Oakland, Maryland, is bustling with opportunities for revitalization, and you could be a part of it. In a collaborative effort between the Town of Oakland, the Greater Oakland Business Association, and the Oakland Arts & Entertainment District, an exciting initiative is underway to breathe new life into vacant buildings. Through the Project Restore 2.0 grant offered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Oakland is on a mission to transform empty spaces into vibrant hubs of activity.
What is Project Restore 2.0? Project Restore 2.0 is more than just a grant; it’s a catalyst for change. Designed to promote place-based economic development, this grant focuses on activating vacant buildings within the jurisdiction it serves. The aim is to rejuvenate downtown and historic commercial corridors, fostering a thriving business environment and a sense of community.
Who Can Apply? Oakland is seeking interested parties to serve as sub-grantees for the funds. Whether you’re a for-profit business, a non-profit organization, a cooperatively-owned business, or a social enterprise, if you have a vision to start up or expand into a vacant building, this opportunity is for you.
Key Points to Note:
- Eligible Properties: There’s no minimum duration for a property to be vacant. As long as it’s commercially zoned and currently vacant or has vacant commercial spaces, it’s eligible.
- Eligible Uses of Funds: The grant can be used for rent payments, renovation and fit-out of the building (interior and/or exterior), as well as for purchasing furniture, fixtures, and equipment. However, property acquisition is not covered.
- Operational Deadline: Sub-grantees are expected to be operational in the formerly vacant building by the end of the grant period.
How to Apply: If you’re intrigued and believe your building or business qualifies, don’t hesitate to take the next step. Fill out the form available at [insert form link] by Friday, March 29. Keep in mind that additional information may be required during the application process.
For any inquiries or clarifications regarding the project, reach out to Nicole McCullough at nicole@oaklandmd.com or call 301-334-2691.
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Jay Ferguson
Who I Am
My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service!
Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well.
I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’.
Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I
have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you.
Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about!
Honesty. Integrity. Results.
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