BID focuses on growth, investment, modernizing corridor management
Andrew Schuster, YRID’s new interim ED
Expanding the façade improvement program, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating the use of technology are among the top priorities of the newly appointed interim executive director of the York Road Improvement District.
“As we move forward, our focus remains the same: delivering the core services our community depends on every day and working with our businesses, residents, local partners, the City and the State to continue building a cleaner, greener, and safer York Road,” said Andrew Schuster, who took up the position at the beginning of July.
Schuster said the BID recently identified new funding opportunities for corridor revitalization, with resources available through the Baltimore Development Corporation and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
“What this means is that we will be able to expand our support for businesses and property owners through programs focused on façade improvements, tenant interior improvements, and other economic development initiatives,” Schuster said. “These investments help strengthen our commercial corridor, encourage private investment, and create a more welcoming environment. We’re extremely grateful to BDC and DHCD for their continued partnership, financial support, and commitment to our mission.”
York Road businesses and property owners interested in learning more about available funding opportunities are encouraged to contact the BID office.
“My door is always open, so please don’t hesitate to reach out or stop by the office,” Schuster said. “Successful revitalization requires collaboration, and while we primarily serve the commercial corridor, we want to be a resource and partner for the entire community.”
On the technology front, the BID is modernizing its operations by implementing new tools and systems that improve communication, coordination, and day-to-day management of the corridor. These investments support a more data-informed approach, providing a real-time understanding of corridor conditions to help the organization prioritize resources and make better decisions.
“We’re focused on building a more responsive, data-driven organization,” Schuster said. “Having a better understanding of what is happening across the corridor allows us to make more informed decisions, coordinate resources more effectively, and better serve our businesses and community.”
The BID has also strengthened coordination with city agencies, improving communication and helping ensure reported issues are directed to the appropriate departments for follow-up.
“We’ve continued improving how we document, track and communicate needs throughout the corridor,” Schuster said. “This allows our team to spend more time focused on proactive improvements while maintaining strong coordination with our public partners.”
Schuster said these efforts represent an acceleration of work already underway at the BID.
“These are not entirely new programs—they are the next phase of initiatives that were already beginning to take shape,” Schuster said. “Our goal is to build on the strong foundation that exists, strengthen our systems, and create a more coordinated approach to corridor management and revitalization.”
In addition to operational improvements, the BID continues advancing major revitalization initiatives, including the Bellona Triangle Park project, which is currently scheduled for completion in November 2026.
“Our corridor is well positioned for positive transformation and we’re here to help facilitate that process,” Schuster said. “By combining strong partnerships, strategic investment, community engagement, and improved operations, we can continue creating meaningful progress along York Road.”
Schuster holds a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship from West Virginia University. He began his professional career as a Digital Media Specialist at The Baltimore Sun and in 2017 co-founded Further Insights, a digital marketing firm. Until his recent appointment, he served as president of the BID’s Board of Directors.
“Overall, we have an excellent team, strong partnerships, and tremendous momentum,” Schuster said. “We’re building the systems, relationships, and resources needed to support the long-term revitalization of York Road.”
The BID’s founding executive director, Sam Storey, left the organization at the end of June to take a position in New York’s Dutchess County, where he heads the local office of Cornell Cooperative Extension.
“Sam made significant contributions to the growth of the organization, and we’re grateful for his dedication and commitment to York Road,” Schuster said. “We wish him all the best in his next chapter.”