and opened a marketplace this winter.“They retained the historical aspect, especially the building that faces the old railroad train station. It has a number of impressive independent artists,” she says. A brewery will soon occupy two additional buildings on the site, featuring both a taphouse and brewing operations.“This is to complement downtown, not to compete with downtown,” Mayor Cook emphasizes. The distinction matters: rather than diluting Easton’s established commercial center, the East End offers what Mueller calls “a different feel than the historic downtown” – one that’s “culturally diverse, really artistic” while respecting the neighborhood’s rich African-American heritage. A HALF-BILLION DOLLARS OF HEALTHCARE INVESTMENT The $550 million University of Maryland Shore Regional Medical Center validates a partnership between Easton and Talbot County dating back to 2008. The facility, scheduled to open in summer 2028, will serve as the primary inpatient hospital oldest continuously inhabited free African-American communities in the nation, with two churches designated by Frederick Douglass anchoring its cultural landscape. “It’s about two blocks from downtown,” Mayor Cook explains.“The East End Small Area Plan encompassed the Hill neighborhood, including a residential section along with some small shopping areas. We’re looking to revitalize that area.”The planning process involved extensive community engagement, with Mueller noting that “they held a charrette for the community to get involved along with input from expert, third party specialists. There were multiple days of discussion about what would best suit the needs of the area.” Dover Station exemplifies the neighborhood’s transformation. “It used to be one of the old stops where the train came through and they would unload groceries and feed,” Mayor Cook recalls.After decades serving various commercial purposes and sitting vacant, an investor purchased the property 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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