Chesapeake Community Development’s work is about more than constructing buildings. It’s about creating communities where everyone belongs and fostering vibrant, resilient neighborhoods that are equitable, accessible, and inclusive. Through innovative projects and a commitment to listening to the needs of local communities, Chesapeake Community Development is building the infrastructure for a better future – one where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live the lives they choose in communities that are inclusive and welcoming.

What is Chesapeake Community Development?

Founded in 2021 by The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), Chesapeake Community Development actively works to make our communities the inclusive, accessible, and diverse places we believe they should be. While The Arc’s work is rooted in creating opportunities for inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Chesapeake Community Development focuses on developing communities where everyone has access to housing, resources, and opportunities for economic self-sufficiency. Chesapeake Community Development shares The Arc’s vision that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should live the lives they choose in communities that are equitable, accessible, and fully inclusive. That shared vision is the foundation of our unique approach and why we believe truly inclusive communities don’t leave anything—or anyone—out.

“As community leaders, we believe it is our responsibility to create the housing opportunities our communities already know they need,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Chesapeake Community Development. “While our work began with providing housing to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, our vision has always been to bring that same level of person-centered, customized access to housing to everyone in our communities.”

Building for the Future

Chesapeake Community Development has grown significantly and currently has more than 180 units slated to be completed by 2030. In addition to the people and families already living in a Chesapeake Community Development home, that means that well over 200 families will be living in a home built by Chesapeake Community Development within the next 5 years.

Just as every community looks different and has its own needs, the housing Chesapeake Community Development creates varies from urban-style apartments to single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes, and triplexes. While some properties under development are larger communities like Easton Crossing and Silo Court, many of Chesapeake Community Development’s units are small, scattered-site, mixed-income housing with developments located in established neighborhoods, downtown districts, and more secluded, rural areas.

One recently completed development is Port Street Commons, which opened in November 2024. Port Street Commons is a 24,000-square-foot mixed-use space that includes offices, community spaces, and affordable housing all under one roof, meeting the diverse needs of the community it is located in. Port Street Commons includes both The Arc at Port Street, the new headquarters for The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, and The Residences at Port Street, nine affordable housing units for moderate-income families featuring accessible designs and modern amenities.

“All too often, communities try to address issues around affordable housing, support services, and creating new jobs separately, but these issues are all interrelated,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “We believe our solutions must reflect that complexity, and Port Street Commons addresses these overlapping community issues because it is not just a place to live or work or receive support – it is all three.”

Chesapeake Community Development has a robust pipeline of development projects that reflects our goal of creating more accessible communities that provide housing, resources, and opportunities for economic self-sufficiency. From small-scale, scattered-site housing to transformative mixed-use developments, Chesapeake Community Development is leading the way in creating communities that work for everyone.

What’s Next for Chesapeake Community Development

Chesapeake Community Development has a host of new properties in the pipeline, all of which are part of our mission and vision of building vibrant, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.

The Laura House: Preserving History, Creating Opportunity

Set in the heart of downtown Easton, Maryland, The Laura House exemplifies Chesapeake Community Development’s approach to blending historic preservation with modern housing solutions. This 5,500-square-foot historic property on August Street is being transformed into seven two-bedroom apartment units.

The Laura House is part of our small-scale, scattered-site approach, which integrates affordable housing into established neighborhoods rather than concentrating it in one area. This method provides high-quality housing, strengthens community ties, and ensures inclusivity. Once completed, The Laura House will offer comfortable, accessible living spaces, enriching Easton’s vibrant downtown. Laura House is estimated to open in the Spring of 2025

Nursery Road: Accessible Living for All

Accessibility and independence are at the heart of Chesapeake Community Development’s work, and the upcoming Nursery Road project in Linthicum, Maryland, reflects Chesapeake Community Development’s commitment to those core values. Construction on this single-family home is set to begin in Spring 2025, and the design prioritizes accessibility from the ground up.

Featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, all on one level, this home will provide a fully accessible living space for people with disabilities served by The Arc. Nursery Road is more than just a home—it’s a testament to what’s possible when accessibility meets opportunity, ensuring everyone has a chance to flourish.

