Upper Marlboro, MD - On Wednesday, the Town of Upper Marlboro took major steps toward the future as it broke ground to make way for a new addition to expand the Town Hall and make renovations to the existing Town Hall structure. County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III and EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman were among notable dignitaries who joined Board of Commissioners President Jim Storey and the Town Commissioners of Upper Marlboro for the groundbreaking ceremony. Joined at the podium by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Senate Majority Leader Douglas J.J. Peters, Delegate Joseph Vallario, and Delegate Marvin Holmes, Mr. Coleman served as the guest speaker for this momentous occasion and spoke about the rich history of the Town. He likened the future of Upper Marlboro to a Shining City Upon a Hill.
"Today we are witnessing a renaissance in Upper Marlboro. The Town of Upper Marlboro is becoming the 'New Shining City Upon A Hill', just like the one President Ronald Reagan spoke about in his farewell speech. A tall, proud city built on rocks, stronger than oceans...teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace," said Coleman. "This project will bring new energy to the residents and businesses of Upper Marlboro by providing them with suitable space to conduct their business. I congratulate Board President Storey and the Commissioners for their years of hard work that have led to today's historical groundbreaking. This new facility will create a new 'Shine' for this Shining City Upon a Hill."
This story about perseverance is reflective of the same perseverance and tenacity that has brought about a renaissance throughout Prince George's County with rising household median incomes, record high school graduation rates, a brand new hotel and casino employing over 3,600 residents and more than 35 companies relocating to the County over the last 18 months. Town Commission Board President Jim Storey credits the leadership of former Board President Steve Sonnett as well as the vision and tenacity of the Town to control its own destiny with the birth of this project.
"Our Town leadership has pointed us in the right direction and we have been following through with that vision in order to serve the community better," said Storey. "Our old facility is well-used and well-loved, but it is outdated. The new facility will provide us with something for the community as well as the employees and will ultimately enhance the services we provide to our residents. Special thanks to Jim Coleman for coming out to inspire our next steps. He's great; the right person for the job."
The history of the Town of Upper Marlboro Town Hall dates back to the 1940's when it was built as an open-roofed community pool house. The ensuing years filled in the property which ultimately became the Town Hall that serves as the administrative offices for elected officials, the Town Police Department and local meeting room. Expected renovations on this $1.2 million project will include a larger meeting room, ADA-compliant restrooms and break rooms, upgraded communication and security capabilities, efficient work-space for daily administrative operations, and much needed storage space for Town Archives and emergency preparedness supplies and equipment. All funding for the Town Hall project will come from existing Town reserves.
EDC Joins Local Dignitaries At Groundbreaking For Town Hall Of Upper Marlboro