“We are delighted to have the Grayce B. Kerr Fund standing with us in support of the Eastern Shore Conservation Center. The Kerr Fund has been at the forefront of education and conservation for decades, and their support of this project is a huge boost toward ultimate success.” said ESLC Executive Director Robert J. Etgen.
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy purchased the former McCord building in Easton, and Helaine White donated the neighboring building, Brick Row, which was damaged by fire in fall 2012. The organization plans to renovate both buildings to create the Eastern Shore Conservation Center, which will serve conservation efforts throughout the region.
With a third of the necessary funds still to be raised to complete the project, ESLC continues to seek funding for the Eastern Shore Conservation Center. Since ESLC began raising funds to renovate the McCord building, the project grew in size because of the donation of Brick Row and enthusiasm from other organizations who would like to join the green campus.
Now is the time to invest in our towns, and ESLC will need continued support to bring new life to these decaying buildings and this declining corridor on the edge of the commercial district. We will continue fundraising for the Conservation Center.
The condition of the buildings has had a negative effect on the surrounding area in Easton’s South Washington Street Corridor. Vacant buildings can promote crime, increase property damage, and discourage additional investment in the neighborhood. Redevelopment is needed in that area to counteract the impact of the relocation of Memorial Hospital at Easton and to spur revitalization of the neighborhood.
ESLC is walking its talk, encouraging others to invest in Eastern Shore towns as ESLC does so. ESLC Board and Staff members believe investing in downtown revitalization and improving our communities is critical to saving the farms and forests of the Eastern Shore.
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