The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced that Long Branch, located between Downtown Silver Spring and Takoma Park, has been selected as the newest Designated Main Street Maryland community, marking a major milestone for the Montgomery County neighborhood.
The announcement was made January 21 by Secretary Jake Day, who recognized Long Branch as the latest community to earn the highest tier within the Main Street Maryland program. The program focuses on strengthening downtown commercial districts through long-term local investment and revitalization and has been transforming communities across the state since 1998.
“I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Long Branch and I’ve seen how much it has to offer the people of Montgomery County,” Day said. “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, lovable place for businesses and residents.”
Designated Main Street communities represent the top tier of the program and use the full Main Street Approach to support sustainable revitalization. This includes strengthening economic development, preserving historic and cultural resources, building inclusive volunteer support and partnerships, and securing financial and in-kind support from local government and other partners.
Located between downtown Silver Spring and Takoma Park, Long Branch is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, long-standing locally owned restaurants and shops, and public art that reflects the community’s cultural diversity. The area also hosts regular community events that attract both residents and visitors.
Long Branch is also expected to gain increased visibility and accessibility in the future with the addition of a Purple Line Metro station, allowing even more people to experience the neighborhood.
Chris Gillis, Director of Policy and Neighborhood Development for Montgomery Housing Partnership, said the designation recognizes years of revitalization work in the community and serves as motivation to continue building Long Branch’s economic strength.
In addition to Long Branch’s designation, Towson and Snow Hill were accepted into Main Street Maryland’s Aspiring Tier. Communities in the Aspiring Tier are working within the Main Street framework and preparing to pursue full designation through a required two-year training program.
