Community Vision

"Vienna is envisioned as a gateway to the Nanticoke River..."

Welcome

Waterfront

Waterfront Park Concept

Interpretive Signage

John Smith Shallop

Discovery Center Concept

Historic Water Street

Vienna Heritage Museum

Entrance Park Construction

Mill Creek Area

Waterfront South of Town

Our Vision

"Vienna is envisioned as a gateway to the Nanticoke River and Watershed and a model Chesapeake Bay community which is conservation-oriented and respects its heritage and natural environment while planning progressively for the future."

Greater Vienna Comprehensive Plan 2003,  Nutter Associates

Our Goals

"Facing potential significant growth and change in the 21st century, Vienna has a tremendous opportunity to link and protect cultural, historic and recreational opportunities, while accommodating appropriate development."

The Daily Banner April 5, 2005, Russell Brinsfield, Mayor.

Vienna Waterfront Park

The park has now been upgraded in a multi-year improvement program funded by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The town acquired the former industrial properties along the water during the past few years. Dilapidated structures were demolished and a new river walk, low profile stone revetment and marsh creation project have been implemented. Construction of 10-12 transient floating docks and a bayscapes landscaping event have also been completed.

Currently, extension of the river walk, floating docks, bulk heading and other substantial landscaping, including prototype signage for the John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, have been implemented in phases with construction largely completed in 2008 with funding help from NOAA, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Dorchester County Tourism Office.

Future plans call for the renovation of the old Coast Guard Station, now owned by the town, into a multi-purpose visitor friendly convenience facility with outside pavilion and flag court. Additional long term development goals for the waterfront are now under active consideration.

Captain John Smith Nanticoke Discovery Center

The proposed Captain John Smith Nanticoke Discovery Center would be a scientific exploration, economic development and river heritage tourism center for Vienna. It would build on this river community's rich history, cultural heritage and environmental legacy.

The town's unparalleled public access waterfront location, along with easy entrance from busy MD RT 50 could bring significant tourism and economic potentials to the entire area, and provide a major gateway into the greater Nanticoke River Watershed.

The establishment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Water Trail by Congress in May of 2007, and the designation of Vienna as a Port of Call for the replica John Smith Shallop on its historic 1608 reenactment voyage up the Nanticoke in June of 2007 helped establish the feasibility and desirability of such a center being located at Vienna.

On August 6th 2008, Governor O'Malley announced the acquisition of the Historic Nanticoke Inn and property in Vienna, which will become a waterfront visitor's center for the John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

Press Release: August 6, 2008, Maryland DNR.

See He's Put Us On The Map by Brice Stump,
and Come Back on the Beaten Path by Lara Lutz.

Town Center District

The creation of a "Town Center" district in the Town of Vienna zoning ordinance, which would emphasize small shops or businesses combined with residences on Market Street as well as new commercial development on sites adjacent to the new Market Street & Old Ocean Gateway intersection.

On April 4, 2005 Market Street was extended into the Ocean Gateway Route 731 corridor to facilitate the redevelopment of the Vienna "Town Center" Business District.

A landscaped town entrance park located near the intersection of MD RT 731 & 331 is currently under construction. The park will enhance the entrance to the town and the surrounding area with a family friendly environment including a reflection pool with brick artifact, native flower and shrub plantings, decorative stone pathways, and convenient benches.

Future Development

The Community Vision Plan suggests the creation of a residential development zone south and west of town that would include open space and a green belt buffer area that would be integrated into the existing town character and fabric.

This plan would help maintain the rural legacy of Vienna by protecting the significant wetlands adjacent to the Nanticoke River, including the Mill Creek Natural Heritage Area, and the neighboring farms and forests currently surrounding the town with a green belt buffer that would effectively delineate future growth areas.

Vienna Greenbelt Approved

Governor Martin O'Malley announced that the Maryland Board of Public Works had approved the purchase of 276 acres south of town for a green belt buffer area for $4.6 million funded through the State’s Program Open Space.

"Mayor Russ Brinsfield and Vienna residents have an extraordinary vision of how they want their town to develop, balancing growth while protecting the towns unique rural and historic character. Vienna's approach to sustainable growth serves as a model for communities throughout Maryland."

Press Release: June 11, 2008, Maryland DNR.