Council Gives Green Light to Affordable Housing

The City Council's Land Use and Transportation Committee today took a significant step toward extending my landmark Inclusionary Housing Bill by voting to remove a sunset clause from the original legislation, which was passed in 2007.

The Union Mill complex in Hampden is being renovated into modern residences, which will include 10 units of affordable housing under Council President Young's inclusionary housing bill.

The bill seeks to increase the city’s stock of safe and clean affordable housing by mandating that development projects that receive a major public subsidy and consist of 30 or more residential units set aside 20 percent of their housing stock as market-rate affordable housing.

The original bill, which I introduced in 2006, included a provision that would sunset the law after only five years. I worked with my colleagues on the council to remove the sunset because I firmly believe that the Great Recession stunted development in Baltimore, minimizing the chances for my bill to have a positive impact on residents by ensuring that people from all economic backgrounds have access to decent and affordable housing. With no expiration date, the bill can continue to help citizens.

The Union Mill development in Hampden was the first project subject to my Inclusionary Housing bill that has been built since the law was passed. The Union Mill project has provided 10 units of affordable housing so far. Two other developments that were built since 2007, but not subject to the law, voluntarily included affordable housing.

I look forward to the full council voting on my Inclusionary Housing Bill on Monday, June 13.

Bernard C. “Jack” Young
President, Baltimore City Council

School Funding Bill Nears Final Passage

Council President Bernard C. "Jack" made the following statement after the city council passed his Education Charter Amendment  on Monday, June 6, moving the legislation one step from final passage:

"I would like to thank my City Council colleagues for standing with me and Councilman James Kraft (1st District) by voting in favor of our proposed legislation to improve public education in Baltimore City.

Our bill, a charter amendment to create a non-lapsing fund supporting quality schools, will not solely solve the financial problems facing the Baltimore City Public School System, but it is a huge step in the right direction and will provide us with additional tools to help our children develop intellectually and succeed academically.

Baltimore City, according to a study of alternative financing by the school system, would need about $2.8 billion to adequately improve school facilities. Our legislation (City Council bill 10-0631, Charter Amendment – Non-lapsing Funds for Quality Schools – Reinvesting in our Youth) would help to fix this daunting problem.

My hope is that passage of this legislation will also help the parents of our students. How many times have parents had to take off from work when their child’s school closed early on a particularly hot day due to a lack of air conditioning? These unnecessary closures disrupt our children’s academic studies and threaten parents’ ability to provide for their families.

Every year during budget season, we are forced to re-evaluate the city’s funding priorities. My charter amendment will help the council fight to ensure that our children are Baltimore’s top priority.”

Council President Young’s proposed Education Charter Amendment will appear on third reader on Monday, June 13. If approved, the bill would go to the mayor for signature and appear on the ballot during the November 8 general election.

Swimming at City Reservoirs is Prohibited

Warm weather means increased outdoor activities, including swimming. Department of Public Works Director Alfred H. Foxx last week issued a reminder to watershed visitors: Do not swim in the City’s reservoirs.

Baltimoreans are reminded not to swim in Loch Raven Reservoir or any other city reservoirs.

Baltimore City has three raw-water reservoirs: Prettyboy, Loch Raven and Liberty. These areas offer beautiful scenery with opportunities for biking, hiking, bird watching, boating and fishing. Reservoirs, however, are not safe for swimming and doing so can lead to tragedy. Temperatures in the deep waters drop quickly and diving into them may lead to hypothermia. In addition, there are very rapid drop-offs, currents, hidden rocks and branches. “No Swimming” warning signs are posted at each of the three reservoirs and at Druid Lake, Lake Montebello and Lake Ashburton.

These man-made lakes are our drinking water. DPW asks that everyone heed this warning: those caught swimming can be charged with trespassing and, if convicted, will have a criminal record. Violators can also be fined up to $1,000 and jailed.  All three reservoirs are patrolled by watershed rangers – full-time police officers with full authority to arrest violators.

Last year three young men were tragically lost in three separate drowning incidents, 2,254 warnings were given, 279 citations were issued and two people were arrested for swimming and related activities. DPW’s goal is zero-tolerance when it comes to swimming in any of the reservoirs. 

When enjoying the reservoirs, parents should supervise children at all times and ensure that even your young adults are aware of the dangers and legal consequences. Please heed the signs and make your summer a safe one

To reach reservoir police officers, call 410-545-3651 or dial 911 in case of emergency.

Courtesy of Baltimore Department of Public Works

Here is a snapshot of the many meetings, events, discussions and visits Council President Young engages in on a daily basis as he works to strengthen Baltimore's communities.

