Nanticoke River
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Community Vision

Welcome Sign
Welcome

Waterfront
Waterfront

Emperor's Landing Concept
Emperor's Landing Concept

Interpretive Signage
Interpretive Signage

The River Pavilion
The River Pavilion

Discovery Center Revovation
Discovery Center Renovation

Historic Water Street
Historic Water Street

Entrance Park
Entrance Park

Vienna Heritage Museum
Vienna Heritage Museum

Old School Park
Old School Park

Waterfront South
Waterfront South

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

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."

Russell Brinsfield, Mayor.

Emperor's Landing and
Chesapeake Bay Gateway Network

In 2009 Vienna became a Chesapeake Bay Gateway Network site. The name of the Vienna Waterfront Park was changed to Emperor's Landing and 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.

The renovation of the town owned Coast Guard Station was completed in 2010. It now serves as a multi-purpose, visitor friendly, ADA compliant convenience facility with flag court. Construction of a nearby public picnic pavilion was completed in 2011. Other long term development goals for the waterfront park include an expanded boardwalk with adjacent nature trails and additional walk ways and landscaping throughout the park.

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National
Water Trail and Nanticoke River Discovery Center

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 a discovery center being located at Vienna.

The Captain John Smith Nanticoke River Discovery Center will be a scientific exploration, economic development and river heritage tourism center for Vienna, with a focus on Captain John Smith's initial encounter with the native Nanticoke population. It will build on this river community's rich history, cultural heritage and environmental legacy.

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 on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Renovation of the historic inn began in 2011, with a spring, 2014 completion date anticipated. Museum displays, an adjacent river kayak launch and other amenities will follow.

Letter of Support: November 1, 2010, Office of the Governor.

Town Center District

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, 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..

A landscaped town entrance park located near the intersection of MD RT 731 & 331 opened in 2009. This 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.

On June 11, 2008, 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.

Currently, this tract of land has been annexed into the town and is being improved with best farming practices, enhanced buffers, and native plantings under the review and guidance of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

"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." Former Governor Martin O'Malley.

All Rights Reserved - January 2021

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