Easton Crossing: A Vision for the Future

Perhaps the most ambitious project in Chesapeake Community Development’s pipeline is Easton Crossing, a transformative mixed-use development that will reshape a 6.5-acre former grain silo site in Easton, Maryland. This project has been crafted with community input from multiple public meetings to gather feedback and ensure alignment with local needs and values.

Scheduled to break ground in 2026, Easton Crossing will feature approximately 140 residential units, with 30% designated as affordable housing and 70% as market-rate. By blending diverse housing options, the development will address Easton’s pressing need for more inclusive, accessible living spaces.

But Easton Crossing is about more than housing. The development will include 20,000 square feet of commercial space along the Rail-to-Trails pathway in Easton, creating opportunities for economic growth and community connection. Open green spaces, a fishing pond, a dog walking trail, and recreational amenities will make this a true community hub, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Join Us in Creating Inclusive Communities

At Chesapeake Community Development, we believe in building with the community, not just for it. That’s why projects like Easton Crossing incorporate extensive community feedback, ensuring our developments meet real needs and reflect the aspirations of local residents. This collaborative approach is what makes Chesapeake Community Development’s work unique and impactful.

From the thoughtful design of developments like The Laura House to the accessibility-first approach of Nursery Road and the transformative vision of Easton Crossing, Chesapeake Community Development is leading the charge to create inclusive, equitable communities.

Together, we can build neighborhoods that embody dignity, independence, and opportunity for all. Learn more about our work and how you can support these projects to help create a brighter future.

Amid resident pushback and design concerns, the Easton Planning Commission unanimously voted to approve a 28-unit townhouse development at the site of a former Perdue AgriBusiness operation in Easton.

The Silo Square development is led by Chesapeake Community Development, a subsidiary of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. It is a mixed-income housing project on a 2.36-acre lot at 410 Needwood Avenue, within the East End area, that the town is aiming to revitalize.

An updated site plan was presented at Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting, along with a traffic study that was requested when developers weren’t granted approval last month. The project is set to include 16 three-story townhomes and 12 two-story townhomes.

The 10-grain bins currently on the lot, often referred to by community members as silos, would be demolished.

Residents that live near the site spoke during public comment on Thursday, largely in opposition to the design of the townhomes. Developers have stated the architecture is intended to “pay homage” to the Perdue site and fit in the surrounding industrial area.

“This is the core of Easton,” resident Tom Ledvina said.“The code and the (comprehensive) plan say it has to look, it has to be compatible with that historic look that makes Easton special. And this just doesn’t.”

Zach Smith, an attorney representing the developers, asked that the commission look toward the town staff’s review and analysis of the project, which noted it does fit within Easton’s comprehensive plan.

“We don’t have to get the consensus of the neighbors in order to move forward,” Smith said.“What we have to do is to comply with the town’s requirements.”

Resident Maury Schlesinger spoke in disapproval of how the project faces inward toward the parking lot, with its back to the street. He said it will be “distinct” and “separate” compared to the nearby residential designs.

“Is this how we want our economically challenged people to live?” Schlesinger asked the commission. “Is this how we build an inclusive community? And is the desire to approve more housing right now so great that concern for (developers’) budgets and timetable overcomes the need to protect the character of the town?

“I’m all for affordable housing, but it shouldn’t look like this.”

COMMISSION SPLIT

Commission members Victoria McAndrews and William Ryall, who were not present at the September meeting, expressed their own concerns about the project. McAndrews and fellow member Thomas Klein said they didn’t like the design.

“This, to me, has an incredibly suburban subdivision feel, as opposed to being an integrated part of the neighborhood,” McAndrews said.“And I’m just wondering what is the rationale for not following the existing framework of how the neighborhood is laid out.”

Commission Chairperson Philip Toussaint and Vice Chairperson Michael Ports complimented the design of the townhomes and pushed for approval.

