We hosted our third community meeting to discuss the development of Easton Crossing on December 11, 2024, at the newly opened Port Street Commons building in Easton. This community meeting was part of a series of meetings with community members designed to solicit meaningful input from the community immediately surrounding the future site of Easton Crossing. The meeting allowed Chesapeake Community Development leaders to continue gathering feedback from local residents and stakeholders on the proposed mixed-use development planned for the former Perdue grain facility site on Brookletts Avenue.
The evening offered an opportunity for attendees to review updated plans, share their thoughts, and ask questions as Chesapeake Community Development moves toward finalizing all design, construction, and architecture plans for Easton Crossing, a highly anticipated development which will blend housing, retail, and community spaces while preserving the unique character of Easton.
“Engaging in thoughtful and productive conversations with our local residents and stakeholders is essential because it’s at the heart of effective development work,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development of Chesapeake Community Development. “The feedback we received will be invaluable as we move forward to create a space that reflects the priorities and needs of Easton’s residents.”
Key Themes from the Feedback
During the meeting, community members voiced several recurring themes and suggestions, all of which will guide the project’s next steps:
1. Support for Thoughtful Design and Accessibility
Participants expressed appreciation for the proposed design elements, such as street-facing buildings, accessible green spaces, and the inclusion of arts and cultural amenities. Many emphasized that these aspects create a welcoming and vibrant community.
2. Infrastructure Enhancements
Residents suggested additional features to support accessibility and safety, including covered bus stops, bike racks, and dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. These elements were highlighted as critical for improving connectivity within the development and the surrounding areas.
3. Affordable Housing and Diverse Offerings
Attendees underscored the need for housing options that cater to a mix of demographics, including seniors, families, and workforce members. Neighborhood needs included a variety of housing types, such as townhomes and smaller single-family units, to foster a diverse community.
4. Environmental and Safety Concerns
Attendees posed questions about environmental sustainability, particularly regarding stormwater management and sustainable building practices. Residents also stressed the importance of safety measures, such as lighting, security cameras, and clear plans for managing stormwater retention areas.
5. Integration with the Easton Community
Feedback called for the project to align closely with Easton’s historic character. Attendees suggested incorporating local architectural styles and ensuring that public spaces and pathways connect seamlessly to surrounding neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead
As the project moves into the next stages, Chesapeake Community Development will incorporate feedback from the three community meetings into the final stages of planning and design, with plans going before the Town of Easton planning commission in February.
Ross Benincasa expressed appreciation for the community’s engagement, saying, “We are grateful for the community’s active participation in all the community meetings thus far. These insights from our neighbors are critical in shaping the final project and ensuring we meet our mission of designing a community that is equitable, accessible, and inclusive of all.”