injects life into the heart of the city. This, along with the construction of the Washington County Free Library—a $23 million LEED-certified project— became early examples of public investment that set the stage for further private development. One of the more recent undertakings in the downtown improvement efforts has been the urban improvement project, which expanded the Maryland Theatre. This enhanced Hagerstown’s cultural offerings and provided an opportunity to renovate the historic theater, preserving a piece of the city’s architectural heritage while modernizing the space.Thompson also notes the role of education in the city’s resurgence, citing the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, a public high school that recently expanded to accommodate its growing student body, and the University of Maryland system’s additional building in the area. BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TOMORROW Infrastructure is at the heart of Hagerstown’s ability to support its growing population and evolving economy. Nicewarner explains that Hagerstown has been fortunate in expanding its broadband capabilities. “We have Antietam Broadband, which has been here a long time, now offering gigabit service,” he says. In addition to this long-standing provider, two more broadband companies, Point Broadband and Comcast, compete to offer high-speed internet across the city. “Comcast is also running fiber throughout town,” he notes, which will increase options and create price competition, benefiting residents. Beyond broadband, Nicewarner emphasizes the strength of the city’s water system, which serves Hagerstown residents and extends into Washington County and several nearby municipalities. “We service Smithsburg, Funkstown, and Williamsport,” he points out.The city is revitalizing its transmission mains, a project that will span several years. With the city owning its own water system, the control over quality and pricing remains local—a critical advantage in maintaining the infrastructure necessary for future growth. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
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