One year ago, Port Street Commons opened its doors in Easton, Maryland, and showed our community just how beautiful, safe, and affordable housing can be when it is about fostering community. What began as a vision to create a unique, mixed-use space has grown into a real community where families find stability, neighbors connect, and everyone belongs.

Port Street Commons is just the beginning of how Fello Communities is rethinking what home can look like.

In the next episode of our Fello Thinking Differently podcast, Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development, shares how Fello approaches housing development differently—leading with people first.

A Year of New Beginnings

When Chelsea and her husband Jeff learned they’d won a spot in the Port Street Commons lottery, the news came with tears of joy. They were among more than 200 applicants who applied within 24 hours of the lottery opening—all seeking the same thing: a safe, stable home for their families.

“Life before moving to Port Street Commons with our two children was extremely uncertain,” Chelsea shared. “Rent prices always seem to increase and you never know when your landlord will implement life-altering changes.” Their previous landlord had been trying to sell the home they rented, leaving their future in limbo.

Chelsea and Jeff were the first family Fello called to announce the lottery results.

“You could hear the tears of joy on the phone,” recalled Keenan Troxler, Assistant Director of Property Operations at Fello Communities. “Move-in day was the first time they really saw the space they would be living in. Seeing their faces and joy as they crossed the threshold was truly rewarding.”

Today, Chelsea describes their life at Port Street Commons as “security in every sense of the word.”

More Than Just a Landlord

What makes Port Street Commons truly special is how Fello supports residents, proving they are more than just a landlord.

“I was blown away when Fello reached out and wanted to provide both our children’s school supplies,” Chelsea said. “Not too many people can say that about their landlord.”

Over the past year, Port Street Commons has shown it isn’t just a new development—it’s an ongoing commitment to the people who live there.

“When it comes to housing, more often than not developers are thinking about bricks and mortar and spreadsheets,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development. “At Fello we lead with the tenant. What is the problem we’re trying to solve? How can we utilize the things we’re good at to help tenants in need?”

That philosophy comes to life in how Fello’s team supports residents year-round. Keenan Troxler and his team see themselves as more than just landlords—they’re partners in helping residents build stability, independence, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s connecting people with resources, checking in during tough times, or celebrating milestones together, their approach is rooted in community.

“We don’t believe you can have safety and the ability to work on other needs in your life if you don’t know you have a safe, well-cared-for place to go home to,” Ross explained. “That is something we really pride ourselves on—making sure we are doing our part to make sure our tenants have what they need to be successful. This means being responsive and proactive to meet and anticipate people’s needs.”

A Catalyst for Community Growth

Port Street Commons was the first completed project on Port Street, supporting Easton’s broader goal of revitalizing the Port Street Corridor. It demonstrates what’s possible when mission-driven development meets community needs, creating infrastructure that serves everyone while addressing critical housing shortages.

The partnerships formed this year—with local service providers, nonprofits, and community organizations—have strengthened the resources and connections available to residents and neighbors alike.

Affordable Housing Without Compromise

Port Street Commons shows that affordability can go hand-in-hand with high-quality design, comfort, and community-centered living. Thoughtful layouts, modern finishes, and shared spaces that foster connection prove that housing can be both affordable and dignified.

The Residences at Port Street Commons include nine affordable housing units for people earning up to 65% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Two units are fully accessible, and one is dedicated to building housing security for people transitioning out of homelessness through a partnership with the Talbot Interfaith Shelter.

But affordability doesn’t mean cutting corners. Every unit features energy-efficient appliances, in-unit laundry, free WiFi and water, 24/7 emergency maintenance, and access to EV chargers. Families with children benefit from the on-site playground, and the building also includes a Community Hub that local nonprofits can rent for programs and gatherings.

These aren’t just amenities—they’re the building blocks of stability and dignity that every family deserves.

Looking Ahead

As Port Street Commons enters its second year, Fello remains committed to deepening community engagement and expanding resident programming. More events are planned for the holidays and throughout the year, creating opportunities for neighbors to connect and celebrate together.

For families like Chelsea and Jeff’s, Port Street Commons has become more than an address. It’s a launching point for stronger lives, a place where children can grow up with stability, and a community where everyone belongs. That’s the vision Fello set out to create one year ago—and it’s just the beginning.