CCA Public Meeting Minutes: 11.18.2025
/CCA Public Meeting
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (Questions Can Be Submitted on Facebook) APPROVED
Location: United Evangelical Church
The meeting started at 6:35PM.
Welcoming remarks: Amanda Bourgeois, CCA President:
Amanda welcomed everyone thanking the Church for the space. She also thanked Tutti Gusti for the pizzas.
Announcements:
CCA Announcements – Amanda:
Bmore Community Fridge Network:
This is a volunteer-run group involved in getting access to food for neighbors in need. There are refrigerators (of all sizes) throughout the area. People can bring leftovers. They are in need of containers.
December 13 – Day of Giving – O’Donnell Square:
The Exchange Club of SE Baltimore and the CCA are involved. The Exchange Club collects toys while the CCA collects canned goods. Santa will make an appearance. This is from 10A-2P.
Canton Canopy – Chad Epler and Myron Burkholder:
They are the unofficial leaders of Canton Canopy which is a volunteer group. They coordinate with the Baltimore City Forestry Division to take down trees when necessary. The group has planted about 600 trees
In the last seven or eight years. If a resident does not want a tree in front of their house, it will not be planted. Canton Canopy received a donation from the CCA. Matt Rescott is now Chief of Forestry. A suggestion was to put some leaves in tree pits. Residents should put in a 311 request to check on trees. The City knows what trees are best for the area.
There is a Canton Canopy page on the CCA website (www.cantoncommunity.org). Email: cantoncanopy@cantoncommunity.org
Live Baltimore – Suzi Senna:
Their website (livebaltimore.com) lists all the Baltimore neighborhoods along with various resources, choices for schools, maps and events. Live Baltimore is a 501C3 nonprofit. They recruit people to live here and stay. Suzi said that Canton is the neighborhood that is most trafficked on their site.
Canton Library – Morgan Stanton
Morgan said the Canton branch is the oldest in the City having much to offer and has served Canton for generations. There is access to having a certain number of copies made and streaming services.
The gardens are maintained by the Friends of the Canton Library. There are children’s programs which offer a great opportunity to meet people. The “Sage of H.L. Mencken” will be presented on February 21 at the library.
Morgan said if people have suggestions for programs to please let him know. The library cannot take donations of books as they have too many. There is a “Free Library” kiosk outside. The staff can find books for people outside the City as well as the State.
He also said there is some movement by the Department of Public Works (DPW) to repair the roof that was struck by lightning.
Presentations
SE District Police – Ricardo Cabreja and April Jones:
They are with Neighborhood Services. They mentioned addressing the loitering situation in O’Donnell Square as well as Canton Cove. There is a larceny initiative in Canton Crossing. They stressed the importance of getting toys to families in the southeast. They are also involved in a turkey drive from 10A-12N on Monday, November 24.
In response to a question, there is increased presence on the Square. On the fourth Wednesday of each month the Commander’s meeting is held at the SE District on Eastern Avenue. It was also mentioned that more Park Rangers are being trained for Patterson Park.
Consumer Freedom Coalition – Liam Davis – Legislative Proposal
Liam talked about the 80% of Marylanders who believe it’s time to sell beer and wine in grocery stores.
He said that the grocery industry is behind the Maryland Retailers Alliance. Some grocers see this as a
life raft. They would have to deal with the license issue since grocers are not automatically given a license.
He feels this process would increase the value of licenses. He passed out postcards to send to our legislators.
Department of Public Works (DPW) – Paul Sayan (Project Manager) & Haydee Batista:
Paul spoke about the federal government wanting to get an inventory of pipes. Lead pipes were banned in 1972. DPW has been replacing lead pipes. Information was sent to residents to take a survey so there could be an accurate inventory of pipes. It is the Baltimore Service Line Partnership with both Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Paul is asking people to go online and find out if their address is one that needs the survey done: www.servicelinepartnership.baltimorecity.gov.
Haydee made available information on trash and recycling guidelines.
BGE – Second Sight Systems – Nichole Herald-Lee & Team, Sr. Manager Strategic Initiatives and Innovation:
Nichole spoke about BGE replacing communication devices on residential and business gas meters.
It is part of BGE’s 500 G Module Gas Meter Upgrade Program. If someone has a meter inside, they need to contact Second Sight Systems at 410-936-3563 or 866-779-7404 to set up an appointment. The team demonstrated the procedure which takes about 10-15 minutes.
Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT) – Clea Baumhofer – Engineering Supervisor:
She apologized for the situation the day of the Baltimore Marathon, Saturday, October 18. There was a miscommunication and “No Parking” signs were not posted along Linwood Avenue south of Eastern Avenue. Clea said these blocks have been flagged for 2026; additional time is in their schedule to do what is needed.
She asked if there are any concerns to please advise her. There are concerns about bikes and scooters using sidewalks. Also she mentioned that left-turn signals (requested or needed) are in a backlog.
SAO (State’s Attorney’s Office) Liaison Update – Natasha Zepeda – SE District Community Liaison:
Natasha said the shooter in the jewelry store robbery on Fleet Street was found innocent. She can be reached at: nzepeda@stattorney.org.
Miscellaneous:
The CCA Bloom Box Holiday Fundraiser started (deadline November 20). They deliver fresh plants and holiday decorations with 15% of sales going to the CCA. The code is CANTONCA15. Their website is:
www.getblooming.com.
Please consider a $10 yearly membership to receive emails.
Amanda thanked everyone who participated in and attended the meeting. We can be reached at info@cantoncommunity.org. The meeting officially adjourned at 8:05PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Aversa