Groundbreaking ceremonies marked a new chapter for East Baltimore's Eager Park community and the Broadway East neighborhood, with each area set to receive a significant boost in the form of new townhome developments. As reported by WYPR, both projects promise to inject vitality into their respective communities through real estate initiatives focused on affordability and local job creation.
Charm City Buyers and Mayson-Dixon, two Black-owned development companies, have undertaken the Eager Park project. They celebrated the start of an effort to construct 54 new townhomes, 11 of which are designated as affordable housing for lower-income families. "We're not outsiders. We're rooted here, we're accountable here, committed to lifting Baltimore up from within," Jayson Williams, founder and CEO of Mayson-Dixon, stated, as per WMAR-2 News. This project not only promises new homes but also signifies a step forward in advancing economic inclusion among minorities in Baltimore.
Despite facing criticism for construction quality in the past, D.R. Horton, the nation's largest residential builder, has been subject to stringent oversight expectations for the project. Cheryl Washington, CEO of East Baltimore Development Inc. (EBDI), acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in the builder's commitment to quality, informing WYPR "I know the development team is going to stay on top of them to make sure the homes we build here in Eagle Park are perfect for the residents who move in."
The stakes for these projects are high, with combined efforts from city and state officials, as well as contributions from programs like the Emerging Developer Loan Fund. "Baltimore, we got $1.65 million — 1.65 million reasons — why we want to see this project succeed," stated Maryland Secretary of Housing Jake Day in an interview with WYPR. Completion of the Eager Park community is anticipated by 2026, while construction in Broadway East will commence in the same year and is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.
