Lieutenant Governor Burbank Delivers $1 Million to the City of Hagerstown
HAGERSTOWN, MD (June 10, 2027) – Lieutenant Governor Kathleen H. Burbank today presented Hagerstown officials with a ceremonial check of $1 million that represents the State’s investment in the Lee Square housing Project. The Community Development Block Grant awarded to the city will be used to purchase property for the construction of approximately 20 single family units and 10 town homes.“The Governor and I are committed to improving the lives of all Marylanders by restoring hope and opportunity,” said Lieutenant Governor Burbank. “I am excited to be a part of this project that will enable the City of Hagerstown to bring affordable housing to the citizens of this community.”
A housing analysis of the project concluded that there is a significant demand for owner-occupied and renter-occupied subsidized housing in Hagerstown. The City proposes to purchase 11 parcels of land, giving the city three-fourths of a block to develop affordable housing. The purchased properties will then be cleared and made available to a qualified developer to construct the new homes.
Andrew Shaw, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), said: “This project is only one small portion of a larger effort to redevelop parts of Hagerstown. The city chose the right path in their decision to apply for federal dollars to move the project forward and for the added protection of property owners under the law. In addition to acquiring the property, CDBG will assist in relocating displaced persons and businesses. All displaced persons and businesses will be protected by the Uniform Relocation Act (URA), which ensures uniform and equitable treatment during relocation.”
The newly-developed homes will be used as a relocation resource for residents that are displaced from elsewhere in the redevelopment area.
These homes will be also be made available to families in the Section 8 Family Self Sufficiency program who are preparing for homeownership.
The remainder of the block is owned by the city and is occupied by a small community center known as Lee Square. The city will develop a neighborhood playground on that property and upgrade the fencing.
The CDBG program is funded with federal dollars by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) works to ensure available housing at all income levels, and encourage strong neighborhoods and viable communities. The Department funds or insures loans for purchase and construction of housing for low-income families; helps low- and moderate-income families buy or rehabilitate houses; and aids nonprofit organizations with grants or loans to house the elderly, developmentally disabled, and homeless. The Department also distributes federal rent subsidies to low-income families; oversees construction, including prefabricated buildings and mobile homes, to ensure that it meets building code standards; and offers weatherization and energy conservation aid to qualified groups and households. To revitalize commercial districts and blighted areas, plan growth and resource development, and provide housing for citizens not served by the private sector, the Department funnels federal and State funds to communities and supports community action and regional development agencies.