Calvert Seeks Main Street Maryland Designation For Prince Frederick

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously approved an application during the Aug. 4 meeting seeking state recognition for Prince Frederick’s historic downtown corridor through Maryland’s Main Street Connected Communities program. County officials said the designation will strengthen ongoing revitalization efforts while opening the door to additional state resources, all without requiring new county funding.

The application, submitted through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, would designate the Prince Frederick Historic Main Street Corridor, stretching from Duke Street to Church Street, as a Connected Community. The corridor includes about 40 businesses and serves as the county seat’s historic, civic, cultural and commercial center. Applications are due Aug. 7.

If selected, Prince Frederick would receive technical assistance, training, networking opportunities and priority consideration for certain state funding programs that support downtown revitalization. County officials said the program would initially be administered by existing staff through a partnership among the departments of Economic Development, Planning and Zoning, and Community Resources. Any future staffing or project funding requests would be considered through the county’s regular budget process.

Deputy Director of Economic Development Sheba Smith said during the meeting that the application builds on years of investment in downtown Prince Frederick, including the County Administration Building, County Resources Hub, Armory Square, streetscape improvements and community events such as the Main Street Christmas Parade and annual tree-lighting ceremony.

Commissioners praised the progress already made along Main Street, pointing to new sidewalks, decorative lighting, seasonal flags and landscaping that have helped enhance the area’s appearance. Smith said the county has also received letters of support from local businesses and the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce, with the long-term goal of creating a sustainable Main Street organization and attracting additional businesses to the corridor.