Public Input Sought On Havre de Grace Downtown Revitalization

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — Havre de Grace city officials intend to give the downtown area a facelift but want to first know how residents think it should look.

The city said it has received funding to replace the aging underground water and sewer infrastructure downtown.

"This presents a unique chance to rethink how downtown looks, feels, and functions," the city said in a news release. "Many streets will be torn up for this utility work, and we can use this opportunity to improve the streets and other public spaces to create an even better downtown Havre de Grace."

According to the city, it intends to revitalize downtown in hopes of attracting people and investment while making sure it remains a welcoming and safe place that keeps its historic charm.

The downtown revitalization project will focus on public spaces, the city said. This includes sidewalks, streets, intersections, parking lots, and other things in the public realm.

The project boundaries are Congress Avenue to the south, Union Avenue to the west, and the waterfront.

"We need community members to help determine a design that best accomplishes these goals," the city said. "What are important features in that should be celebrated? Where can safety be improved?"

Residents can use this online map to provide feedback to the project team.

Community members are invited to collaborate on the design by taking part in a week of virtual public events to help identify the key issues and opportunities for downtown Havre de Grace and sketch concepts for new designs.

Events will be held from Feb. 15 to 17, 2022. Recognizing public health guidance on social distancing due to COVID-19, these events will be hosted virtually via Zoom.

Participants are asked to register for the events using the links below to help the city estimate the number of attendees and staff accordingly. You may still join the meeting if you have not registered in advance.

Links to register and attend all events are available at www.havredegrace.eventbrite.com

Virtual Open Studios

This Virtual Open Studio is an opportunity to informally collaborate directly with designers from the consultant team and city staff to share your ideas for how downtown Havre de Grace’s streets and public spaces should be improved. Join city officials as they sketch and build out ideas on a virtual whiteboard.

This two-hour session is a drop-in format, meaning you can join at any time, stay for as long as you’d like, and leave when you’re ready.

Open Studio sessions will be hosted virtually via Zoom, with a call-in option available. There will be two identical sessions hosted to accommodate different schedules. You only need to attend one session.

Virtual Open Studio, Session 1
Tuesday, February 15 | 5 to 7 pm
Register Here

Virtual Open Studio, Session 2
Wednesday, February 16 | 1 to 3 pm
Register Here

Design Charrette Virtual Public Meeting
Thursday, February 17 | 6 to 8 pm
Register Here