Maryland § 6-1305

§ 6-1305.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    (i)    “Business district and neighborhood security project” means a comprehensive plan for enhancing the visual perception of safety along commercial corridors and adjacent areas.

            (ii)    “Business district and neighborhood security project” includes:

                1.    the purchase or installation of:

                A.    equipment that increases the visibility of vulnerable spaces, including surveillance tools, adequate lighting for exterior doors, common areas, or hallways, or pedestrian–scale street lighting in high–pedestrian–traffic areas;

                B.    vehicle or pedestrian control devices;

                C.    equipment to lock or conceal dumpsters from public access; or

                D.    signs, gardens, litter removal equipment, plantings, or other upgrades to public spaces;

                2.    efforts to:

                A.    take into account the needs of neighborhoods in the surrounding area to improve accessibility for all users, in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards; or

                B.    increase citizen and merchant stewardship through organizing, education, and outreach activities that seek to engage residents and other community stakeholders to actively participate in the upkeep and improvement of residential areas and public spaces;

                3.    contracted cleaning or landscaping services to maintain or clean improved open spaces;

                4.    contracted local private security services or similar community–based programs with a specific emphasis on de–escalation and relationship building; and

                5.    other efforts consistent with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

        (3)    “Eligible applicant” means:

            (i)    a tax–exempt nonprofit organization;

            (ii)    a governmental unit for a political subdivision; or

            (iii)    an institution of higher education in collaboration with a local neighborhood association.

    (b)    An eligible applicant may apply for a grant under the Program for a business district and neighborhood security project.

    (c)    If an eligible applicant submits an application for a grant under the Program for a business district and neighborhood security project to purchase or install a network of cameras or license readers, the eligible applicant shall include with the application:

        (1)    a monitoring plan; and

        (2)    evidence of a partnership with law enforcement, the governmental unit responsible for traffic enforcement for the political subdivision, and any other relevant public agencies.

    (d)    The Department may award an eligible applicant who submits a complete application for financial assistance under the Program for a business district and neighborhood security project a grant that:

        (1)    is at least $75,000; and

        (2)    does not exceed $150,000.