Rising Sun buys old church, eyes downtown revival and waterline projects
December 27, 2022 | Rising Sun, Cecil County, Maryland
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Rising Sun officials highlighted multiple downtown economic development efforts during a Dec. 27 meeting, including the town's recent purchase of a former church and plans to stabilize the building for use as a community focal point.
The town administrator said the building at Walnut Street and Main is being stabilized with a new roof and HVAC work paid for from ARPA funds, and council plans to form a committee in the spring to plan programming. "Generally, the idea has been to turn it into a focal point of the community," the administrator said, noting the space could host performances, movie nights or other events that spur foot traffic to nearby businesses.
Officials also noted private downtown activity: the former Sue's restaurant is being renovated and will reopen under the name Hatchers, operated by the same owners as the Bog Turtle. The administrator said renovations could include converting space for rentals and events and even adding a third floor as part of a broader visioning plan for Main Street.
On nearby commercial development, the administrator said the town annexed the main Southern States property earlier in the year and is finalizing an agreement; timing for a new water line depends on construction-material pricing. Separately, a Rural Maryland Council grant intended to upsize water lines and add broadband conduit on Mount Street ballooned from a projected $1.3 million to $3.7 million, leading the town and grantors to pause the project until market conditions stabilize; staff said they are exploring combining Mount Street work with the Southern States waterline to save mobilization costs.
No binding decisions were made at the meeting; the administrator said staff will return with more detailed plans and timing.
The town administrator said the building at Walnut Street and Main is being stabilized with a new roof and HVAC work paid for from ARPA funds, and council plans to form a committee in the spring to plan programming. "Generally, the idea has been to turn it into a focal point of the community," the administrator said, noting the space could host performances, movie nights or other events that spur foot traffic to nearby businesses.
Officials also noted private downtown activity: the former Sue's restaurant is being renovated and will reopen under the name Hatchers, operated by the same owners as the Bog Turtle. The administrator said renovations could include converting space for rentals and events and even adding a third floor as part of a broader visioning plan for Main Street.
On nearby commercial development, the administrator said the town annexed the main Southern States property earlier in the year and is finalizing an agreement; timing for a new water line depends on construction-material pricing. Separately, a Rural Maryland Council grant intended to upsize water lines and add broadband conduit on Mount Street ballooned from a projected $1.3 million to $3.7 million, leading the town and grantors to pause the project until market conditions stabilize; staff said they are exploring combining Mount Street work with the Southern States waterline to save mobilization costs.
No binding decisions were made at the meeting; the administrator said staff will return with more detailed plans and timing.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
