New Market desires to grow again into a beautiful town, where people are walking along the streets and visit the many different stores and restaurants.

But something had to be done about the condition of the streets and sidewalks.

Before the current Streetscape project, pedestrians were constantly tripping over uneven bricks, tree roots that had broken through the bricks, and weeds that grown through the bricks. The roads were bumpy from past winters, and the overall effect was not inviting.

New Market Councilman Shane Rossman has been working on a revitalization project since October 2001.  He and a work group were originally tasked to provide information and recommendation about streetscapes to the mayor and council.

Some of the information and recommendations were  to make the sidewalks better, improve pedestrian lighting, and research more efficient storm water management. This project hasn’t been easy for town leadership, but after 14 years of research, planning, and development  year the town received approval for a two-year construction remodeling.

Councilman Rossman said, “The town has been looking forward to this beautification project for a long time.  It is going to revitalize our historic charm and once again make New Market the jewel of Frederick County.  The mayor, council and our residents look forward to having patrons, friends, and family visit our shops once again.”

Construction began in 2014, and the estimated end date is Fall 2016.

SHA will have put in new pavement sidewalks that are 5 ft wide, 108 lamp posts, new bricked sidewalks (that will also be 5 ft wide), new opening and closing of storage drains, new curbs and gutters, crosswalks, add more signage, pedestrian lighting, and landscaping.  Marley Street will be reconfigured to a full-movement T-intersection. Freshly paved road will be the final step.

This involved taking down old trees that had uprooted the sidewalk.

This project is modeled on what other small Maryland towns have done, like Taneytown.

Junior Martha Madrid said, “Streetscape is definitely made it harder to get around the town. Sometimes I try to walk my dog on Main Street and we’ll end up walking through the construction site.”

Owner of Original Play House, Ellen Przybocki said, “The added appeal will most likely encourage visitors to explore what’s here. Shiney and new draws a crowd, and as a business owner, I embrace the notion of attracting more visitors to our lovely town.”

Currently, many stores have their front entrances blocked by barriers due to new sidewalks being put in, but the stores can be accessed through the back alleys.  For students who do not live nearby, the annual Homecoming parade was their first view of the construction.  Some sat on the Jersey walls to cheer on the passing floats.

Junior Svetlana Brenner said, “On the weekdays it can be very loud and traffic is very difficult with the constant stop and go of cars. It is hard to cross the street at crosswalks to get to the bus in the morning since do one will stop for us.”

By now Concrete General has finished putting in the sidewalk stairs to make an easy transitions down the steep hills. There will be sidewalks that stretch from the beginning of the town to the end. Walking in town will be improved with the sidewalks being put in by Fleshman’s Antiques, Vintage, and Original Play House.

Only one more year of noise and different traffic pattern remains until the transformation is complete.

For more information on traffic patterns and what is happening please visit The Town of New Market Maryland or their Facebook page.

The small town of historic New Market was founded in 1793 by  Nicholas Hall and William Plummer. On June 1,  1793,  Nicholas Hall had his first lot and this was the start of the town.

Known for being the “Antique Capital of Maryland” tourists from all over the world come enjoy window shopping, and the Civil War background of the town.

New Market is about 12 minutes from Mt. Airy,  18 minutes from Frederick, 45 minutes from Baltimore, Maryland and 1 hour and 6 minutes Washington, D.C.

 New stores that have came into the town like, Happiloo, The Original Playhouse, Milo’s Pizza and Pasta, Runkles Sign Service and Express Marketing Design , The Village Potter and Vintage (the restaurant that took over Mealy’s).

Many stores who have been the face of New Market for a long time: Santa Fe Trading Company, Fleshman’s Antiques, 1812 House, Esterly Antiques, Ory Custom Florals and Decor , Strawberry Inn Bed and Breakfast and Yesterday’s Treasures.

In April 2014 New Market added its first shopping area New Market Commons that is located by the McDonald’s in New Market.