Four neighborhoods are designated arts, entertainment areas

Neighborhoods in four jurisdictions were designated yesterday as Maryland's first "Arts and Entertainment Districts."

The four areas named by the state's secretary of Business and Economic Development are the Station North Arts and Entertainment District in Baltimore, the Gateway Arts and Entertainment District in Prince George's County, the Silver Spring Arts District in Montgomery County, and the Hagerstown Arts and Entertainment District in Washington County.

The program - created last year by the General Assembly and the governor to promote neighborhood revitalization - allows artists to receive income tax breaks, and developers who create spaces for artists to live and work can receive property tax breaks. The districts also are exempt from admissions and amusement taxes.