Annual Report 2004

Canton Community Association (CCA) is an IRS 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt, not-for-profit, all-volunteer neighborhood organization for those who live, rent, or own property within Canton. CCA, which was launched in May 1999, seeks to establish Canton as the preeminent waterfront community in Baltimore for our residents, merchants, and visitors. CCA is committed to promoting and protecting the beauty, safety, stability, cleanliness, and social and economic viability of the neighborhood by fostering alliances with the local residents, merchants, and government officials. CCA seeks to represent the community interests as a single voice. Our boundaries are Eastern Avenue (north), S. Conkling Street (east), S. Chester Street (west), and Boston Street and the waterfront (south). CCA welcomes the participation and support of adjoining neighborhood organizations.

Currently CCA hosts public meetings on the fourth Tuesday of every month (except July, August and December) at the Canton United Methodist Church, 1000 S. Ellwood Avenue, from 7 - 9 p.m. Board meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month (except August) at the same location, and are open to the public. The public meetings consist of general business, presentations from local business owners, new building proposals from developers, question and answer sessions with state and local representatives, and community development issues, including strengthening police protection, controlling rodent populations, cleaning up the community, greening the neighborhood with street trees, and fostering economic development. Board meetings primarily consist of reports presented by CCA’s various committees, which include Community Arts Development, Crime and Public Safety, Economic Development, Education, Liquor License, Marketing, Membership, Neighborhood Development and Parking and Transportation. CCA also produces a quarterly newsletter and has a website (www.cantoncommunity.org).

Operating revenue comes from annual membership dues, business membership dues, special neighborhood fundraising programs, grants, merchandise, and advertising space in the newsletter. CCA had 556 members in 2004 and expects to exceed 800 members in 2005.

2004 Successes

Screening on Formstone and Screen Painting in Baltimore – January 16. The CCA in partnership with the Creative Alliance at the Patterson theater presented the screening of the short films “Little Castles” and “The Screen Painters” at the Patterson, followed by a panel discussion led by folklorist Elaine Eff, historian Charlie Duff, and Dee Harget.

Canton Cares Campaign – This campaign educates the Canton community, via public awareness materials, on the proper procedure for trash removal, sanitation tips, rodent control, and other health and safety related issues. On April 17, the CCA participated in Baltimore’s annual “Super Spring Sweep Thing 5”.

Canton Art and Antique Market – May through November. The CCA planned and managed a monthly art and antique market, held the third Sunday of each month and was held at the Can Company parking lot and later at the 1st Mariner Bank parking lot. The market drew art dealers and collectors from around Baltimore, and showcased local art such as handmade note cards, painted flower pots, fused glass, photography, jewelry and ceramics.

Canton Home and Garden Tour – September 19. The CCA, in a joint partnership with the Canton Garden Association, put on its third home tour event to showcase our neighborhood. The event raised more than $13,000, which will be used to support both groups in supporting Canton.

Dog Competition – October 30. CCA’s event, “Howl-A-Ween” Fancy Dress Dog Competition at The Can Company, raised more than $1500 to support the Canton Dog Park. The competition is an annual fundraising event for the park. Special recognition is due Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse, Inc. for their generous, continuing support for this event and the Canton Dog Park.

Light Up Canton – December 6. Father Kolbe School Choir provided entertainment while business owners joined in the festivities in O’Donnell Square. CCA organized the event to promote holiday business in Canton.

Porch Lights for the Elderly – Eight porch lights for needy senior citizens were installed to help deter crime. They were financed by CCA in order to promote neighborhood security.

Canton Dog Park – CCA continued to operate and improve the Canton Dog Park, which included monthly clean-up days, fundraisers and educational activities. The committee also worked with the community to accomplish major improvements and repairs. Canton's canines (and their human companions) appreciate the safety of running off leash in the two fenced areas: one for large dogs and one for small and/or older dogs. As Baltimore City's only official Dog Park, many people and their dogs travel from outside Canton (and the city) to enjoy the Canton Dog Park.

Two Rivers Park – The CCA, in conjunction with the Canton Garden Association (CGA), has undertaken Canton’s newest community revitalization initiative, located in the lot at 902 S. Potomac Street. On Baltimore City's inventory as a park, this lot fell into decay and was slated to be sold in 2004 to developers for new housing construction. When the CCA received news of this, a proposal was made to the City for the lot to be renovated into an attractive green space for the enjoyment of all Canton residents. The City accepted the proposal and the CCA, in turn, has accepted the responsibility for overseeing this long-term community project.

The Volpe Institute Traffic Study for Southeast Baltimore and The Red Line – CCA’s Parking and Transportation Committee worked with the parking authority and Maryland Department of Transportation to study ways to help ease congestion and help traffic flow through a variety of solutions including light rail.

Believe in Tomorrow – The CCA was a $1,000 sponsor of the Golf Outing Fundraiser which supported The Children's House at St. Casimir.

Southeastern District Police Community Relations Council (SEDP-CRC) – The CCA donated $50 to provide pies to our officers for the holidays.

Patterson Park Neighborhood Association (PPNA) Charter School – The CCA donated $500 to help create a Charter School in our neighborhood.

CCA Committees

Business Membership – Recruits annual memberships for businesses and nonprofit groups.

Community Arts Development - Supports arts in the community.

Crime and Public Safety Committee – Communicating citizen concerns to Police, Fire, State’s Attorney’s Office, and other Baltimore City officials.

Economic Development – Evaluates/facilitates new projects and brings projects to public meetings for community input and votes.

Education Committee – Provides a forum for educators, administrators, and residents to discuss public education issues in Canton.

Individual Membership – Recruits new members. Plans and coordinates annual “Meet ’N’ Eat” outdoor neighborhood party.

Liquor License – addresses issues related to businesses licensed to sell alcohol in Canton.

Marketing and Development – Obtains operating funds for projects by several means including grants, events (House and Garden Tour, Raffles, Silent Auctions), membership dues and donations. Publishes a quarterly newsletter. Oversees the website. Promotes the neighborhood.

Neighborhood Development Committee – Recruits Block Representatives to disseminate CCA information to residents. Responds to quality of life issues. Initiates beautification projects such as tree plantings. Created the Canton Cares Campaign.

Parking and Transportation – addresses public transportation needs and solutions for the community and its visitors.

Continuing Community Involvement Included

Provides volunteers to help with street tree planting efforts in Canton, Butchers Hill, and Upper Fells Point neighborhoods.

Organizes annual meetings that provide the community a chance to meet with their elected representatives on Baltimore City Council and Maryland General Assembly.

Publishes a quarterly newsletter providing the community with news about development projects, new businesses, and neighborhood events.

Represents the community through participation with the South East Community Organization (SECO), South East Community Development Corporation (SECDC), Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association, Waterfront Coalition, Presidents Council, and Downtown Partnership.

Supports and encourages responsible dog care through the Canton Dog Park and the annual “Fancy Dress Dog Competition” at The Can Company.

Enhances the community’s relationship with its public schools by coordinating student-resident outreach activities.

Supports the Friends of O’Donnell Square, Friends of Patterson Park and the Friends of the Canton Library.

Works with the Canton Garden Association.

Maintains the CCA website, www.cantoncommunity.org, which informs residents and new visitors to Canton about local happenings and businesses, and promotes waterfront living in Canton.

Canton Community Association Voice mail: (410) 342-0900

P.O. Box 5125 www.cantoncommunity.org

Baltimore, MD 21224 info@cantoncommunity.org