ANNAPOLIS (February 8, 2007) - Governor O'Malley today announced the appointment of Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown to the Board of Directors of East Baltimore Development, Inc. (EBDI), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization charged with leading and managing the $1 billion revitalization of an 80-acre portion of East Baltimore. EBDI works with support from a long list of partners including the City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, and a number of local civic groups and charitable foundations.
“To move Maryland forward, we must build from our strengths, and there is a tremendous opportunity for growth in East Baltimore,” Governor O'Malley said. “Lt. Governor Brown will be a key leader as we work with all partners to develop and expand this key region of our state.”
EBDI has already achieved great strides in the community: a resource center was created at the center of the revitalization area; counseling and assistance is being provided to nearly 400 households and 1,000 individuals; nearly 400 households have been relocated to homes in neighborhoods of their choice; weekly workforce workshops offer employment counseling, training and job placement services; and services are available that range from home buying and lending workshops to free legal counseling.
“This project brings tremendous workforce opportunities and training as well as new hope to a fading community,” Lt. Governor Anthony Brown said. “With an expected 1,200 new and renovated homes and the creation of nearly 6,000 jobs, the East Baltimore Community will be a prime example of what we can do for urban revitalization. I am proud that Governor O'Malley has chosen me to aid in this effort.”
The goal of the project and the EBDI Board of Directors is to improve the quality of life for all residents in the New East Baltimore Community. The project is focused on better housing, more job opportunities, a healthier neighborhood, safer streets, better schools, more recreation opportunities - and a real chance for a better life.
“Our project can only be enhanced by the support and leadership of Lt. Governor Brown, and we are delighted that he has agreed to join our efforts to transform this East Baltimore Community,” said Joseph Haskins, Jr., chairman of the board of East Baltimore Development, Inc. and President of The Harbor Bank. “His involvement in this effort will go far in helping to realize the grand vision of providing great housing, across the board job opportunities, and a better quality of life to all residents of this community.”
In addition to the renovation of buildings and addition of new structures, the project is expected to make significant strides in expanding Baltimore's reputation in the fields of biotechnology and research. Community services for low-income seniors and working families are also a major part of the revitalization of this neighborhood.
“EBDI has enjoyed broad-based support from public, private and government partners, including substantial capital investments from the State of Maryland,” said Jack Shannon, EBDI President and CEO. “As a member of the EBDI board, Lt. Governor Brown further strengthens this project and its goal of providing opportunity to all residents of the New East Baltimore Community.”