Alderman Smith-Brown Highlights Neighborhood Investments, Redevelopment and Transit Improvements Following Community Tours in Annapolis

Annapolis Ward 3 Alderman Keanuú Smith-Brown is highlighting neighborhood investment, public transportation and redevelopment efforts following a series of community tours and meetings held alongside fellow city officials and community members.

In statements shared on social media, Alderman Smith-Brown said he and Ward 6 Alderwoman Diesha Contee took a ride on Spa Creek before meeting with Ward 1 Alderman Harry Huntley at Hawkins Cove. According to Alderman Smith-Brown, discussions focused on improving public access to the waterfront and the ongoing redevelopment of the Eastport Terrace and Harbor House communities.

Alderman Smith-Brown also visited the Eastport Community Farm, located at 1175 Madison St. next to the ball field, where he praised the community space and the residents who help support it.

"Our residents are special and deserve the greatest," Alderman Smith-Brown wrote.

Reflecting on his personal connection to the Eastport Terrace neighborhood, Alderman Smith-Brown said he grew up in "The Terrace" and called for continued accountability from the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

He criticized what he described as inadequate services and treatment of residents while also pointing to federal funding shortfalls, budget cuts and staffing challenges that he said have contributed to ongoing issues affecting public housing communities.

"We can do better, and we must," Alderman Smith-Brown stated.

In a separate social media post, Alderman Smith-Brown highlighted a transit familiarization tour organized by the City of Annapolis Department of Transportation. Joining him were Alderwoman Contee, City Manager Yolanda Lewis, Human Resources Director Charles Hall, Hispanic Community Services Specialist and LGBTQIA+ Liaison Rossio Smith, Transportation Director Markus Moore and Transportation Superintendent Jamar Parker.

The tour began at the Samuel L. Gilmer Transportation Center, where participants received an overview of the city's transit operations before traveling each of Annapolis Transit's three fixed bus routes, the Red, Green and Brown routes.

According to Alderman Smith-Brown, the group rode the Red Route to the Annapolis Mall, transferred to the Green Route through Eastport, continued on the Brown Route to Bywater Road, and concluded the tour by using the city's Go 

Time Annapolis on-demand transit service back to the transportation center. The group also tested the city's three-wheeled electric power-assist bicycle before concluding the visit.

Alderman Smith-Brown encouraged residents to explore the city's public transportation services, including fixed-route buses, the Go Time Annapolis on-demand transit program and real-time transit tracking tools.

The social media posts emphasized Alderman Smith-Brown's continued focus on neighborhood revitalization, public infrastructure and improving access to city services while advocating for investment and accountability in Ward 3 and across Annapolis.