New Legislation Proposes Middle River Commercial Revitalization District To Boost Local Commerce

BALTIMORE COUNTY - On Monday, Baltimore County Councilman David Marks introduced legislation aimed at revitalizing the Middle River area.

Resolution No. 31-23 would establish the Middle River Commercial Revitalization District (CRD), stretching from the Carroll Island Shopping Center in the east to the former Lockheed Martin plant in the west. If approved, the CRD would provide essential support to local businesses for facade improvements and highlight more significant sites needing redevelopment.

The proposed Middle River Commercial Revitalization District. (Image Credit: Baltimore County Department of Planning)

Middle River is a historically significant industrial center for Baltimore County. The Middle River Depot, a significant World War II relic that once employed over 50,000 workers building B-26 Martin Marauder bomber aircraft, has been vacant for years. 

The area experienced a significant economic setback in 2021 when Lockheed Martin closed a vertical launch systems manufacturing plant that employed 465 workers.

Under the proposed CRD, Middle River would be assigned a dedicated planner to work with business and property owners, local communities, and business associations. 

"I want to provide the same opportunities for Middle River that other neighborhoods enjoy," Councilman Marks said.

Additionally, the designation unlocks access to four major programs to improve infrastructure, ease taxes, and revamp the area's aesthetic:

• Architect on Call (AOC): Provides up to 10 free hours of professional architectural design services for exterior improvements.
• Building Improvement Loan Program (BILP): Offers interest-free loans of up to $30,000 for exterior upgrades such as awnings, landscaping, and signage.
• Commercial Revitalization Tax Credit: Grants a five-year property tax credit for improvements that raise the property value by $50,000 or more. A 10-year credit is available for projects exceeding $10 million in cost.
• Commercial Revitalization Action Grant (CRAG): Awards an annual $10,000 grant to business associations for projects benefiting the overall district, such as holiday lighting and website development.

The Baltimore County Council is scheduled to vote on the resolution at its meeting on October 2.

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