BDC sought and received City Council approval to amend the Lauraville Urban Renewal Plan to acquire, by eminent domain if necessary, four long-vacant “problem” properties within the Lauraville commercial district. The neighborhoods that abut Harford Road are underserved by quality retail. BDC acquired two of the properties in 2004, successfully steered them through the State’s Voluntary Cleanup Program for brownfields sites, worked with community groups to prepare an RFP, and selected Clark Commercial Real Estate in January 2005 to redevelop the site with a two-story retail and office building. In addition, BDC sought and received state Enterprise Zone designation for this commercial corridor.

This effort is led by the Commercial Revitalization Team. For more information please contact Kristen Mitchell, Senior Economic Development Officer.