene all utilities (Delmarva, Verizon, Breezeline and two fiber companies) to inventory existing lines and identify which circuits are needed. Hunsinger and Heckles said Delmarva indicated it prefers third‑party engineering for the overall project and that GMB has previous experience coordinating such work with the utility.

Cost estimates for construction were described as preliminary. The presenters said the “first estimate” for implementation ranges from about $5 million to $8 million. Phase 2 engineering work is being supported with ARPA funds, they said, but funding sources for construction have not been secured; potential grant sources mentioned include the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, federal USDA rural programs and federal DOT rural programs.

Commissioners asked about road jurisdiction, timing with respect to repaving, and whether Delmarva or other utilities would require the town to pay for engineering work; presenters said Cross Street is a state road and High Street is under town jurisdiction but that the engineering study will address timing and coordination with resurfacing and state partners. Presenters requested county assistance with grant coordination and letters of support when the funding phase begins.

The presenters said the work is intended to increase downtown pedestrian activity, support new housing and evening economic activity, and enhance safety; they noted the town has not had a major downtown renovation for decades.

If the Phase 2 engineering proceeds, the next steps will include a utility inventory, a prioritized engineering scope and a coordinated outreach to funders; implementation timing and final budget will depend on completed engineering and grant outcomes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","07.09.25 ETDC Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Main Street Chestertown leaders told the Kent County Economic and Tourism Development Commission they will prioritize undergrounding overhead utility wires and a streetscape renovation for a four‑block downtown area, seek Phase 2 engineering, and pursue grant funding for a multi‑million‑dollar construction phase.","taxTitle","Kent County, Maryland","taxId",69327,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744250,"Commission appoints Joanne Rich as chair and Judy Gifford as vice chair",67,3223000,3290000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5357314-6fc8c89a9346243afc5ef1b51e9173a9&start=3223&end=3290","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5357314-6fc8c89a9346243afc5ef1b51e9173a9/thumbnail_3223000.jpg","/articles/6744250/Kent-County/Maryland/Commission-appoints-Joanne-Rich-as-chair-and-Judy-Gifford-as-vice-chair","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744250-7ef5f2f71dc0fbd7339e7293c9fce5a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163860&Signature=mrLNu9ExKYiHYgE9P1Uti90ye0VjhqQ0vyoaxFxwc46YgmTMTHrKChUKmad1xHdne3q75ICZ3-Qjm9F3RcDsZ4GWuiNPSUrRLyZQVNTgtpmkL~cb1THNp7GCxcmyjeFsI3jDvwcW-YAVozDGhHbBDDsv2ccqmXYJ0DWqYqH8piGAVG2DWSyNvSiTHPOfCWfYGfFl~KQNY8BjOmBcauyF6BeJJD6KT7TfXWNqcfxoqhcuEUki5lMOKXIg6mbhjLj6UJ1eJVeE3f0JyaCwa5KJBmU4F40FfUiRsM9JhgtiyjX8DQND2d-FZP5vrFwMlhzzBs6xsSYtC~d9bmbFY9mzug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During new business, commissioners said Joanne Rich expressed interest in serving as chair and Judy Gifford expressed interest in serving as vice chair. A motion to appoint the two officers was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The commission did not record split vote tallies in the transcript; the chair stated the appointments were done and thanked the new officers. The new officers will meet with staff to plan future agendas, and the commission confirmed its August meeting date change to Wednesday, Aug. 20.","At the meeting the commission accepted nominations and voted to appoint Joanne Rich as chair and Judy Gifford as vice chair; the motion was seconded and the body voted in favor.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744253,"Housing subcommittee begins data gathering; county planning study expected",173,3350000,3523000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5357314-6fc8c89a9346243afc5ef1b51e9173a9&start=3350&end=3523","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5357314-6fc8c89a9346243afc5ef1b51e9173a9/thumbnail_3350000.jpg","/articles/6744253/Kent-County/Maryland/Housing-subcommittee-begins-data-gathering-county-planning-study-expected","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744253-1c5935bfa08b2d2464cc407a3ffa8043/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163860&Signature=lSCy-kV~N8Tt9tDXZwmdxZAE9GjBQI5bfWlZfPz~l2avQPynl~a~qOZcg7nmhxch1BZAkq7HhrYBCWWXWqn0Zl8MIAjMVxW0I08iQuJx3h0uvNazN3ogisFDA~GYu0kQQ073B2i5RUMZLNy6UPmDXxIYwl05YjxJuxa3To6PNxrzqDQBYXDYQOHHHS4gF8OxcQVbsISQiQlJuIUdtHu1-uUyvgzlMPegFHSIQ69Ujy0oHEmBiDuKevq3ZGKfZDL2yUqWUzp0Gq6xAKKOgh2GunKNAvof6K2eaw9Ltt41FMrkGuwQG0wtIRfwPCVcoNSCY0BGlYEoTcIahzxTc306~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the commission’s housing subcommittee reported that the initial phase of their work focused on data gathering and reviewing county planning materials. The subcommittee said available county land with sewer service and appropriate zoning for residential development is limited, and that the county has issued a procurement notice to hire a professional to study housing capacity and related issues.