Council President Young spend time with neighborhood children at the New Southwest Mount Clare Community Festival on Saturday, June 4.	Council President Young speaks to a group of seniors about improving citizens' relationships with police officers at Police Headquarters on Friday, June 3.
Council President Young helps cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Catholic Charities of Baltimore newest senior housing project at Our Lady of Fatima on Thursday, June 2.
	Council President Young meets Phyllis Holly-Ward, vice president of the Trenton, NJ, city council, to discuss issues that affect their cities.

I Know You're Looking, But What Do You See?
Friday, May 6 to Friday, June 17
School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light Street
This exhibition features six artists whose drawings, paintings and photographs force the viewer to unfold the narrative within each work. Curated by Lowery Stokes Sims of the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City, the exhibition features artwork with layers of meaning and possibility.
For more information, call 443-263-4350 or visit www.school33.org.

Druid Hill Farmers Market
Every Wednesday, June 1 through September 28
Druid Hill Park near the Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Garden
For more information, call 410-396-7012 or visit www.druidhillpark.org.

Yoga in the Sculpture Garden
Classes begin Tuesday, June 7
The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive
Enjoy Yoga in a truly one-of-a-kind setting amidst masterworks in the Baltimore Museum of Art's meditative Sculpture Garden. If June doesn't fit into your schedule, the BMA is offering an additional summer class starting Tuesday, July 5. Hurry–classes fill up fast!
For more information or to register, call 443-573-1832, email programs@artbma.org or visit artbma.org.

Movies & Music in Wyman Park Dell
Thursdays, June 9 through July 5 at 7 PM
Wyman Park Dell, 3000 N. Charles Street
The Friends of Wyman Park Dell present this series of movies and music for the third year. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and a picnic to these free movies and performances by local musicians. Live music starts at 7 p.m. and movies are screened at dusk.
For more information and a complete schedule, visit wymanparkdell.org.

Showcase of Nations St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival
Thursday, June 9 through Sunday, June 12 from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 520 South Ponca Street
The Baltimore Showcase of Nations Ethnic Festival Series features the St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival, which offers entertainment, food, crafts, cultural information and more.
For more information, visit promotionandarts.com.

Reviving the Avenue Arts Legacy
Thursday, June 9 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Jubilee Arts Center, 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue
This art sale and fundraiser will feature work by Baltimore artists including former NFL player Matthew Rice, community member Rene Lewis and healing art painter Afsaneh Faridi. There will be live jazz, food, art-making and performances by Jubilee Arts participants.
For more information, call 410-728-1199 or visit jubileeartsbaltimore.org.

HonFest
Saturday, June 11 from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sunday, June 12 from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The Avenue, 36th Street Between Falls Road and Keswick Road
Since 1994, HonFest has grown from a tiny Baltimore's Best Hon pageant to a nationally recognized festival, covering four city blocks on Hampden's 36th Street.
For more information, visit www.honfest.net.

2nd Annual Community Empowerment Day
Saturday, June 11 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
New Psalmist Baptist Church, 6020 Marian Drive
This event, sponsored by the Urban Financial Services Coalition, serves to empower Baltimore citizens through financial fitness. Come for a financial literacy talent show, financial information sessions, credit check reviews, and a Wii bowling challenge.
For more information or to register as a vendor, email community@ufscnet.org.

Patterson Park Fishing Festival
Saturday, June 11 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Boat Lake in Patterson Park
Join in the fishing fun! Come out for FREE fishing with Baltimore City Rec & Parks! Jump into some great games with the Friends of Patterson Park and create a fantastic craft with Audubon!  
For more information, call all 410-396-9392.

1st-Time Homeowner Workshop-Part I Session
Saturday, June 11 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Oliver Community Center, 1400 East Federal Street
This workshop will teach potential homeowners about the process of buying a home. Session II is on Saturday, June 18.
To register for a workshop or to schedule appointments, call 443-388-9809.

Book Giveaway
Saturday, June 11 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Greater New Hope Baptist Church, 2720 W. North Avenue
Greater New Hope Baptist Church and Baltimore City Kiwanis Club invite everyone to attend this free book giveaway. There is something for everyone, and what better way is there to relax during the summer than with a free book?
For more information, call 410-669-1023.

A Day to Play
Saturday, June 11 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Roland Park Country School, 5207 Roland Avenue
Greater Homewood Community Corporation will host north central Baltimore's first ever neighborhood softball tournament! Neighborhoods, churches, community associations, businesses, and friends will face off. Come meet and join neighbors for a day of fun and games. The event includes great food, kids activities, music, and more. Admission is $20 per person or $35 per couple. Kids 12 and under are free. All attendees will be entered to win Baltimore Orioles tickets behind home plate. For more information, visit www.greaterhomewood.org.

