Long Branch, a community within Silver Spring near Takoma Park, was designated a Main Street Maryland Community by the state Department of Housing and Community Development.
“I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Long Branch, and I’ve seen how much it has to offer the people of Montgomery County,” said Housing & Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “The Designated Main Street Maryland community status means Long Branch has the support of the Main Street Maryland Program and the Department to achieve its full potential as a thriving, livable place for businesses and residents.”
County Executive Marc Elrich said, “This designation reflects years of hard work and sustained commitment to Long Branch.”
While he praised many organizations, county departments and legislators, Elrich said, “Most importantly, this designation belongs to the residents and businesses of Long Branch for their commitment to fostering an inclusive, vibrant community.”
This is the highest tier in the Main Street Maryland program, which focuses on strengthening Maryland’s downtown commercial districts through local investment and revitalization.
“This is an important milestone for Long Branch, and I am excited that they are joining the Main Street program,” said Council President Natali Fani-González. “As the Purple Line comes online in the next couple of years, this designation will only increase the neighbors access to better transportation options, better walkability, better amenities, and new investment.”
Long Branch is the second Main Street Maryland designation in Montgomery County. The first was “Old Takoma” in the City of Takoma Park in 1998.
“This designation shows what we know: that Long Branch is a thriving area with many small businesses, a diverse and active community in a unique location connecting many of our neighborhoods. This designation will bring assistance to strengthen our downtown commercial districts, which will accelerate and build on the exciting work of our non-profit partners while keeping our sense of community,” Councilmember Kate Stewart said.
The county has financially supported efforts in Long Branch. Funds from the Department of Housing and Community Affairs Countywide Façade Improvement Program helped cover costs to improve the exterior and parking lots of local businesses at the corner of Piney Branch Road and Flower Avenue. That department also provided $10.6 million in financing to preserve 141 affordable housing units and create 76 new affordable housing units at Park Montgomery and Park Montgomery West, on Piney Branch Road.
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