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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.