HAGERSTOWN – City officials and consultants unveiled a long-term downtown Hagerstown plan outlining housing priorities, redevelopment opportunities, and infrastructure improvements shaped by extensive community input.
Doug Reaser, the city’s economic development manager, presented the framework, which draws on survey data, stakeholder interviews and market analysis to guide downtown investment over the next decade.
Community feedback shapes vision
Consultants collected approximately 450 survey responses and conducted interviews to understand residents’ views of downtown and nearby neighborhoods. That feedback informed a proposed 10-year strategy to strengthen both the core and the surrounding areas.
Residents consistently described four goals for downtown Hagerstown: vibrant, connected, celebrated and welcoming. Many emphasized affordable housing, improved walkability, safer streets and better traffic management.
Participants also highlighted the importance of public spaces, neighborhood connections and downtown events that attract both residents and visitors.
Housing and market conditions
The market analysis identified strong demand for rental housing, particularly newly renovated apartments priced below the area’s highest rents. Consultants said rental housing offers the strongest near-term opportunity, especially units that appeal to young professionals and empty nesters.
Townhomes also showed demand, while new for-sale housing remains difficult to develop without subsidies because market prices do not yet cover construction costs.
Retail demand focused on food, dining and specialty shops rather than large commercial uses. Hotel demand is expected to be absorbed by new construction in the short term. However, analysts project the market could support 60 to 100 additional hotel rooms by 2027, potentially in a boutique downtown setting.
Priority redevelopment sites
The plan identifies several “catalyst sites” for future redevelopment. These include properties along Summit Avenue, North and South Potomac Street, East Washington Street and the former hospital site.
Suggested uses range from upper-floor apartments with ground-level retail to cultural and mixed-use projects. Consultants said the city will conduct feasibility studies on specific properties to demonstrate economic viability and attract private investment.
Streets, alleys and public spaces
Improving streets and public spaces is a central component of the downtown Hagerstown plan. Proposed strategies include expanding the Cultural Trail into a loop, improving lighting and adding greenery.
The plan also calls for reimagining alleys as active public spaces that support art, events and pedestrian use while maintaining access for deliveries. Additional recommendations include improved wayfinding signage, gateway markers and historical displays highlighting the city’s architecture and notable residents.
Safety and program initiatives
Beyond physical improvements, the plan outlines programmatic efforts to strengthen housing maintenance, coordinate code enforcement and improve perceptions of safety.
Ideas include promoting successful downtown events, increasing police visibility and exploring the creation of a downtown business improvement district. The university was identified as a key partner, particularly for coordinating housing, parking and business hours with student activity.
Public comment urges broader investment
During public comment, several speakers praised the plan’s organization and community engagement but cautioned against focusing solely on the downtown core.
Speakers urged the city to invest more heavily in surrounding neighborhoods, particularly areas facing challenges with lighting, housing maintenance and infrastructure. They said improving conditions just outside the core is essential to addressing safety, housing stability and inclusivity across the city.
Public feedback on the downtown Hagerstown plan will continue through late December as city officials refine the proposal.
