Frequently Asked Questions

---

CWDI was formed to finally develop the community's vision for the Cambridge Waterfront after 30-years of planning and community input. Its governance and operations are structured to be apolitical so progress could continue across normal political cycles.

The CWDI Board of Directors are all volunteers and receive no compensation for their efforts on behalf of the community.  The only paid position is the Executive Director and that position is currently filled by a consultant.

The Board Members are appointed by the founding partners of CWDI.    There are seven members of the Board of Directors.  Three are appointed by the City of Cambridge, two by Dorchester County, one by the State of Maryland, and one by the CWDI Board of Directors.

The partners are The State of Maryland (the Governor appoints one CWDI Board Member); Dorchester County (the County appoints two CWDI Board Members); The City of Cambridge (the City appoints three CWDI Board Members); and CWDI (CWDI appoints one CWDI Board Member). 

No.  Despite the different number of appointed seats, no one partner has more influence than another.

You can use information on our Contact Us page to reach out to Matt Leonard, CWDI Executive Director, any board member, or email us at info@cwdimd.org  

The YMCA was one of the many responders to the Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) issued in July 2022.  They have expressed interest in the parcel labeled E on the most recent site plan. We engaged in discussions with YMCA like we have with all other respondents. No deal or commitments have been made regarding the parcel.  There will be a Request For Proposals for Phase II issued in late 2024.  If the YMCA is still interested in Cambridge Harbor as a location they will need to respond to that RFP to start the formal discussion.

Yes. The 3 acre waterfront park dedicated to open public use is open for individuals, families and small informal activities such as pick up sports, picnics, kite-flying, etc.  If a large group would like to schedule use for family events, music, recreation league activities, please contact us first so we can make sure your event goes smoothly and in accordance with CWDI and local policies.

CWDI is working on the promenade construction first for two reasons: 1) Our commitment to a community-first approach to development.  CWDI takes seriously the community's request that waterfront access and use should be free for the community; 2) public grant funds for this work became available through the federal government and CWDI successfully competed for it.

CWDI receives about $12,000 annually from American Cruise Lines (ACL) for use of the wharf when ACL needs to perform maintenance for 30 to 60 days.  That is too long for the cruise ships to dock elsewhere. ACL paid the capital costs for the increased electrical service to the wharf required for its maintenance efforts.  The funds received from ACL are used for CWDI operations to reduce use of tax dollars 

The black silt and metal security fencing around the development parcels protect against erosion and sedimentation.  CWDI is committed to protecting the Choptank River that makes the Cambridge Harbor location. In our permits with MDE we must achieve at least 95% sustainable grass coverage of these parcels before we can remove the silt fence.  The security fence keeps people and vehicles from hindering this process. CWDI focused its work to obtain this coverage on the waterfront park.  Twice this year, police confronted numerous motorcycles damaging the grass and exposing the site to potential erosion and sedimentation build up at the park. 

Yes, CWDI is creating a pocket park along Byrn Street from Aurora to Franklin that will serve two purposes: 1) protect and preserve the twin English Elm trees, including Maryland's Champion English Elm and 2) honor the memory of DGH with memorial brick walkways and statuary creating a quiet place for healing and reflection.