Dear Friends:
Every weekend many citizens from the Baltimore region, and their dollars, travel south to Washington or north to Philadelphia and New York to enjoy live entertainment. In 2007 I created a taskforce of community and business leaders charged with developing strategies to grow Baltimore's entertainment, cultural and hospitality economy to help us better compete with other destination cities.
Last July, based on some of the recommendations of the taskforce I introduced legislation to enhance Baltimore's arts and entertainment venues. This week, the City Council’s Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee and the Land Use and Transportation Committee held the first in a series of joint hearings and work sessions on the legislation. City agencies tasked with reviewing the bill have endorsed the concept.
If enacted, the legislation would remove live entertainment from the zoning code and replace it with an annual licensure process. The legislation is modeled after best practices currently in place in San Francisco and other cities throughout the country, with the objective of enhancing Baltimore's stature as a true entertainment destination for both visitors and residents.
Some have expressed concerns about this legislation. Some believe that the bill will simply create more bars, restaurants and nightclubs; in fact, it does not. Rather, the bill would allow existing restaurants, taverns and dancehalls to apply for a live entertainment permit. This new permit process requires that permit holders develop security, traffic, parking and sanitation plans—all measures that do not exist today under current zoning ordinances.
Baltimore is blessed with many exciting entertainment venues that provide good jobs for our citizens. But we need to do more to grow this dynamic sector of our city's economy. And, by doing so, we can also make Baltimore a more vibrant and safe city. With this legislation, we will enhance Baltimore’s entertainment venues—and we will do it in a way that respects and protects our city's neighborhoods.
I hope that you are able to attend at least one of the upcoming community-based work sessions on the arts and live entertainment bill:
Community Work Session (SE)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Cristo Rey High School, 420 South Chester Street
Community Work Session (NE)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Morgan State, Communications Center, Room 101, 5601 Perring Parkway
Community Work Session (NW)
Thursday, April 16, 2009, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Baltimore City Community College, Liberty Campus, Auditorium, 2901 Liberty Heights Avenue
Community Work Session (SW)
Thursday, April 23, 2009, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Federal Hill Preparatory School, 1040 William Street
Hearing at City Hall and Final Vote of Committees
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Clarence “Du” Burns Chambers, 4th Floor
I would like to thank my Council colleague, James B. Kraft (District 1) for working so closely with me and my staff to ensure that there is significant community input on this legislation—your voice will only help to make the bill stronger.
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
President, Baltimore City Council
City Council This Week
Monday, March 9
Hearing: Land Use and Transportation Committee, Edward Reisinger – Chair
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
LO09-003708-0018 Maritime Industrial Overlay District - Extending "Sunset" - Owner Opt-Out
This hearing will be broadcast live on TV25. (1st hearing held on February 18, 2009.)
Tuesday, March 10
Hearing: Public Safety and Health Committee, Bernard C. “Jack” Young – Chair
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0108R Legislative Oversight - Baltimore Police Department
RESCHEDULED FROM 4 PM TO 5 PM
5:15 PM
09-0112R Informational Hearing - Badger Public Safety Video System
Wednesday, March 11
Hearing: Land Use and Transportation Committee, Edward Reisinger – Chair
2:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0258 Planned Unit Development - Amendment - Benhurst Park
Hearing: Education Committee, Mary Pat Clarke – Chair
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0062R Informational Hearing - Baltimore City Public School System - Anonymous Call Hotline
This hearing will be broadcast live on TV25.
RESCHEDULED FROM JANUARY 28, 2009
5:30 PM
08-0068R Baltimore City Public School Teachers - Gang Related Violence Training
This hearing will be broadcast live on TV25.
RESCHEDULED FROM JANUARY 28, 2009
Thursday, March 12
Hearing: Taxation, Finance and Economic Development Committee, Helen Holton – Chair
1:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0266 Maryland Department of Transportation - County Transportation Revenue Bonds - Series 2009
RESCHEDULED FROM FEBRUARY 26, 2009
Community Events
For a comprehensive listing of events in Baltimore,
check the City Council's online events calendar.
REMINDER: Clocks Spring Forward this Sunday
 For Daylight Savings Time, clocks should be advanced one hour at 2 am on Sunday, though most people reset their clocks and watches before going to bed.
