Governor Ehrlich Honors Vision Awards Winners

ANNAPOLIS, Md, -- October 06, 2003 -- Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. recognized Maryland’s distinguished history as a leader in growth management and planning today at a conference of the Maryland Citizen Planners Association.

In his remarks at the 9th Annual Vision Awards, the Governor also reaffirmed his commitment to smart growth issues of controlling sprawl, revitalizing established communities, and maximizing public infrastructure spending.

"Responsible development is not a political issue. It affects everyone who cares about livable, attractive, vibrant communities," said Governor Ehrlich.

"I am proud that Maryland has distinguished itself as a national leader for innovative

development and growth management. As Governor, I am interested in refining programs to better serve the core mission of encouraging development in older communities and neighborhoods."

The awards presentation was the culmination of the 20th Anniversary Conference of the Maryland Citizen Planners Association. The Vision awards recognize projects, initiatives, businesses, governments, and people across the State which implement and embody smart growth principles. Applicants were honored in categories such as Government Innovation, Smart Development, and Redevelopment and Revitalization.

"The Department of Planning is focusing efforts to provide viable options for people to live and businesses to operate, while protecting our environmental assets. Our broader view for the future includes extensive plans for infill and Brownfields redevelopment, transit-oriented development, and major improvements to wastewater treatment plants in Maryland," said Secretary Audrey Scott.

The 2003 Vision Awards winners:

Florence Beck Kurdle Award for Community Activism and Achievement
Mr. Ronald M. Kreitner, Executive Director
WestSide Renaissance, Inc.

Maria Miller, Vice President
Bank of America

Government Innovation
City Of Rockville Comprehensive Planned Development

Smart Development
Heritage Crossing (Baltimore)

Business and Economic Development
1st Place: Calvert Country Market (Prince Frederick)
2nd Place: Westminster Post Office (Carroll County)

Public Education & Outreach
1st Place: City Of Rockville "A Smart Town Center For Rockville’s Future"
2nd Place: PlanningDotCom (Prince George’s County)
3rd Place: "Better Models For Development On The Eastern Shore" (Regional)

Public School Construction/Renovation
New Construction: Samuel P. Massie Elementary School (Prince George’s County)
Renovation: Lexington Park Elementary School (St. Mary’s County)

Redevelopment and Revitalization
Residential Award: Hip’s Artists’ Housing (Mount Rainer)
Commercial Award: Drumcastle Center (Towson)
Honorable Mention: Revisions Adult Medical Day Care (Catonsville)
Honorable Mention: The Carter Block Building (Town of Denton)

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com