Wednesday, February 29, 2012, by Liz Spikol
The group Germantown United CDC, founded last year, is trying to change things. “Germantown is an incredible neighborhood, with endless historical and cultural assets,” says Emaleigh Doley, a Germantown resident and member of the Germantown United CDC’s steering committee. “It’s true that over the years, the neighborhood has taken a hit, to put it mildly. Now, if ever, is the time for Germantown to move forward.” Doley is encouraged by what she’s seen: a steady rise in community organizing, citizen planning and participation in development issues. “It’s development of the neighborhood’s business corridors and blighted and vacant land that will play a major role in shaping Germantown’s future,” she says, “which is why Germantown United CDC’s focus begins with sustainable commercial corridor development. We want to see business districts operating at their fullest potential, facilitating further redevelopment in Germantown and stimulating economic growth.”
