On Thursday, May 5th, the Admiral Oaks community in Annapolis officially reopened. The celebration was hosted by the area’s premier non-profit developer, the Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC), and was attended by more than sixty community leaders, partners, neighbors and supporters. Michael Pitchford, President and CEO of CPDC kicked off the celebration at 10:00 a.m. by welcoming guest speakers:
- Alderwoman Classie Hoyle, Alderwoman, Ward 3, City of Annapolis
- Secretary Raymond Skinner, Secretary of Housing & Community Development, Maryland
- Brian Tracy, SVP & Community Development Executive, Bank of America
- Reginald Broddie, Chief Professional Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
“The revitalization of Admiral Oaks, complete with a branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, has been a labor of love for us” said Michael Pitchford, President and CEO of CPDC. “Admiral Oaks was our very first community. Joining with our friends and partners in celebrating its grand reopening is both a joy and a significant milestone.”
Secretary Raymond Skinner remembered meeting the founder of CPDC, Gene Ford, more than 20 years ago. “He really had the vision” recalled Secretary Skinner. “Admiral Oaks is an example of preserving existing affordable housing and bringing that housing up to modern standards while maintaining affordability” said Skinner. “These preservation projects are a shot in the arm for the state economy”.
Reggie Broddie, CPO of the Boys & Girls Club summed up the project with “they [CPDC] get it”. “Our young people now understand that they are the fabric of the community. Thanks to CPDC and all of their great partners the kids have a Boys & Girls Club to be proud of and a community to come home to”.
CPDC was quick to thank all of the partners who helped make the vision into a reality including: Maryland CDA, ACDS, Bank of America, Boys & Girls Clubs, HC AAC, Edgewood Management Corp, Hamel Builders, JDC Construction and Wiencek + Associates. The symbolic ribbon was then cut and guests were invited to tour a model home, followed by a tour of the Boys & Girls Club. Cinco de Mayo themed refreshments and an Admiral Oaks shaped cake were then served.
