Community Vision

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

Welcome Sign

Waterfront

Floating Docks

River Walk Extension

John Smith Shallop

Historic Water Street

Public Park

Surrounding Farmlands

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, docks, bulk heading and other substantial landscaping and building improvements are being implemented in phases with construction continuing into 2008 with funding help from NOAA, DNR, and Dorchester County.

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 access from busy MD RT 50 could bring significant tourism and economic potentials to the entire area.

The establishment of the Captain John Smith 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.

See He's Put Us On The Map by Brice Stump.

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 in the final stages of planning. 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 west and south of town that would include open space and be integrated into the existing town character and fabric.

It would maintain the rural legacy of Vienna by protecting the significant vistas, farms and forests currently surrounding the town. This development would also contain a variety of housing types making it compatible with current neighborhoods.