CCA Public Meeting Minutes 5.16.2023

The meeting started at 6:35PM.

Welcoming remarks:
Amanda Bourgeois, CCA President, welcomed everyone saying we are having a hybrid format.

She thanked NiHao for the food tonight. They are located at 2322 Boston Street. Also thanks go to the United Evangelical Church

Amanda said on a somber note the wife of Dr. Ray Bahr passed away. Dr. Bahr is the local historian. There was a moment of silence.

Presenters:

Southeast District Baltimore Police – Major Keira Saunders:

The Major noted the funeral of Fabian Gonzales who was killed over a week ago at the Boston Street T-Mobile was held last Saturday. Two suspects have been caught.

She said there have been ten robberies since March 1 with T-Mobile counting as two (robbery and homicide).

There have been 20 stolen autos mostly KIAs and Hyundais. Four had the keys in them. She urges residents to please not leave anything of value visible. She did say that by law if a car is left running without the driver inside, a citation or ticket can be issued. She reported that one person did ten robberies within six days.

She is keeping an eye on the Canton Waterfront.

Team 46 Wrap Up - Delegate Luke Clippinger:
He noted the Sexual Abuse legislation passed. Luke also mentioned laws governing firearms – where a concealed firearm cannot be carried. Also proper firearms storage was made stronger.

Luke also talked about solar energy. He said electricity from solar energy can be purchased even if you can’t have the solar panels.

Luke.Clippinger@state.md.us or info@luke46.org

The Exchange Club of Highlandtown-Canton – Jeff Amoros:
Jeff said this club is based on service to the community much like a rotary club. There are lunches (at Claddagh’s) and happy hour events (Claddagh’s or other places) usually about 10 times a year. The annual scholarship award presentation takes place on Wednesday, May 24 at 5:30PM out on O’Donnell Square.

Delegate Mark Edelson will present the award.

Councilman Zeke Cohen’s Office – Ethan Hasiuk, Legislative & Community Affairs Director:
He reported that the Inclusionary Housing bill didn’t make it out of committee (the CCA sent a letter of support).

The Patterson Park pool will be opened for the summer with renovations in the fall. There is a meeting now in

Little Italy with the BGE situation (new gas infrastructure) on the agenda.

Folks can reach out to his office with questions or concerns: ethan.hasiuk@baltimorecity.gov

Department of Transportation (DOT) – Boston Street Traffic Calming – Liam Davis:

Also Tiffany G. Walker, Deputy Chief of Stakeholder Engagement Administration and William Haynes, Chief of Traffic

Curbside Outdoor Dining: Liam talked about how the curbside outdoor dining started during the pandemic.

Since the need is for stronger rules, a policy was finalized with a fee schedule (with fees going to the general funds). Saying it needs to be equity based, this is a “living document”. Businesses should apply by July 1 even if they already have a structure in place. A design team will establish design standards.

Boston Street Traffic Calming: Liam talked about the first phase being resurfacing Boston Street from Clinton Street to Kenwood Avenue with the second being from Kenwood to Montford.

There is a lot of concern about pedestrian safety. Some expressed frustration about this along with drivers running stop signs and red lights. There is currently a red-light camera at Aliceanna and Boston Stree heading east. Hopefully another camera will be placed on Boston Street in the future.

Plans are underway for “space refuge” spots at Boston and Ellwood Avenue, Boston and Potomac and the big one – Boston near Montford Avenue and Hudson Street.

William Haynes also spoke saying other measures can be looked at by DOT. There is the possibility of removing traffic restrictions along Boston Street. Streetscapes are being explored like at Orleans and Washington Streets.

Liam said that money should start to come in with DOT having big increases. This is in conjunction with the federal infrastructure money.

Announcements:

Merchandise Sales Update – Amanda:
This is being sold at ACE Hardware on Binney and O’Donnell Streets. Or if interested people can email the CCA.

Church on the Square – Rev. Jim Hamilton:
Jim has been here about eight years. He said they have their space to share. Music events are held.

He said that people are sticking around in Canton more now. He mentioned Hampstead Hill Academy (HHA) as a very good school. Parents have asked about a service youth group for teens. This could be for life skills and chores. He is primarily targeting 6th-8th graders now. There is a meeting June 2 from 6-8PM.

2023 Dumpster Days – Maura Taylor:

The dates are: 6/3, 9/23 and 11/4. The location is Lakewood Avenue in back of the Safeway. Maura said that a lot of metal is taken which leaves more room for neighbors to unload their things.

CCA Pawty for the Park – Canton Dog Park Fundraiser – Julie Kichline:
This is being held on Saturday, June 24 from 11A-2P. The park was founded in 2002 and is the first off-leash park in the City. It is in need of some major renovations. They are looking for sponsors and volunteers to help raise $30,000.

CCA New Business Member – Jesse Blumberg, CPA – Owner:
Jesse has been in Baltimore City for about ten years. His company is Blumberg Built. He does rehabs and educates people on how rowhomes work. He lives here and is a neighbor.

Waterfront Development – Drift Bar – Doug Kaufman – Chairman Economic Development Committee (EDC):
The waterfront near Bo Brooks is being developed. The new investor bought Lighthouse Point from the developer Scott Plank. A new design is being planned which will be a high-end Mediterranean type restaurant.

A new brand of liquor license is being created. A new floating pier restaurant, Drift, will be done outside the former Bo Brooks and Tiki Bar. Existing equipment at Bo Brooks will be used.

No new specific plans for the parking lot have been sent yet to the CCA. There are other details in the works. There will be 150 new slips (fewer than currently there although some are bigger).

Canton Canopy – Matt Rescott:
Matt spoke about Canton Canopy planting trees in the Canton area. The 500th tree was just planted. Spring planting was wrapped up recently. The volunteers do as much as they can to maintain the trees with neighbors helping.

Matt is with the City Forestry Department. He said the City might not give notice when they are planting trees unlike Canton Canopy. It could be hard to stop a tree being planted by the City. Residents can call 311 about this. If a tree stub is inside a box, it’s harder to remove the tree. Treebaltimore.org is a site for getting a tree.

Canton Waterfront Park Cleanup – Amanda/Kirk:
Kirk is organizing a cleanup at the park Saturday, May 20 at 10AM and looking for volunteers.

Jane Jacobs Walk – Begona Pecharroman:
Begona has organized a walk at Patterson Park Saturday, May 20 at 10:30AM. The meeting place will be the fountain near the Friends of the Patterson Park house. Jane Jacobs is an activist for cities.

Closing Remarks – Amanda B:
You can reach us at info@cantoncommunity.org.

The meeting officially adjourned at 8:35PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Aversa