Commissioners discussed whether the subcommittee should focus exclusively on unincorporated county land or include towns; participants said towns are part of the solution because they contain most growth nodes and sewered parcels. Commissioners also debated the desired housing mix, noting that retirees generate different service demands than workforce‑age households and that new development can affect school enrollment and public services.

The subcommittee said it will continue work with county planning staff and expects to play an oversight or advisory role if the county hires a consultant through the RFP process. One subcommittee member said they will contact recent developers to better understand buyer profiles and whether newly built housing has added working‑age households or primarily retirement/second‑home buyers.

No formal actions or funding decisions were taken; the item was an informational update and the subcommittee will return with more detailed findings once the consultant procurement and data analysis proceed.","The commission’s housing subcommittee reported initial data gathering showing limited sewer‑served, zoned land for residential development; an RFP/RFQ to hire a consultant was noted and commissioners discussed the types of housing the county should seek and school capacity implications.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744259,"County staff to launch revamped website and business directory at month end",349,2772000,3121000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5357314-6fc8c89a9346243afc5ef1b51e9173a9&start=2772&end=3121","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5357314-6fc8c89a9346243afc5ef1b51e9173a9/thumbnail_2772000.jpg","/articles/6744259/Kent-County/Maryland/County-staff-to-launch-revamped-website-and-business-directory-at-month-end","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744259-d4bbb97a3d905aa5a74e9742637a26aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163860&Signature=kpWjtsjbeXBk7xa9bA-0Srauvw47cflpG~dT0wVyzMPPh4dIrqg95bqoKby7-tFtkUkgITPKJ9TTF1RrhxBEietK6bALBZKg9iXzVB3RAD8Z~UhGzaOxXTn4dAenpZo4nvcKSN8Hy9WIGBt9Li3hlFR4sImtgwTfy-LN34cDIqzCsgq0KDEpy0ln8lPDFbfYt14DTfiUlIlZOkMSw5cJ3r2GMXP6-54RQKzqAk2hczU5~QTaNdhQrtBb34hjL4X7sBd7q0oL~H99TkiXBe12YeXYcQbNYGow6SM9JROdhWUtH0qo--Y47eD4UFzcGTfkTpcsrF~YVmIcpGj8W~b9~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff told the Economic and Tourism Development Commission that a redesigned county website and refreshed business directory are scheduled to go live at the end of the month and will feed the tourism pages and family resources section.

Katie (county staff) said the site is a large project and will continue to be updated after launch; business listings will be editable by staff and businesses can submit updates through a web form that will route to county staff for approval. The site will be presented to the county commissioners before going live.

Staff asked commission members to encourage local businesses to check their listings after launch and to provide photos or corrections. The project manager said departments will have the ability to manage their pages directly and that updates will be ongoing rather than batched.

In related marketing news, staff noted that county‑funded segments will air on WCBS in New York, KYW in Philadelphia and WUSA in Washington, D.C., starting in August; the tourism office will share air dates and a cut for YouTube distribution when available.","Kent County staff reported that the new county website and updated business directory are expected to go live at the end of the month; businesses will be asked to verify listings and may submit updates through an online form. Departments will be able to manage their pages.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Chestertown master plan prioritizes burying downtown wires and streetscape upgrades

Commission appoints Joanne Rich as chair and Judy Gifford as vice chair

Housing subcommittee begins data gathering; county planning study expected

County staff to launch revamped website and business directory at month end