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City manager updates: CDBG community‑center push, events coordinator hire and zoning review for 75‑acre parcel
Summary
City staff described plans to submit a CDBG letter of intent for a community center project, said the city hired an events coordinator (name withheld pending background checks) and reported staff are exploring rezoning/multi‑use options for a 75‑acre parcel.
City officials reported multiple administrative initiatives intended to advance downtown activity, community facilities and applicants for outside funding.
City staff said they plan to draft and send a letter of intent to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (CDBG) to support a community center application. Staff told the council that the department’s secretary had visited the city and that a letter from the municipality could elevate the application’s priority. Staff said the application process culminates in a deadline in the May–June timeframe and that the city will prepare a resolution and public hearings before making a final application.
On staffing, the mayor announced the city has hired a City Events Coordinator whose name will be introduced publicly after background checks. The position will be city‑wide (not limited to downtown) and will sit in the economic development department; staff also said they have a viable candidate for a grant‑writer position and intend to hire a part‑time media position to support events and outreach.
On land use, staff reported recent conversations about converting a 75‑acre property to multi‑use in order to make it more attractive to potential buyers; rezoning and planning approvals would be required before development. Council members asked for an update to the comprehensive plan in a future meeting and flagged downtown retail vacancies as a priority.
Ending: Staff said they will prepare a city resolution for the community center proposal, pursue the CDBG process with public hearings, and return with timing and next steps for the 75‑acre planning discussions.
