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Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services
Commercial Landscape Program Criteria

The Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (CNHS) Landscape Program is funded by State of Maryland Community Legacy Program funds and is being administered by The City of Cumberland and Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. For landscape applications property owners will be able to take advantage of Grant up to $2,500 specifically for landscape improvements to commercial property owners. The property owner will be required to fund the amount exceeding $2,500 (for example: the overall project could be $3,000 with $2,500 awarded from the Legacy Program and the remaining $500 from the owner’s funds).This program is not subject to income guideline restrictions. Applications will be considered received once all the required materials have been submitted – failure to submit all materials will place applicants further down on the received list and jeopardize their opportunity to participate. Please see the CNHS Commercial Landscape Program Application Checklist for required materials. The CNHS Commercial Landscape Program includes the following guidelines:

  1. Applications are required to be signed and submitted by the commercial property owners.
  2. The qualifying area for the CNHS Commercial Landscape Program is targeted blocks within the boundaries of the Wills Creek Neighborhood Corridor, 400, 500, 600 and 700 blocks of North Centre and North Mechanic Streets.
  3. CNHS Commercial Landscape Program may include trees, shrubs, perennials fencing, and signage. Applicants should obtain copies of approved right-of-way trees from the City of Cumberland’s Natural Resources Specialist Mr. Paul Eriksson 301-759-6607.
  4. A project cost estimate produced by the applicant and must be included in the application submission.
  5. Proposed project must meet all State and local codes, and must comply with City Zoning Ordinance
    • Applicants should obtain copies of permit checklists from the City of Cumberland Department of Community Development prior to submitting this application in order to be fully aware of all requirements.
    • In addition to the normally required permit reviews, all awarded projects will be submitted to the Maryland Historical Trust for a compliance review. Projects will also be sent to the Maryland Codes Office.
    • All tree planting applicants must check with Miss Utility to meet all of their requirements.
  6. Applicant must be in good standing with all City departments and programs including but not limited to any Federal, State, or local funded programs, property code compliance, permits and zoning compliance, etc.
  7. Projects must be completed in a timely manner and a detailed timeline must be included in the application. Priority will be given to projects that can be completed within 6-months. This is the timeframe currently imposed by the state for this program.
  8. All required permits, compliance reviews, and program approvals must be obtained prior to staring your project. Projects that are commenced prior to receiving the proper permits, compliance reviews, and program approvals will invalidate the funding agreement and will lose all awarded funds.
  9. Preliminary site visit and final inspection of the project must by completed by designated CNHS Staff.
  10. Upon official approval by the City the property owner will be issued an agreement form. Property owners must accept to follow all the requirements by signing the issued agreement. A specific time limit for completing the landscape project will be issued as part of the agreement. If the landscape project is not completed (without prior approval for an extension) within the limited time frame the agreement will be terminated and funds will be reallocated.
  11. Failure to comply with all of the requirements set forth in this application and the CNHS Commercial Landscape Program agreement will result in a recapture of the funds by CNHS.

Application Review Process

This grant application program is intended to provide all applicants an equal opportunity to receive an award.   The purpose of the program is to improve the general appearance and quality of life in the Wills Creek neighborhood in North Cumberland.  Please be clear and direct in your reply.  The following items are required to complete your application:

  1. Provide a simple photo of the existing area before proposed improvements. CNHS will assist with photos if needed.
  2. Provide a simple sketch of the proposed improvement. 
  3. Provide a description of the improvements to be funded.
  4. Provide an estimate of the costs of the improvements to be made, and the amount of the request.
  5. Provide a short statement of justification for the improvements.  Describe the anticipated benefits to your property and how you feel your proposal will benefit the neighborhood.  A brief paragraph - or a letter – is an acceptable format.

Tips for a Successful Application

  1. Your application will be reviewed and judged on the impact your project will have on the neighborhood’s appearance and how it meets the goals of the CNHS Will’s Creek Plan.
  2. Monies will be awarded based on the reviewers’ ability to understand both the purpose of the request and the benefit to the neighborhood.  Clarity and simplicity in your reply will be helpful.
  3. Estimates for costs should be based on actual contractor estimates.  Unfortunately, no reimbursement for ‘sweat equity’ will be made.  If your estimate is for materials only, a simple list of materials and the estimated costs as available from your supplier will be sufficient.  If your estimate includes labor from a contractor, two estimates are required.


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