Route 1 Tax Credit Program Accepting Applications For Howard County Businesses

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Applications are now being accepted for Howard County’s latest round of its Route 1 Tax Credit Program.

The program offers up to $100,000 in funding per site to commercial and industrial property owners along the Route 1 Corridor to assist them with renovating and improving the appearance of their properties. To date, the program has already supported 18 renovation projects.

“Thanks to a strong partnership between DPZ, HCEDA and our commercial and industrial property owners who are willing to put in the work, the aesthetics of our Route 1 Corridor continue to improve,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “This program is essential to improving the look, feel and value of Route 1, and I am confident more property owners will join us in our mission to revitalize this important 12-mile stretch of Howard County.”

To qualify for the tax credit, a property must have frontage onto Route 1, be adjacent to a property with Route 1 frontage, or be within the perimeter of Map 20.129D (Elkridge). The property must also be less than 15 acres, be up to date on property tax payments and have no existing code violations. Commercial and industrial property owners interested in renovating the exterior of their property, are encouraged to visit the Route 1 Tax Credit Program website to learn more about the program and how to apply. Applications are accepted on a non-competitive, first come, first served basis.

Improvements made in past projects include replacing missing signage with an LED lighted sign, replacing windows, new paint, revamped stucco and installing new light fixtures for safety and enhanced ambiance.

"The tax credit allowed us to give our property a facelift that we could otherwise not fit into our budget," said Ankur Patel, a representative of the Holiday Inn. "It helped us paint and modernize our building, which sits on the busy intersection of Route 1 and Route 175. We have received many compliments on the new look, which significantly improves the old and dated color scheme.

“It has been a difficult few years for the hospitality industry. Still, with business returning to the sector, we are excited about having a refreshed building to help drive guests to our property. Howard County staff was very easy to work with and gave clear instructions on everything we would need to apply for the grant. The process was smooth and efficient. I have been recommending this program to other businesses in the area to help improve the look and feel of the corridor," Patel said.

For more information and/or to apply, contact DPZ at 410-313-2350 or visit the Route 1 Tax Credit Program website.