Howard County Unveils Transformative Enterprise Zone Designation, Elevating Business Development for Route 1 and Columbia Gateway

Howard County Unveils Transformative Enterprise Zone Designation, Elevating Business Development for Route 1 and Columbia Gateway

The announcement was hosted at Saval Foodservice’s facility on Dorsey Road in Elkridge, a food distributor located within the newly designated Enterprise Zone. 

“Howard County’s support and innovative programs have been critical to our growth and success over the years. The designation of this Enterprise Zone is a game-changer for businesses like ours and the surrounding community,” said Paul Saval, Owner, Saval Foods LLC. “We view our growth as an opportunity to give back to Howard County by supporting the community and other businesses through our partnerships and hiring efforts.” 

Moreover, the Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone and its incentives align with the County’s new General Plan, HoCo By Design, and recently announced preferred option for the Gateway Master Plan.

“The Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone will not only help spur the revitalization of the Columbia Gateway innovation district but also to act as a significant job generator for the area,” said Lynda Eisenberg, Director, Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning. 

As noted in HoCo By Design and its “Route 1 Corridor Plan: A Plan for Washington Boulevard” companion, both plans emphasize the Route 1 Corridor’s uniqueness and the importance of attracting public and private investment and spurring redevelopment to enhance the attractiveness and economic value of the area. These plans also recognize the market pressures within the Route 1 Corridor, shifting investment from job-creating commercial and industrial uses toward residential redevelopment.

“The Route 1 Corridor and Columbia Gateway are key regional employment centers both today and for our future,” said Jennifer Jones, CEO, HCEDA. “This new enterprise zone designation is another important tool in Howard County’s comprehensive strategy to encourage employment growth and targeted redevelopment.”

The Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone is a bold step forward in realizing the vision set out in these plans and the incentives that accompany this designation set the stage for transformative redevelopment. This area will become an epicenter of economic growth, helping businesses reimaging underutilized spaces and attracting public and private investment that beautifies our community and creates family-supporting jobs.

“We would like to thank Dr. Ball for his continued commitment to providing economic opportunity and increased housing accessibility in Howard County,” said Sarah Rayne, CEO, Howard County Association of REALTORS. “The Enterprise Zone will serve as a catalyst for growth and revitalization on the Route 1 corridor between Routes 100 and 175 and for Columbia Gateway. We are supportive of bringing the enterprise zone and all of its benefits to Howard County.”

The Gateway Master Plan will provide a comprehensive, actionable roadmap to guide Gateway’s long-term transformation into an “innovation district” – a regional destination for new research and ideas within an area that is dynamic, mixed-use, connected, and creative. Spanning approximately 1,000 acres of business and industrial space, Gateway’s size, central location between Baltimore and the District of Columbia, and current configuration offer considerable potential for future growth and development. The plan positions Gateway as the region’s nerve center for groundbreaking research, trailblazing ideas, and bold entrepreneurship.

To learn more about the Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone and related tax benefits, contact HCEDA at [email protected].

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