Smith did the same, noting that developers fulfilled the requests made by the commission last month to include a traffic study -which revealed no significant impacts – and remove a section of fencing.

“We left this meeting last month with a clear direction that we needed to address the fence, and we needed … a traffic study,” Smith said. “We’ve done both of those things and now we’re at a point where we’re facing having to come back yet again. This is how workforce housing projects die.”

Ryall, who said he liked the design but was “torn” over whether it fit within the surrounding residential area, joined Toussaint and Ports in supporting approval.

“I don’t want to let perfection get in the way of the good,” Ryall said. “So I’m willing to vote in favor of it.”

Ports moved for approval, seconded by Toussaint. All members voted yes, though McAndrews and Klein did so reluctantly, emphasizing their disagreement with the design.

Since the proposal came in the town’s planned redevelopment overlay district, it will not require approval from the Easton Town Council. Thursday’s vote was passed on the conditions that developers make minor adjustments to the site plan, and approval is granted by town staff.

See the original article published in the Star Democrat here.

We are excited to announce the appointment of Ross Benincasa as Senior Vice President of Community Development. Chesapeake Community Development is a quickly growing subsidiary of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), and in his new role, Ross will play an essential role in partnering with leadership to support the strategic growth of The Arc’s enterprise.

Ross brings more than 11 years of experience in community development and real estate. His previous roles include Executive Director of Discover Easton and Co-founder of Rivers & Roads, where he consulted with local government on economic development and tourism.

“We are excited to welcome Ross to our Executive Leadership Team,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “Ross has unique experiences and passion for community development and understands the critical role Chesapeake Community Development plays in supporting the enterprise’s vision of creating inclusive communities that welcome everyone.”

In his new role, Ross will lead the team responsible for managing development projects from concept to completion, overseeing property acquisitions, identifying strategic opportunities, and working with community partners and stakeholders. As a natural leader and community-builder, Ross is committed to ensuring each development aligns with community needs while fostering growth and inclusivity.

Ross holds a bachelor’s degree in professional writing and education from Elizabethtown College, with a minor in Marketing. He has been recognized by the American Scholastic Press Association for Outstanding Service to the Community and was a presenter at the 2021 National Main Street Conference.

Chesapeake Community Development hosted a second listening session on September 18, 2024, with the Easton community at Asbury United Methodist Church where community members once again gathered to provide their thoughts and feedback on the highly anticipated project, Easton Crossing. The session aimed to continue to foster open dialogue with residents, business owners, and other stakeholders about the future of this major development.  

Easton Crossing, located at the former Perdue grain facility on Brookletts Avenue, will feature a mix of housing, retail, and recreation spaces. Similar to previous sessions, community members were split into groups and asked key questions to delve deeper into their expectations and concerns for the project.  

The session, part of a continued effort to engage the Easton community, revealed several key insights from participants. Attendees shared their perspectives on various aspects of the proposed Easton Crossing project, including design elements, infrastructure, housing affordability, safety, and environmental concerns.  

Key Takeaways from the Community Listening Session:  

1. Positive Aspects of Development: Participants expressed strong support for several key features of the Easton Crossing design. Many highlighted the appeal of street-facing buildings, the phased approach to construction, and the inclusion of arts and entertainment spaces. There was also enthusiasm for the accessibility to green spaces and local businesses, as well as thoughtful design elements such as lighting, which were praised for enhancing the sense of community and public interaction.  

2. Opportunity for Additional Infrastructure: Suggestions were made to improve infrastructure around the development, with a focus on accessibility and safety. Ideas such as covered bus stops, additional bike racks, and designated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians were shared as ways to improve the ease of transportation and ensure safer travel routes within the community.  

3. Emphasis on Housing Affordability: The need for truly affordable housing was a recurring theme among participants. Community members expressed a desire for a diverse mix of housing types, rather than just apartment buildings, to foster greater diversity and inclusivity. Stakeholders felt this variety would better reflect the needs of Easton’s residents while contributing to a stronger sense of community.  

