AAEDC, Better Block Foundation Announce “The Glen Burnie Better Plaza,” An Exciting Community Activation Coming to the Town Center

January 8, 2025

Glen Burnie, MD (January 8, 2025) – Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) and Better Block Foundation announce the Glen Burnie Better Plaza, a placemaking project that re-envisions the Glen Burnie Town Center as a vibrant and inviting gathering space for the community. AAEDC and Better Block are inviting the public to join them for the Project Kickoff on January 14th and provide their input by February 3rd on site design by taking a project survey. To take the public survey, click here.

“It all starts with working together. By teaming up with community leaders like Councilwoman Pickard and those who are passionate about revitalization, we’re making real progress in Glen Burnie,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. “I’m looking forward to seeing the Glen Burnie Town Center become a community gathering place. I wish the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) and the Better Block Foundation all the best as they move this project forward.”

The planning and design process for the project will officially begin on Tuesday, January 14th with a public kickoff from 5:30-7pm held at the Henry L. Hein Public Service Building, 7480 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. The kickoff will provide the opportunity for the community to learn more about the project and to participate in an interactive activity to think about and illustrate what they would like to see in the space.

“We chose Better Block for this project because they have a proven model for revitalizing public spaces in partnership with the community and a strong track record of doing so in cities across the nation,” said Amy Gowan, President and CEO of AAEDC. “As leaders in grassroots urban design, we look forward to bringing their expertise to the Glen Burnie Town Center as we continue to invest in placemaking efforts that revitalize older commercial districts throughout Anne Arundel County.”

The public kickoff puts the community at the forefront of the planning process for a site plan which will be installed in early June with a community event held at the site on June 6th and 7th. The site will be activated until fall and anticipated enhancements include seating, shade, vendor / performer spaces and recreation elements to support new opportunities for community gatherings.

“We’re excited to be working with the community and leaders in Glen Burnie,” said Krista Nightengale, Executive Director of the Better Block. “Over the past nearly 10 years, we’ve had the opportunity to work in almost 100 cities around the world. This space is unlike any other and is inspiring from both a designer and community standpoint. We look forward to working alongside local businesses, students, and residents on what the plaza should and could be.”

For more information about this project, please visit: betterblock.org/GlenBurnie.

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About the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation

Founded in 1993, the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Annapolis, Maryland. AAEDC’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for business growth in Anne Arundel County, thereby increasing job opportunities, expanding the tax base, and improving citizens’ quality of life. To do so, it provides the public with services including financing, site selection assistance, regulatory guidance, workforce training grants, market research, and small business resources. More broadly, AAEDC plays a vital role in enhancing commercial districts, improving infrastructure, and growing high-value business sectors such as technology and cybersecurity. To learn more, visit www.aaedc.org.

About the Better Block Foundation 

Better Block Foundation is an urban design nonprofit that educates, equips, and empowers communities and their leaders to reshape and reactivate built environments to promote the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods. Find out more by visiting www.betterblock.org.

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