BA/pride.pr Contact: Marian Hershenson, 301-217-3647
DAMASCUS REVITALIZATION
PROGRAM EARNS STATE AWARD For Immediate Release: May 24, 1996
The program which guided the revitalization efforts of the commercial
area of downtown Damascus has been recognized with a State "Pride In Place and
Progress" award from the Maryland Downtown Development Association.
The Damascus Commercial Improvement Program (DCIP) earned the top award
in the Planning Category which was judged on the quality of the planning
process, citizen participation, potential for implementation and quality of
the planning documents.
According to the Maryland Downtown Development Association, the judges
wrote that "The program is the result of a rigorous planning process involving
a citizen strategy committee, staff of various agencies, the . Maryland-
National Capital Park and Planning Commission and private developers."
The program was implemented by the County's Department of Housing and
Community Development.
The "Pride in Place and Progress" award program was developed by the
Maryland Downtown Development Association to recognize the "best
revitalization and economic development projects and programs in downtowns
throughout .Maryland."
"We're especially proud that the Damascus project has received statewide
recognition," said County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. "It typifies the kind
-more-
DAMASCUS REVITALIZATION PROGRAM...AWARD 2-2-2-2
of neighborhood revitalization that I've been encouraging throughout
Montgomery County."
The DCIP was developed in 1984 after a County study documented the need
for a public program to upgrade older upcounty centers to meet current
commercial demands.
The goals set by the program were enhancing the town center while
retaining local character; improving traffic circulation and parking;
encouraging new investment in buildings and businesses; diversifying retail
and service activities; attracting sufficient retail activities to strengthen
the competitiveness of the commercial area; and increasing real estate
property values.
Other projects around the state were recognized in the areas of Economic
Development, Marketing/Promotions and Communications, Special Events, and
Cultural Arts and Entertainment projects and programs. The award was
presented by Governor Parris N. Glendening to Elizabeth Davison, acting
director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, and Marian
Hershenson, project manager, at a ceremony in Annapolis.
Judges were Carol Gilbert of the Neighborhood Design Center, Baltimore;
Charles Lamb, co-founder of RTKL International, architects; Robert Simon,
founder of Reston, VA; and Charles Wagnet, president, Oella Company.
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