NOTE: The shift to Daylight Savings Time also serves as a reminder to install new batteries in warning devices such as smoke detectors and hazard warning radios. |
Friday, March 6
Dr. Maya Angelou speaks at UB School of Law’s Feminist Legal Theory and Feminism Conference
The Lyric Theatre, 6pm. The conference explores the concrete ways in which feminist legal theory is (or is not) changing the law. Free. Info: http://law.ubalt.edu/template.cfm?page=931
Third Annual Student Artwork Show
The Hamilton Gallery, 2927 Hamilton Ave., 6pm. Enjoy the work from students at Hamilton Elementary/Middle, Garrett Heights Elementary/Middle, and City Neighbors Charter School and light refreshments. Contact Regina at rmlansinger@hotmail.com
Saturday, March 7
Historic Tax Credit Informational Forum
Lovely Lane Methodist Church, 2200 St. Paul Street, 9:30 am. Co-hosted by Charles Village Community Benefits District and Baltimore Heritage, Inc. Planning to repair, improve or renovate your property? You may be eligible for a State Historic Tax Credit. Recover 20% of the cost of repairs, improvements or renovations and/or reduce a possible increase in the assessed value of your property resulting from repairs, improvements or renovations.
Info: 410.235.4411
The Priceless Gown Project 2009 Boutique
Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards, 110 S. Eutaw St., 9am-2pm. Baltimore area high school juniors and seniors who can’t afford a prom dress choose a dress for free. Students must present a valid school ID card to show current school enrollment. First-come, first serve. www.pricelessgownproject.org
Free Cinema Screening Weekend
Rotunda Cinematheque, 711 W. 40th St., 10am. A showing of “The Incredibles.”
Live Baltimore’s Buy in Baltimore & Renovate Your Dream Home
Enoch Pratt’s Central Branch, 400 Cathedral St. 10:30am-12:30pm. 410-637-3750. info@livebaltimore.com
Monday, March 9
The Merry, Mirthful Month of March Children’s Celebration
Enoch Pratt’s Herring Run Branch, 3801 Erdman Ave., 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Hear humorous stories, songs and poems then share jokes from the joke jar. Also, there’s plenty for teens this week, including karaoke, a scavenger hunt and techno arts & crafts. For days and times, call 410-396-0996.
Wednesday, March 11
Free Workshop on Social Security Disability and SSI
Enoch Pratt Library/Northwood Branch, 4420 Loch Raven Blvd. 6:30 pm. Presented by Attorney Arthur M. Rubenstein.
The First Annual Roland Park Lecture Series
Roland Park Presbyterian Church, 4801 Roland Ave., 7-9 pm. A discussion of Baltimore’s ecology and current findings from the Baltimore Ecosystem Study from a panel of distinguished scientists and an overview of the Baltimore Green Map Project. Mike McQuestion: 410-243-9151 or mike.mcquestion@gmail.com.
Film and Discussion: Stand up For Yourself in Baltimore City Rent Court
Enoch Pratt Central Library, 400 Cathedral St. 6pm-7:45pm. Reservations encouraged: lunna@publicjustice.org or (410) 625-9409 x235.
Upcoming/Ongoing
RecycleMORE BaltiMORE!
Effective January 2009, Baltimore City residents will be able to recycle more items. New items to be included in curbside single stream recycling: wide-mouth plastic containers used for margarine, yogurt, cottage cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream; empty prescription bottles (lids and caps do not need to be removed); plastic drinking cups; aluminum foil and aluminum pie pans; clean milk and juice cartons.
New items to be taken to the citizen drop-off center and placed in container marked "rigid plastics:" rigid plastics which include milk/soda crates, buckets, laundry baskets, lawn furniture, totes, plastic drums, coolers, flower pots, water bottles, pallets, pet carriers, shelving, closet organizers, empty garbage/recycling bins. Info: 410-396-4511 or
www.baltimorecity.gov/government/dpw/recycle/
Cold Weather Tips: Protect Your Pipes
Pipes and utility meters can freeze when the temperature remains below 25 degrees for extended periods of time. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works offers the following tips to help protect water lines during periods of cold weather:
- Let a thin stream of cold water run from a basement faucet. The stream should be a continuous flow, about the thickness of a pencil. This water can be caught in a bucket or pail to be recycled later as laundry or dish water.
- If your pipe is frozen, gently warm it with hot air from a blow dryer at the point where it enters your house.
- Be sure you know the location of the water shutoff valve in your home. Check it periodically to ensure it works properly.
- Periodically monitor your sump pump. A frozen drain pipe could result in a flooded basement.
- Insulate pipes in unheated parts of your house. Be especially alert if you have had frozen pipes in the past.
- Keep bottled water on hand.
The Department of Public Works maintains outdoor water lines up to and including the meter. Water lines running from the meter to the house, as well as internal plumbing, are the responsibility of the property owner. For water emergencies in Baltimore City, please call 311. If you are outside the City, but in our service area, please call 410-396-5352.
