Planning Assistance in Action

by John Coleman, Public Information Officer

This year’s eighth annual Sustainable Growth Awards presentation was held as a virtual ceremony on October 5, 2020. Six recipients were awarded Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards.

These awards celebrate significant achievement by individuals, businesses, organizations, and local governments to carry out the 12 planning visions adopted by the Maryland General Assembly. The awards promote exemplary work that represents or inspires collaboration, innovation, conservation, community impact, and quality of life. To see videos for each of the winners from the virtual ceremony go to the 2020 Sustainable Growth Award page.

Leadership & Service

For activities or accomplishments that advance public appreciation, understanding and/or involvement in promoting smart growth and sustainable communities at the local, regional, or state level.

Jacquelyn Cornish, Chair of the Board of Directors for Druid Heights Community Development Corporation

For more than 45 years Jacquelyn D. Cornish has been a leader in making Baltimore’s neighborhoods more sustainable. A founding member of the Druid Heights Community Development Corporation and currently the Chair of the Board of Directors’ Executive Committee, Ms. Cornish has helped West Baltimore residents achieve their dreams in owning their home.

Regina Hammond, President of ReBuild Johnston Square

As ReBuild Johnston Square’s president, Regina Hammond worked with the Johnston Square neighborhood’s residents to clean up and rejuvenate the Henrietta Lacks Park. She also promoted a resurgence in the Johnston Square neighborhood through her networking and collaboration skills to attract investment in new and rehabbed homes and revitalized green spaces.

Sustainable Community

For facilitating or creating development that addresses at least one or more of Maryland’s 12 Planning Visions.

 Town of Betterton

The Town of Betterton has been involved in multiple projects over the past two years to make the town a more sustainable place to live and visit, significantly reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment to the Bay, upgrading the town’s infrastructure, beautifying the community, and developing an action plan for its future.

Metro Heights at Mondawmin

In building Metro Heights at Mondawmin, Enterprise Homes constructed a landmark LEED Gold building at the highly-visible intersection of Liberty Heights Avenue and Reisterstown Road that speaks to the positive future of the city and the neighborhood, and serves as a transformative impact in the Mondawmin community.

Sudlersville Community Laundromat

The Sudlersville Community Laundromat project brought together Sudlersville, Queen Anne’s County (QAC), QAC Public School officials, and civic leaders to address a serious issue in their community – the lack of adequate public laundromat facilities. The laundromat has 10 washers and dryers and Wi-Fi service for school children to do their homework. The Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Company owns and operates the facility and is working with Sudlersville Middle School to provide tutoring services to students on-site. The facility is providing an essential community service for families that previously had to travel to Millington, Chestertown, or Delaware for laundry facilities. This presented a particular challenge for low- and moderate-income households.

Preservation / Conservation

For protecting or improving farms, forests, natural resources, and the waters of Maryland.

Mallows Bay – Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary

The Mallows-Bay Potomac River as a National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) was a collaborative, community-based process led by NOAA working with state, local, and community partners. Mallows Bay-Potomac River NMS is a largely undeveloped landscape and waterscape identified as one of the most ecologically valuable areas in Maryland.

See videos of the virtual ceremony and 2020’s six award recipients at the 2020 Sustainable Growth Award page.