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Public Housing Revamp Is Goal For Annapolis City Council Candidate

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 16:26 GMT by Patch
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Annapolis Ward 6 Race Heats Up as Craig Cussimanio Pushes for Public‑Housing Overhaul in Eastport

The Annapolis City Council election is in full swing, and for Ward 6 the local spotlight has settled on former business consultant Craig Cussimanio, who is calling for a sweeping upgrade of the city’s public‑housing stock in the waterfront neighborhood of Eastport. In an interview with Patch, Cussimanio outlined a vision that centers on safety, affordability, and community pride—an agenda that taps into a growing urgency among residents who have lived with aging infrastructure, security gaps and limited public services for years.

A Community‑Rooted Campaign

Cussimanio, 48, has deep ties to Annapolis. He grew up in Eastport, graduated from the University of Maryland, and spent a decade running a small‑business consulting firm that worked with local nonprofits and public‑sector clients. “I’ve seen how the city’s public‑housing units can be a great resource but also a source of frustration when they’re neglected,” he says. “I want to make sure residents aren’t just talking about better housing, but actually seeing the improvements.”

In addition to his professional credentials, Cussimanio’s candidacy carries a personal resonance. His mother, a long‑time Eastport resident, worked as a nurse and was among the first to occupy a unit in the city’s 201‑household Eastport Public Housing Development (the official website for the Annapolis Public Housing Authority lists Eastport as one of the city’s largest and most historic public‑housing projects). This personal connection has given him an intimate understanding of the issues facing Eastport’s approximately 600 residents, many of whom rely on city‑owned housing for affordable living.

The Public‑Housing Upgrade Blueprint

Cussimanio’s platform is built around what he calls the “Eastport Revitalization Initiative.” He has identified four key pillars that he believes can transform the neighborhood:

1. Infrastructure Modernization
   The Eastport complex—most units dating back to the 1970s—has long been plagued by mold, leaky roofs and inadequate heating. Cussimanio proposes a $12 million capital improvement plan that will replace HVAC systems, insulate walls, upgrade plumbing and re‑paint common areas. He cites a recent Annapolis city council meeting where the $5 million allocation for public‑housing upgrades was approved for the 2024–25 fiscal year—an amount he says is insufficient.

2. Safety and Security Enhancements
   Residents have reported increased petty theft and vandalism, especially in poorly lit stairwells. The candidate wants to install motion‑sensor lighting throughout the complex, deploy security cameras at key access points and partner with the Annapolis Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch program. “The city has the funds and the infrastructure; we just need the political will to allocate it to public‑housing residents,” Cussimanio told Patch.

3. Community‑Building Spaces
   Eastport’s residents often mention the lack of recreational or gathering spaces. Cussimanio proposes repurposing the under‑used storage area behind the west‑side wing into a community center that will offer free fitness classes, after‑school tutoring and a small library. “A hub where people can connect, learn, and be proud of their neighborhood will foster a sense of ownership that can’t be purchased,” he said.

4. Sustainable Practices
   He also highlighted the importance of integrating green infrastructure—rain gardens, solar panels on the roof of the administration building and a community composting program. The idea is to reduce the city’s utility costs and create a sense of environmental stewardship among residents.

Cussimanio’s blueprint was bolstered by a partnership with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, which offers grants for public‑housing upgrades. He argues that a joint effort could bring an additional $8 million to the project, but notes that “grants come with strict timelines and reporting requirements.” The candidate has already begun conversations with the Department’s Eastport liaison to explore how the city can navigate those complexities.

The Electoral Landscape

The Ward 6 seat is currently held by an incumbent who has served three terms. According to the Annapolis election board, the Ward 6 electorate is a mix of long‑time residents, young professionals attracted by the city’s waterfront and a growing number of renters in the area’s new apartment complexes. Cussimanio’s focus on public housing resonates with a demographic that feels underserved by the city’s general budget allocations.

In an interview with the city’s official “Annapolis Ward 6 Community Council” website, Cussimanio contrasted his platform with that of his main opponent, a former city council member who emphasized business development and traffic congestion. While the opponent promised to address the growing number of cars on Eastport’s streets, Cussimanio argued that “improving the very fabric of housing is the foundation upon which any traffic or commercial plan must be built.”

Voter turnout in Annapolis local elections historically hovers around 20 %. Yet, with the stakes higher for a neighborhood that is on the brink of significant change, both the candidate and the city’s campaign organizers are staging door‑to‑door canvassing, hosting small focus groups and leveraging social‑media outreach. “If we want these improvements to happen, we need people to show up at the polls,” Cussimanio told a recent community meeting.

Looking Ahead

The city’s 2024–25 budget still needs final approval, and the council will consider the allocation of $5 million for public‑housing repairs later this month. Cussimanio’s plan, if passed, would need an additional $12 million that he is hoping to secure from both public funds and private donations. “We’re talking about a $17 million effort that will bring lasting benefits to over 600 residents, and the return on investment is measured in healthier families, lower crime, and a stronger community fabric,” he asserts.

The Eastport community’s reaction has been generally optimistic. A local resident and tenant of Unit 203, Maria Gutierrez, told Patch, “The idea of having better lighting and a community center feels like the city is finally listening. I’m willing to support a candidate who has a concrete plan.”

As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Ward 6’s candidates. Whether Craig Cussimanio can secure the necessary votes to translate his public‑housing vision into reality remains to be seen. But the conversation is already underway, and for Eastport residents, the prospect of tangible improvement feels less like a distant aspiration and more like a coming reality.