4. Safety and Environmental Considerations: Safety and environmental concerns were also at the forefront of the discussion, including how stormwater management ponds would be addressed and potential environmental risks during the demolition phase of construction. Participants urged the development team to implement thorough safety measures and conduct comprehensive environmental assessments throughout the project.  

5. Community Integration and Aesthetic Appeal: Several attendees mentioned a “campus-like” feel and proposed additional design elements to integrate and reflect Easton’s historic character. Participants emphasized the importance of walkways and accessible designs that would ensure connectivity between Easton Crossing and the broader community.  

Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development, expressed appreciation for the community’s engagement, stating, “The insights from our neighbors are essential to shaping a project that truly integrates into Easton, and we’re committed to listening to the voices of the community and ensuring that Easton Crossing reflects the needs and character of this town.”  

As the project continues to evolve, the insights shared during this second listening session will play a critical role in guiding further design and implementation. The project team remains committed to ensuring that Easton Crossing meets the needs of the community while balancing progress with the preservation of Easton’s unique identity.  

A third session is planned for Wednesday, December 11 at 5:30pm at Port Street Commons (480 Port Street, Easton, MD 21601). The community is encouraged to attend to provide feedback on additional progress made.  

Community members can submit additional feedback on Easton Crossing here.

Over a month after Chesapeake Community Development’s initial community meeting for a planned mixed-use development on Brookletts Avenue, dozens of people once again gathered to learn more about the plans.

The Sept. 18 meeting provided the opportunity for developers to show initial designs for Easton Crossing, a six-acre development in Easton, based on feedback received at a community meeting in July. Leaders of Chesapeake Community Development, the developer for the project, have made a point to work with local community members on the overall outcome of the development.
According to Ross Benincasa, vice president of Chesapeake Community Development, Wednesday’s meeting showed attendees the initial site plan. The plan broke down the five buildings on the property, as well as open spaces and plans for parking, general traffic, and pedestrian flow, all of which were concerns raised in July.

“It was extremely important, just from the standpoint of making sure that our residents had a chance to not only see what we were thinking, but then to give feedback again on that, to tell us kind of what we got right and maybe what we missed,” Benincasa said.

Chris Wheedleton, consultant at Rivers and Roads, was hired on the project to lead in gathering feedback from the community. Wheedleton said the meeting provided a chance to answer any questions residents might still still have regarding the new site.

After a presentation of the site plan, people were separated into groups and were encouraged to answer two questions: “Would you like what you saw?” and “What would you like to see differently moving forward?”

Wheedleton said he received general positive feedback from the site plan. Major point raised by residents included diversity of housing options offered and making sure the development would integrate properly with the existing community.

An additional concern addressed was the potential for a grocery store to be built on the development. Benincasa took time to make clear that a grocery store was considered by developers but it would not be included in the project moving forward.

It was felt by Chesapeake Community Development that nearby local and international grocery stores are close enough to the project to meet the need of future residents.

Bob Porter, owner of the Sharper Graphics, said his business is next door to the planned Easton Crossing development. He attended the meeting on Sept. 18.

Porter said the piece of territory is important to him due to his 44-year history living near it. For Porter, he was excited to hear the development would serve all incomes in the community.

“The project is going to be made available at lower rates to to family, people that are working in the in the neighborhood and living in the neighborhood and making sure that they can afford to participate in the project without being in some kind of a federal or state project program,” Porter said. “And that was very meaningful to me.”

Wheedleton said there are still opportunities for people to weigh in and give their feedback and input into the project. A third meeting will take place sometime in December, details have yet to be released, this meeting will show development and further renderings of the project before it goes before the county for all necessary approvals.

See the original article published in the Star Democrat here.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Gavin Daniels as the Director of Construction Management. Gavin brings a wealth of experience to this role, where he will oversee all construction and renovation projects. 

“Gavin’s extensive construction and management experience will be critical as we continue to identify opportunities and grow the number of developments in our pipeline,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. “His leadership will drive our projects forward and support our mission to create vibrant, inclusive communities.”  