Tour Dem Parks, Hon!
Sunday, June 12
Ride begins and ends in Carroll Park, 1500 Washington Boulevard
Ride to benefit city parks in the ninth annual Tour Dem Parks, Hon. Choose from 12, 25, 36 or 64-mile rides, routes wind through Baltimore's parks and neighborhoods. A barbecue with live jazz will follow the ride. Registration is $35 for adults ($40 after June 1), and $15 for children 15 and under ($20 after June 1).
For more information or to register, call 410-396-4369, email info@tourdemparks.org, or visit tourdemparks.org. To register groups of 10 or more, call 410-382-0283.

Rec & Parks Outdoor Summer Concert Season
All summer long
Concerts will be held throughout the season. Jazz Wednesday evenings at Druid Hill Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. run on the first Wednesday of every month from June 1 to Sept. 7. First Thursdays at Mount Vernon Park from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. run on the first Thursday of every month from May 5 to Oct. 6.
For more information and the complete schedule, call 410-396-7459 or visit baltimorecity.gov.

International Family Day
Sunday, June 12 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street
International Family Day highlights the global roots of our community. Join in the celebration and enjoy art activities from around the world, displays of refugee and immigrant youth art, youth-oriented films about refugees and immigrants, performances, and more!
For more information, visit thewalters.org, email landerson@thewalters.org, or call 410-547-9000 ext. 323.

Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program Application Clinic
Wednesday, June 15 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, 2812 Reisterstown Road
Help for homeowners facing foreclosure due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment or loss of income due to medical condition.
For more information or to register, call 410-366-6091.

JumpStart Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Recruitment sessions held Fridays June 17, June 24, July 8 and July 15 at 11:30 AM
EBDI, 1731 E. Chase Street
This FREE, three-month program provides interactive, hands-on and in-class training that will prepare
you for a career in construction and qualify you to enter a state-approved apprenticeship program.
For more information or to register, call 410-234-0660 x205.

1st-Time Homeowner Workshop-Part II Session
Saturday, June 18 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Oliver Community Center, 1400 East Federal Street
This free workshop will teach potential homeowners about the process of buying a home. Session I is on Saturday, June 11
To register for a workshop or to schedule appointments, call 443-388-9809.

Baltimore Pride
Saturday, June 18 from 3:30 PM to 10:00 PM
North Charles and Eager Street, Mt. Vernon
Sunday, June 19 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Druid Hill Park
Baltimore Pride celebrates the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Baltimore and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The celebration begins on Saturday with a high heel race, parade, and block party in Mt. Vernon. Sunday's festival includes music from national and local performers, games, a children's play area, a dog watering station, and over 150 vendors.
For more information, visit www.baltimorepride.org.

Rescuing Egypt's Heritage
Sunday, June 19 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street
Recent televised footage revealing the looting of ancient treasures in Cairo's Egyptian Museum and other ancient sites in Egypt focused worldwide attention on the need to protect extraordinary artifacts that have withstood 5,000 years of history. As part of an afternoon celebrating Egyptian treasures, Walters Curator of Ancient Art Regine Schulz will expose dire circumstances as well as the development of formal and informal policies to protect Egypt's heritage.
For more information, vist thewalters.org.

ROOTS Fest
Wednesday, June 22 through Sunday, June 26
Route 40, W. Franklin Street and N. Gilmor Street
ROOTS Fest 2011: Many Communities, One Voice is a music, arts, and community festival that seeks to heal, empower, and unite Baltimore through the celebration of arts and culture. ROOTS Fest kicks off with Arts, Culture & Creativity: A National Learning Exchange, a three-day national dialog on art, culture, community organizing, and empowerment. The outdoor festival finishes out the week.
For more information, visit rootsfest2011.org.

Base Camp Discovery
Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, June 22 through August 31 from10:15 AM to 11:15 AM
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Druid Hill Park
Participate with your family this summer in a “Walk on the Wild Side.” Join a Zoo educator for a fun and informative walk through a featured area of the Zoo, exploring a new topic or zone each week. Limit of 20 people. Please gather at Base Camp Discovery by 10:15 a.m.. First come, first served! Free with regular Zoo admission. Ages (recommended): 5 and up
For information about this and other zoo events, visit www.marylandzoo.org.

Baltimore Career Fair
Tuesday, July 12 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel, 101 West Fayette Street
This FREE career fair is brought to Baltimore by Coast to Coast Career Fairs. Bring 20 copies of your resume, dress professionally and be ready to interview, and come with a positive winning attitude.
For more information, visit coasttocoastcareerfairs.com.

Office of the City Council President
100 N. Holliday St., Suite 400
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-396-4804 (p) 410-539-0647 (f)
CouncilPresident@baltimorecity.gov
Copyright (C) 2011. All rights reserved.