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The census-designated place of Hughesville has a total land area of 11.2 miles. Because Hughesville, though small, is considered the strategic geographic center of the Tri-County Southern Maryland region, it houses institutions such as the Electric Company, Humane Society, Economic Development Council, and Board of Realtors, which serve the Tri-County area. The local Fire Department, Hughesville Fire and Rescue Company 2, are located in Hughesville as well.
Here's some background on the Village of Hughesville and where we're headed:
Settled as part of the Southern Maryland Region in 1643, the area known as Hughesville was established as a crossroads agricultural community in the late 19th century. Hughesville and the surrounding region quickly established their economies and currency around the tobacco agricultural industry. As a result of that industry and the establishment of the railroad, the village continued to grow during the first half of the 20th century.
Tobacco remained the economic keystone of the region and the primary economic engine until the latter portion of the 20th century. Today, along with other areas in the Southern Maryland Region, Hughesville continues to try and deal with the issues created by the decline of the tobacco industry. The village today contains a variety of historic resources including bungalows and other early 20th century mail-order homes, tobacco warehouses, department stores and filling stations. Small tobacco farmsteads and a Quaker cemetery are located on the historic fringe of town. Hughesville is approximately 620 acres and has recently been augmented with a bypass along MD 5 known as the Hughesville Bypass.
With the adoption of the Northeastern Alignment for the Hughesville Bypass, the County recognizes that changes are coming to Hughesville. In order to ensure that these changes are positive, the County Commissioners decided that a planning process for Hughesville should be undertaken. In doing this, the entire community will be afforded an opportunity to provide input into a planning process, which will lay the foundation for a desired future for Hughesville. The Plan will help to identify what the future can,and should, hold for Hughesville. The efforts will focus on the business aspects of Hughesville’s future by looking at those areas currently planned, zoned or used for commercial or industrial use.
This study will focus on possible revitalization/physical improvements to the existing village. As a result of this study, Hughesville may retain its village designation or be upgraded to a higher designation. The plan will provide and explore the necessary background and historical information, existing conditions and projected activities to answer the following questions:
- What type of economic development is necessary to revitalize the existing Hughesville Rural Village?
- What physical improvements are necessary for revitalization of the area?
The focus of the plan will be on the identification of revitalization strategies, with specific emphasis on the economic development potential of the Village and future physical enhancement projects.
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