On Thursday, November 7, 2024, nearly 200 community leaders and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of Port Street Commons with an official ribbon-cutting. The event honored the many people who brought Port Street Commons to life as well as the incredible social and economic impacts the project will have throughout the region.

Port Street Commons is a 24,000-square-foot space that includes offices, community spaces, and affordable housing designed to support a diverse range of needs in the community.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place almost 18 months to the day after the groundbreaking in June 2023, when the first shovel was put into the ground. Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), spoke proudly of the incredible collaboration and dedication it took to achieve this and noted that the project’s significance goes far beyond the building itself.

“The building behind me is an incredible accomplishment, but the building itself is not what we’re here to celebrate,” said Rondeau. “Today, we are celebrating The Arc’s continued growth and expansion on the Mid-Shore and how Port Street Commons is the next step of many toward creating the inclusive communities we all deserve to live in.” 

Celebrating Inclusion, Opportunity, and Access

Thursday’s Ribbon Cutting was filled with optimism as speakers highlighted how Port Street Commons will enhance accessibility, equity, and opportunity in the community. Megan Cook, Mayor of Easton, recognized the project as a milestone in the town’s ongoing commitment to economic development, revitalization, and community well-being. She commended The Arc for its visionary approach to creating mixed-use spaces that cater to both social and economic needs.

Among other speakers were Pete Lesher, Vice President of the Talbot County Council, and Julia Glanz, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing & Community Development. Both praised Port Street Commons for addressing the region’s housing shortage while providing critical services. Carol Beatty, Secretary of the Department of Disabilities, also underscored the project’s role in expanding services to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including a behavioral health suite for essential mental health care.

The program concluded with remarks from Rondeau, who expressed his gratitude for the community’s support and highlighted Port Street Commons’ potential to foster lasting positive change.

“With projects like Port Street Commons, we are building a future where inclusion is the norm, housing and services coexist, and everyone has the opportunities they deserve to live the lives they choose for themselves,” he said.

Rondeau went on to express his gratitude for the community’s support and highlighted Port Street Commons’ potential to foster lasting positive change.

Following the program, all of the speakers and several key supporters joined Rondeau to cut the ribbon before everyone toured the building. Guests eagerly explored the space, admiring firsthand the building’s modern design and emphasis on accessibility.

What is Port Street Commons? 

Port Street Commons is more than just a building; it’s a hub for community, inclusion, and opportunity. The 24,000-square-foot facility boasts space for two key resources:

1. The Arc at Port Street – Part of the building is The Arc at Port Street, the new Eastern Shore headquarters for The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. The space includes a Professional Development Center, a Community Hub for Day Services, a Behavioral Health Suite for mental health services, and a Health at Work clinic offering free on-site medical care for employees. This expansion is expected to create 30 new jobs over the next three years and will allow The Arc to better serve the growing needs of the region.
2. The Residences at Port Street – A separate wing holds The Residences at Port Street, which includes nine affordable housing units. Developed in partnership with Chesapeake Neighbors, these two- and three-bedroom rentable units are set aside for moderate-income families, making 65% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Town of Easton. The units include universally designed options for people with mobility challenges and modern amenities like energy-efficient appliances, in-unit laundry, and free Wi-Fi. Tenants were selected through a competitive lottery process that drew over 200 applicants in the first 24 hours. The Residences at Port Street is a necessary and long-awaited addition to the community’s affordable housing market.

A Lasting Legacy

The ribbon-cutting ceremony not only marked the completion of this major project but also represented an investment in the future of Easton and the broader Mid-Shore region. The building will serve as a lasting symbol of collaboration, inclusion, and opportunity, impacting people with disabilities, low-income residents, and the entire community.

Rondeau summed up the event with a message of hope and commitment: “I am incredibly grateful for the partnership and collaboration of the community throughout this project. I am proud that The Arc calls Easton—and Talbot County—home. We are building a future where inclusion is the norm, and everyone has the opportunity to live the life they choose.”

With its new headquarters, innovative housing options, and focus on community integration, Port Street Commons’ success offers a model for how inclusive community development initiatives can meet the needs of diverse populations while fostering stronger, more resilient communities.