Representatives from The Arc Central Chesapeake and local architects shared their plans for future development and accessible housing at Port Street for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during a community meeting on Thursday, Dec. 9.

The Arc’s planned Port Street development is part of the organization’s broader investment into providing services for residents on the Eastern Shore, said Jonathon Rondeau, president and CEO of The Arc. The building at Port Street Commons will be a mix of office space and programming space for The Arc.

The Arc Central Chesapeake is a regional organization that provides person-centered supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, learn and connect with their local communities. The organization also advocates for equity and fosters opportunities for self sufficiency.

The Arc provides long-term support services to 75 individuals on the Eastern Shore — a significant increase from the organization’s starting number of 15 individuals in 2017. Support services include helping people live in and be engaged in their local communities and helping them to find work.

The site for The Arc’s new development is around 75,000 square feet, with easements located along Port Street and Easton’s Rail Trail, said Brian Ackerman, a principal from OTJ Architects, a D.C.-based architect firm working on the project. The three-story building will feature office space, services for the public and accessible housing.

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