In his role, Gavin will lead a team of project managers, coordinators, and consultants to manage all design and construction activities, which include a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, mixed-use facilities, and corporate office projects. Gavin will play a critical role in all our upcoming projects, including the final stages of the development of Port Street Commons, due to be complete in November, as well as Easton Crossing, The Laura House, and Silo Square. 

Gavin is an accomplished architectural design professional with almost 25 years of experience in the architectural, engineering, real estate, and construction industries. He has worked at Wingate Hughes Architects in Washington, DC, for the last 14 years and is ready to bring his strategic approach, creativity, and consulting knowledge to Chesapeake Community Development.  

Chesapeake Community Development hosted a highly productive listening session on July 10 with the Easton community to gather valuable feedback from residents about the proposed development, Easton Crossing. The session highlighted the community’s priorities and concerns, providing essential insights to guide the project’s direction.

“We are grateful to the community for sharing their priorities and concerns,” said Ross Benincasa, Vice President of Community Development at Chesapeake Community Development. “We learned a lot of important information about the vision the community has for the East End and Easton as a whole.”

Easton Crossing, located at the former Perdue grain facility on Brookletts Avenue, will feature a mix of housing, retail, and recreation spaces. During the listening session, community members were split into groups and asked five key questions to delve deeper into their expectations and concerns for the project.

Key Findings from the Listening Session

There were many unique and creative points, but also many common themes throughout the feedback, including how Chesapeake Community Development plans to balance commercial and residential opportunities and create a diverse and inclusive space that increases the quality of life for the community. Key findings from the sessions included:

1. Diverse and Inclusive Community: Residents expressed a strong desire for a diverse and inclusive community, emphasizing the importance of affordability and accessibility. There is a clear preference for a mix of demographics, including seniors, families, and the workforce, integrated within the development.

2. Quality of Life and Amenities: Quality of life is a top priority for the community. Participants highlighted the need for green spaces, native landscaping, and safety measures such as security cameras and adequate lighting. Additionally, there is a high demand for accessible amenities like parks, playgrounds, and community gathering spaces to enhance the living experience.

3. Balanced Residential and Commercial Development: The feedback underscored the necessity for a balanced mix of residential and commercial spaces. Residents want affordable and market-rate housing options alongside commercial offerings that prioritize local businesses and essential services, steering clear of generic establishments.

4. Sustainability and Design Aesthetics: Environmental sustainability and design aesthetics were prominent concerns. Community members called for effective stormwater management, green energy solutions, and architectural designs that align with Easton’s existing style. They also stressed the importance of buildings reflecting local heritage and maintaining aesthetic appeal.

5. Community Engagement and Transparency: Ongoing community engagement and transparent decision-making processes are critical to the success of Easton Crossing. Residents expect proactive management of potential challenges, including traffic, parking, and noise, and demand continuous involvement throughout the project’s lifecycle.

“We are very eager to engage with the local community to hear their needs first-hand,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. “Much of what the community identified as priorities are also priorities for Chesapeake Community Development. We appreciate their honest feedback will be critical as we move forward with the next stages of development.”

These insights will play a crucial role in shaping Easton Crossing into a well-thought-out, inclusive community that meets the needs and expectations of its residents. The next steps will involve incorporating this feedback into the planning and design phases to ensure the community’s vision is realized. An additional listening session is planned for September 18, at 5:30pm, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 18 S Higgins Street. Residents and community members are strongly encouraged to attend to provide additional feedback and insights for this stage of the project.

Chesapeake Community Development announces the visit of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day at Port Street Commons. Day’s visit highlights his administration’s commitment to providing housing solutions throughout Maryland.

“We are honored to welcome Secretary Day to Port Street Commons to show the innovative approach we are taking here, combining office spaces, services, and affordable housing under one roof to make a truly unique community-wide resource,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc). “The state plays a critical role in creating vibrant, inclusive communities. We believe that these types of communities are essential for fostering sustainable growth and improving the quality of life for all residents.”

Port Street Commons is a prime example of how communities can enhance social cohesion and economic vitality. By integrating housing for people of varying abilities and income levels, Port Street Commons will foster a diverse and inclusive environment, providing residents with access to quality amenities and services in a central location.

