County officials delivered a $125,000 check Tuesday to the Long Branch Business League and MHP to unify and strengthen the business area.
“This is essentially a Flower Avenue Main Street program” to provide support to area businesses, explained Council President Evan Glass.
Officials acknowledged that businesses have suffered during the pandemic, a tragic apartment explosion and the building of the Purple Line and this was the county’s way of keeping businesses in operation and thriving.
“We know that this is a resilient and persistent community,” said Councilmember Kate Stewart. “County government has been, and now is continuing to commit to this area.”
The area was designated a Place Based Management area.
The money will be used to promote and hold community events and will “let local businesses focus on what kind of identity they want to have,” said County Executive Marc Elrich during a news conference outside El Golfo restaurant.
The County Council approved the grant program and already has provided funds to Friendship Heights and North Bethesda. Money for Long Branch is part of the second round of grants.
Fenton Village, Takoma Park and Rockville East also will receive grant money is this round.
Chris Gillis of MHP said the area is improving, and entrepreneurs are looking to move into some of the empty buildings. “This hasn’t happened in many years,” he said.
He noted that previous efforts to build up business here created the much-attended Cinco de Mayo events, which now “has turned out to be the best day of the year for these businesses. That’s the kind of impact we want to have.”
John Angel of Long Branch Business League and owner of La Casita Owner thanked the county officials, adding, “We will definitely put that check into use.”
It was my pleasure to join @MontCoExec, @CMEvanGlass, @NewmanJacob11 to award our friends @MHPartners and the Long Branch Business League with a 125K grant to enhance the entire Long Branch community through events and activities. @_chrisgillis @Longbranch_MD @lacasitapupusas pic.twitter.com/4atqCl4T3f
— Councilmember Kate Stewart (she/her) (@cmkatestewart) June 6, 2023
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