Many City residents note that there has been a deterioration/decline among the New Hampshire corridor especially near the Ethan Allen intersection. Participants also commented about the poor visual appearance of the entrance gateway from the District into Takoma Park, at New Hampshire Avenue and Eastern Avenue. The multiple jurisdictions that share these areas exacerbate coordinated economic development efforts.

The revitalization of the New Hampshire Avenue corridor between East-West Highway and Eastern Avenue was included in the final Takoma 2010 recommendations. Other recommendations included the adoption of a long term economic development strategy and adequate staff for implementation, creation of inter-jurisdictional cooperative economic development programs, the upgrading of gateways, street-scape improvements, sign age, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design techniques in areas of higher crime.

The intersection of Eastern Avenue (on the east side of New Hampshire Avenue) is the entrance to Maryland, Montgomery County, and the City of Takoma Park. This entrance should be marked with architecturally appropriate signs. It should not be marked with a large Welcome to Maryland sign that overwhelms and does not fit in architecturally with the City's "Old Town" design concept.

Signs directing visitors to Takoma Old Town and Takoma Junction should also be installed at this gateway.

The City needs to work with existing businesses to help market their businesses, and the County Business Resource Center to help these small businesses with the needed classes and business plans.

A major part of the New Hampshire corridor encompasses the International Corridor and this area is also a gateway into Takoma Park and Montgomery County. Therefore efforts to promote the International Corridor (Takoma 2010 Recommendation) will also improve the economic health of the New Hampshire corridor.

The University of Maryland Landscape Design Studio recommended the following designs for the entire New Hampshire corridor:

• Widen the sidewalks to at least 8 feet for pedestrian safety;
• Provide period lighting and benches for pedestrian comfort;
• Add street trees to each side of New Hampshire Avenue;
• Create a bio-retention area in the median strips;
• Move telephone wires and poles or place underground; and
• Provide crosswalks for easier circulation throughout the area.

For the New Hampshire Center, the University students recommended:

• Trees should be planted for aesthetics and shade;
• Better lighting;
• Ornamental trees be planted;
• Install unified signs;
• Provide bus shelter and schedule;
• Change island to 10 feet width;
• Add trees and small shrubs to soften entrance;
• Relocate parking to rear;
• Facade renovation similar to Takoma Old Town;
• Seating including moveable tables and chairs.

Since this property is privately owned implementing these improvements with the current owner will probably require some incentives on the part of local and state officials. The City should also try to interest a developer in the property.

The former Metropolitan Health Building sits underutilized midway between East-West Highway and Eastern Avenue. The exterior of the building suffers from neglect and the interior is also in need of repair and also does not currently meet ADA standards. This owner should be persuaded to sell or repair the building. One possibility is the purchase of the building by the City for office space or for a relocation of the Police Department.