Blog Posts - Greater Crisfield Action Coalition

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Good News in Crisfield, Maryland – July 1st, 2017 Newsletter

7/1/2017

Hello, Crisfield Lovers!
I am happy to bring you much Good News that has happened here in June. I divided this newsletter into categories this time to show that we are seeing momentum build from various angles: real estate development, new tourism businesses, new events, and growth in the number of tourists coming to Crisfield. By working together and building upon our assets, our history, and our culture, we are making Crisfield “the most unique tourist destination on the Eastern Shore” as stated in the Five Year Action Plan for Crisfield. Here are the details:
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT:

PUPPY HOLE ON TANGIER SOUND: The Georgia buyers of the waterfront property on Tangier Sound referred to as “Puppy Hole” are pursuing plans to divide the property into 32 lots for single family homes. The owners are hoping to complete the planning and zoning process in time to promote the lots for sale over the Labor Day weekend through a massive marketing campaign.

Newsletter from June 5, 2017 — GOOD NEWS ABOUT CRISFIELD:

6/5/2017

Hello, good people!
Some of you may be wondering why you haven’t heard from me since January. That’s because in February I was struck by a terrible virus that affected the back of my lower body to my feet leaving me unable to walk. After two weeks in the hospital, eleven weeks of inpatient and outpatient rehab, and now exercising at home on my own, I am recovering steadily and anticipate a complete recovery. Many of you who knew about it have prayed for me and reached out to me, and for that I thank you. As I have been getting better and better, Crisfield has too. I have gathered the following GOOD NEWS to share with you, and there will be more in about a month or two after some pending projects are finalized. Prepare yourself. This is LONG but GOOD!

January 31st, 2017

1/31/2017

More GOOD NEWS in Crisfield:

Hello, good people,
Well, it’s the end of January 2017, and the year is starting off with a bang. I have much GOOD NEWS to report and more is coming once the ink is dry. Things may seem kind of quiet right now, but before the 2017 season begins on Memorial Day, there will be much more to report that is *new* in Crisfield. As you know we already have the new $5.6 million state-of-the art Crisfield Library just 8 months old, the $4.1 million wind turbine up and starting to spin, the $1.8 million in City Dock renovations almost completed, and over $4 million in new sidewalks and streets. Folks, that’s a lot!
Meanwhile, here is the latest that I am able to tell you about right now:
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT:

Crisfield’s new part-time grant writer, Jen Rafter, is exploring the development of an Arts & Entertainment District for Crisfield uptown. This would be a very positive step forward when achieved. I remember hearing that Somerset County has more artists per capita than any other county in the state, although I have not been able to confirm that. I would not be surprised if it’s true. Having a part of town dedicated to showcasing the work of local artists and providing various cultural and entertainment opportunities for local people and for visitors is something that would boost Crisfield enormously. Next to finding funds to improve the city’s wastewater treatment plant, the A&E District is Ms. Rafter’s #2 priority.

December 20th, 2016

12/20/2016

Good things continue to happen in Crisfield. Here is the latest:

City Manager Rick Pollitt said the City has “several” new expressions of interest in Carvel Hall. The new due date for a proposal to buy or lease the property is January 27. It will be wonderful to have the property put to good use again! For more details, see: cityofcrisfield-md.gov
The City Council voted to put up for sale the Charter/bank building at 328 West Main Street near Jay Tawes’ Laundromat. The announcement says interested parties should submit a sealed bid to the offices of City Hall located at 319 W. Main Street, Crisfield, Maryland 21817, c/o City Manager, Rick Pollitt, on or before 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2017. The minimum bid is $3000, and the buyer must agree to complete the redevelopment in 18 months. All bids should be clearly marked as “Sealed Bid for 328 W Main Street” and shall be signed by the prospective purchaser. See: cityofcrisfield-md.gov
The City is also selling a residential lot at 329 Cove Street at a minimum bid of $2,500. The lot already has a water and sewer hookup. Again, interested parties should submit a sealed bid to the offices of City Hall located at 319 W. Main Street, Crisfield, Maryland 21817, c/o City Manager, Rick Pollitt, on or before 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2017. All bids should be clearly marked as “Sealed Bid for 329 Cove Street” and shall be signed by the prospective purchaser. See: cityofcrisfield-md.gov

December 08th, 2016

12/8/2016

After substantial renovations to his Laundromat, Jay Tawes is adding a playroom for kids to use while their parents do their laundry.

In his new building next to his Laundromat, Jay is thinking of putting a coffee shop with Krispy Kreme doughnuts, candies, and newspapers. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a confectionery uptown?

December 01st, 2016

12/1/2016

Here is the link to the video clip about the Smith Island cake and the Smith Island Baking Company that was broadcast on CBS Sunday Morning last Sunday: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-cakes-of-smith-island/. This was excellent free publicity for Smith Island and the Smith Island Baking Company in Crisfield. I understand that the Smith Island Baking Company was swamped with orders after this aired.

Next Sunday, December 11, the wind turbine will be commissioned. All of the electrical wiring is complete, and, according to City Manager Rick Pollitt, “What remains is to coordinate on-line communications with Delmarva Power and establish the process by which power is distributed from the site.” After a few months of operation, we will start to see just what our energy savings will be. I will keep you posted on the outcome.

November 23rd, 2016

11/23/2016

Water’s Edge Cafe has built three new shop spaces with parking (see attached picture) behind their restaurants facing Harbour Lights condos. Two are available now and the third will be available in January. They are offering 6 months free rent to allow the new shops to be set up and get started with the goal of having them open by April 15. They did this because they noted all the foot traffic that comes through there, which they estimated at 200 people per day in the summer from Elder Hostel, condo owners and renters, boaters, and island visitors. Owner Mary Nelson said they already have an interested tenant who wants to put a spa in one or two of the spaces, which have connecting doors. Anyone interested should contact Dan or Mary Nelson. I suggest you not delay because these may go quickly. By the way, Mary estimated that 80% of her restaurant business is from tourists in the summer and 50% from tourists in the winter. Although Crisfield residents do support her restaurant, the local population is not enough to keep their three restaurants open. This underscores the GCAC Action Plan which focuses on tourism to build the economy. Clearly, in the case of Water’s Edge, more tourists mean more business, more jobs, more profit and more stability and sustainability.

Jay Tawes is doing a complete renovation on the property he recently bought on Main Street next to his Laundromat uptown. The building has been gutted and will have a flood resistant, elevated floor when completed.

November 17th, 2016

11/17/2016

Realtor Cindy Stevens of Wilson Realty told me that people have been showing a lot of interest in property in our area for the past several months and that in September, she sold $1.2 million in real estate, most in the Crisfield area. That doesn’t count properties sold by owners, like one on Annemessex Ridge that sold earlier this month, and whatever was sold by Tull & Price Realtors, which has also been busy. I can remember hearing a few years ago that a realtor went a whole year with only selling one property. The increase in interest in real estate is a positive sign for the future of Crisfield and seems to be continuing!

Jay Tawes, GCAC Board member and owner of the Laundromat on Main Street across from City Hall, continues to make improvements to his property. He has also purchased the building next to his and is doing major renovations there. In addition, he is having a rainbow painted on the side of the Laudromat as well as a rainbow, compliments of GCAC, on the building owned by Cary Slipper as shown in the rendering of Main Street. The rainbow represents God’s promises, and we believe it is a sign of the prosperity that is coming and the blessing that is on Crisfield.

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