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Revitalization ‘Blooms’ Near Metro Stops in Southern PG
Posted February 28, 2011
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UMD's Small Business Development Center Leads Full-Team Press
COLLEGE PARK, MD - The Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Maryland, is launching Branch Avenue in Bloom, an innovative, multi-partner program to revitalize the area around the Naylor Road Metro station and the St. Barnabas Road commercial corridor in Prince George's county.
Branch Avenue in Bloom combines outside planning resources with community assets to stimulate investor interest in development around the Metro stations in that part of the county. The program managers believe it may be the first effort of its kind in Prince George's.
"The Metro stations offer prime opportunities for commercial development, and by working with area businesses we can help create an economically viable environment and showcase Prince George's County as a great investment opportunity," said Lester ‘Casey' Willson, the SBDC's retail and sustainability manager. "With a team approach, we can make the most of limited resources and help these areas bloom."
Based in part on the National Historic Trust's program for revitalizing Main Street America, Branch Avenue in Bloom seeks to increase community pride, enliven the area, and attract new businesses and shoppers.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is funding the project. Counselors from the SBDC are working with area businesses. Community based action committees have been organized to work on various projects including: a community garden, street and landscaping and a farmer's market which builds on the "buy local" concept of sustainability. Sam's Car Wash, a local institution, has donated a storefront which will serve as project headquarters.
"The secret ingredient here is the passion and expertise of community volunteers," said Jennifer Funn, the SBDC's project coordinator. "Grassroots involvement plus planning expertise and dollars will allow us to realize the community and economic potential here."
Area leaders have caught the spirit and promised help. "I want to extend my strong and sincere support for the initiative," said councilmember Karen Toles (D), of the county's 7th district. "I will work toward ensuring that you have the resources required to achieve success."
The Maryland Small Business Development Center - a collaboration between the University of Maryland and the U.S. Small Business Administration links private enterprise, government, higher education and local economic development organizations to provide management, training and technical assistance to Maryland's small businesses.
The University of Maryland, the region's largest public research university, provides education and research services statewide, supporting Maryland's economic and social well-being.
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