Chesapeake Community Development is a subsidiary of The Arc, focusing on creating inclusive communities throughout the region. The organization undertakes all renovation and construction on behalf of The Arc’s enterprise. Chesapeake Community Development’s approach emphasizes the benefits of such communities, which include increased access to resources, improved social networks, and greater economic opportunities for all residents. These communities are designed to break down barriers, reduce the concentration of poverty, and promote social mobility.

Secretary Day’s visit to the site underscores the importance of community development strategies that prioritize inclusivity and economic diversity.

“DHCD is committed to building shelter for all, community hubs and neighborhood catalysts, which begins with strong partnership with organizations like The Arc,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “From affordable housing at the Residences at Port Street to mental and behavioral health counseling and community gathering space, I’m confident that this project will be an invaluable resource to residents of Easton and the Eastern Shore.”

EASTON — On Wednesday evening, dozens of people attended a meeting held for the sole purpose of allowing community members to express their concerns and collaborate ideas for the future of Easton Crossing, a planned residential mixed-use development in Easton.

During the meeting, attendees raised concerns and hopes for the new development including ideas on parking, accessibility for people with disabilities and accessible affordable housing.

It’s unusual for a developer to seek community input so early, said Chris Wheedleton, a consultant and facilitator from River and Roads, a community development firm supporting the development of Easton Crossing.

According to Wheedleton, most developments around the Easton community are done somewhat backward. The first time community members get to share ideas is usually when the development is in front of the town council, and by then essential parts of the plan are difficult to change, he said.

Easton Mayor Megan Cook, Easton Town Council President Frank Gunsallus, members of the Easton Affordable Housing committee, area residents and representatives of the Mid-Shore Board of Realtors were in attendance Wednesday.

Wheedleton said as an Eastern Shore native, he felt proud to help bring people together to share their ideas for this property.

“We understand how important this site is for this town and for the East End neighborhood in general and for the greater community, which is why we’re here today,” he said

Two mixed-use developments will be built on the former Perdue grain facility on Brookletts Avenue. The developments will provide affordable housing opportunities and commercial space for the town, the developer said in a May 28 statement.

The project’s developer is Chesapeake Community Development, a subsidiary of The Arc focused on creating equitable, accessible and inclusive committees, according to the Chesapeake Community Development website.

Attendees at the Wednesday meeting sat in groups of seven and answered questions about the development’s future.

The questions included:

• What are key residential elements needed for the community?
• What challenges do you see for the property?
• What would success look like for the development?

Every table had large post-it notes for attendees to write down their ideas. Once they moved on to the next question, the meeting leaders would come by each table, take the large note and stick it to the walls for all to see.

As the meeting progressed, attendees shared their hopes and concerns, including wanting active commercial use of the property, playgrounds, proper security and accessible buildings.

Carolyn Jaffe, an advocate for the East End Association, shared her concerns about parking with her table.

“We had a lot of discussion about the difficulty with the streets that surround (the site). The site itself has three very narrow streets,” Jaffe said. “They’re not expandable … So you’ve got parking, you’ve got traffic, which is already a problem. There’s a lot to swallow in that.”

Other attendees requested restaurants, open space for residents, and a diverse mix of residents from different incomes, ages and ethnicities.

Jonathon Rondeau, President and CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, said this event was essential to the organization, and he was happy to see a mix of excitement and some well-founded concern.

“Any development that we’re doing, whether it’s housing or mixed development, is reflective of the communities we serve,” Rondeau said. “Before we are fully done with the development process of designing the space. We wanted to hear what the community wants to see as part of that so we can make sure that it’s integrated into the plans.”

When closing out the meeting, Wheedleton urged everyone to continue to share their ideas through an online feedback form at ccdmaryland.org.

A second community meeting will be hosted in September, with details to be announced soon, according to Wheedleton. That meeting will feature information and plans based on the comments from Wednesday’s meeting.

See the original article published in the Star Democrat here.