CCA Public Meeting Minutes 06 07 2022
/CCA Public Meeting
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 VIA ZOOM
The meeting started at 6:30PM. Comments and questions are being monitored on Facebook and being livestreamed.
Welcoming remarks: Amanda Bourgeois welcomed saying the Canton Community Association is a non-profit 501c3 and promotes projects and happenings.
Announcements:
WTMD Concerts – Amanda B:
This concert is back at the Canton Waterfront. The May and June concerts went well.
Dypski Park – Amanda B:
Amanda said the renovations are coming along with the reopening hopefully in the fall.
Community Composting – Amanda B:
This is being handled through the Sustainability Committee with an event Saturday, June 18, from 9-10A at the I Wonder Garden (801 S. Highland Avenue). Volunteers are needed.
Arts Committee – Amanda B:
Amanda said this is in the early stages.
2910 on the Square – Amanda B:
The store closed with a yard sale being held Saturday, June 11.
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Forum – Amanda B:
This is being held on Wednesday, June 29th at Hampstead Hill Academy from 7:30-9PM. Three people have confirmed: Ivan Bates and Thiru Vignarajah (Democrats); Roya Hanna (Independent). Deborah Weiner, WBAL-TV, will be the moderator. It will be livestreamed.
Transportation Committee – Chris Broughton:
If anyone wants to join this committee, please let him know.
Baltimore Greenway Trails Network:
This will connect people along trails throughout the city. Chris said there was a recent meeting.
Wolfe Street Bike Path:
There will be a bike path from Aliceanna Street up to Saint Lo Drive in Clifton Park. This should serve as a traffic-calming measure.
Haven Street Project:
Repaving is being done on Boston and Haven Streets which is a large trucking area.
Boston Street Calming Measures/Speed Cameras:
Jayne Miller asked if there are any updates. There is talk about a speed camera most likely near St. Casimir School (Kenwood Avenue close to Boston Street).
Canton Library – Lisa Bintrim:
Lisa shared her screen showing the various children’s programs as well as the “Summer Break Baltimore” program for all ages. She mentioned that Covid tests kits and masks are still being given out at all locations. She is asking for our ideas on programs the library could introduce.
Councilman Zeke Cohen’s Office – Maggie Master, Chief of Staff:
(Since Councilman Cohen is in budget hearings, Maggie is attending)
O’Donnell and Baylis Streets:
DOT (Department of Transportation) submitted in September a proposal about making these both one-way streets with angle parking. Since the residents were very much opposed, the plan now is to install four-way stop signs. There is, however, a supply chain issue with posts and signs. There will hopefully be “Stop Sign Ahead” signs placed in the area. This area will continue to be monitored.
Boston Street:
Jayne Miller asked about updates saying it is dangerous for people to cross even at lights. Studies have shown that many of the speeders are from the county. Darryl Jurkiewicz asked if speed limit signs could be placed along with stop signs. Chris B. mentioned a raised cross walk possibility at Ellwood Avenue and Boston Street.
Maggie said that an intern created a map of traffic issues along with 311 calls.
Extended Outdoor Dining – Parklets:
Maggie said the expiration date is the end of June. However, there is the need for public comments. This is being extended through the end of the year. There are concerns about parking and loitering. DOT is involved. Questions should be sent to Councilman Cohen.
Water Billing Issues:
There is a tutorial about using the portal especially about dealing with leaks.
Older Adults Needing An Advocate:
Councilman Cohen has heard from older adults that they need an advocate.
Updates:
EDC – (Economic Development Committee) – Doug Kaufman:
Doug mentioned that the latest newsletter includes the different EDC issues.
There are 15 apartment units on south East Avenue (between Hudson and Dillon Streets) which should be done by the end of the year. At Robinson and Hudson Streets will be four townhomes and an apartment building.
Hampstead Hill Academy (HHA – Linwood & Eastern Avenues) is requesting to add a gymnasium and a playground to the roof.
The Gallery Church Patterson Park is being rezoned to C-1. Plans have not been presented yet.
The developers of the St. Casimir Bank project (Foster Avenue) are working with the HOA. There are complicated easement issues.
Lee’s Pint and Shell’s balcony is under construction. Their next “shucking” event is Saturday, July 30. Doug said an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) was circulated to the neighbors. He thinks the last one went well.
Nacho Mama’s and Mama’s On The Half Shell are asking for live entertainment. A modified MOU will be submitted to the EDC and the CCA Board.
Dog Park – Jayne Miller:
She said that regrading is being done along with the water leak being repaired. The water fountains need to be replaced. She praised the dog owners. There may be a party in the near future. Jayne thanked Julie Kichline for helping with marketing and getting volunteers.
Creative Alliance – Heather Keating, Marketing Director:
Heather said the new center (directly across from the Alliance) is moving along quickly and hopes to have an open house in November. Tinku shared her screen showing various performances. Darryl encouraged people to visit.
Church on the Square – Rev. Jim Hamilton:
He is working with the Baltimore National Heritage Association. The Black Butterfly film will be shown on O’Donnell Square on Monday, June 27. Jim was also involved with the three Wise Living presentations at the Hatton Senior Center recently.
Elder Services – Dorothy Allen:
Dorothy is an Elder Abuse Victim Advocate with CHANA with confidential services. The motto is “Embrace Life – Stay Connected”. She praised the work of the Hatton Senior Center.
Canton History Walks – Begona Pacharroman:
Begona would like to start walking and talking tours and is looking for volunteers.
Miscellaneous:
Healthy Harbor (Leanna Wetmore had to leave) has grants available and is looking for volunteers.
The SE Anchor Library is looking to do a food pantry. It would be the first out of a library.
The CCA committees can always use help – info@cantoncommunity.org.
The meeting ended at 8:10PM. Respectfully Submitted, Denise Aversa