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Linercise Fundraiser for the Maryland Food Bank, Mar. 13, 12pm-1pm, Main Seminar Room at bwtech@UMBC, 1450 S. Rolling Road, Halethorpe. Admission is a donation of one non-perishable food item. Must pre-register by Mar. 6 at www.umbc.edu/training. 410-455-5809.
Register today for the Baltimore Stadium Trek to benefit the American Lung Association, Mar.14. Starts off at Camden Yards and ends on the 50-yard line of Ravens Stadium. Log onto www.BaltimoreStadiumTrek.org or call 410.560.2120 ext. 232.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Eastern Region Day of Service: Focus on Domestic Violence, Mar. 14, 10am-2:30pm, St. Frances Academy Community Center, 501 E. Chase St. Talks on the warning signs, medical aspects, and survivor stories, a children activity center and free food. Keynote speaker is Lt. Governor Anthony Brown.Info: bmac_dst@yahoo.com
Baltimore St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Mar. 15, steps off at 2pm at the Washington Monument, down Charles St. to Pratt St. and disbands at President St. www.irishparade.net
Charm City Community Festival Foundation Fundraiser, Mar. 21, 9pm-1:30am, Maryland Institute of Art Brown Center Atrium. Contact Rashidi Scott cccbf@yahoo.com
City of Baltimore Procurement and Outreach Fair, April 6, 8:00 am–12:00 noon, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, 1400 W. Cold Spring Lane. The fair is an opportunity for businesses to network with City, State and Federal quasi-public government agencies and corporate companies to increase procurement opportunities with the City of Baltimore. Information: 410-396-3818.
Baltimore Franchise Opportunities Seminar for Women and Minorities: How to Be in Business for Yourself, But not By Yourself, April 18, 9:00 am–1:00 pm, War Memorial Building, Memorial Hall, 101 N. Gay Street. The seminar will promote minority-owned and women-owned business opportunities in franchising, attract attention to the need for franchisees in the minority business community and provide information to those who wish to become franchisees. More information here. Space is limited, so call 443-451-7160 or register online at www.sbrcbaltimore.com
MD HOPE (Home Owners Preserving Equity) State Hotline 1-877-462-7555. For assessment and possible referral to a housing counseling agency or a volunteer attorney for assistance in your foreclosure matter. www.mdhope.org
New Baltimore City Traffic Law -- Stop on the Light Before You Turn Right .... For a 30 day period, traffic enforcement officers will issue a warning (violation notice) to delinquent drivers informing them of the civil penalty for making a rolling right turn on red. After the warning period, violators will be charged with paying the fines. The penalty for a violation is $75. Payment of the fine amount will not result in points on your driver’s license and cannot be used to increase your insurance rates. Warning signs have been posted at Red Light Camera Enforcement locations to make motorists aware of the fact that they are approaching a Red Light Camera Safety intersection. The actual locations of the cameras are listed on www.baltimorecity.gov.
Artwork is needed for the ARTcetra fundraiser for Coppin State University’s Helen Fuld School of Nursing. Artists are asked to submit 1-2 pieces, including original works, prints, limited editions (w/certificates), photography, sculpture, quilts, handcrafted jewelry & wearable art.
Submit by March 27. Fundraiser is April 25. 410-466-8733 or poncho62@verizon.net.
Volunteers Needed to Help Rebuild the Playground at Stadium Place. The project will take place May 5-10. Also need help with office work, publicity, recruiting volunteers, etc. Contact the Greater Homewood Community Corporation at 443-756-6198 or friendsofourplayground@gmail.com.
Survivors Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) is offering a $1000 scholarship to a graduating Baltimore City public high school senior who has lost an immediate family member to homicide. Deadline is April 3. For details, contact Robin Singletary Haskins at 410-361-9301.
Registration is underway for 2009 Northwood Baseball League. Every Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm & every Saturday 11:30am-2:30pm, Morgan State University’s Montebello Complex, Room 124, 2201 Argonne Dr. 410-444-4872.
Registration is underway for Spring 2009 Forest Park Neighborhood Football League, for youth players, 5-15, Call Coach Quinton at 443-744-6346 or Coach Curtis at 443-506-9985. fplittleleaguer@aol.com
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore’s Foreclosure Prevention Program offers emergency bridge loans to victims of predatory or exotic lending, or homeowners hit with emergencies such as illness or unemployment. Eligible low- to moderate-income homeowners can receive up to $5,000 in deferred loans. 410-327-1200.
Community Greening Resource Network (CGRN), sponsored by Parks and People Foundation, is accepting new members. The CGRN is an annual membership program to support community gardens throughout Baltimore City. It provides community-based groups access to material resources (tool, seeds, plants, mulch, and compost) training opportunities (green space planning, organization, and fundraising), and networking opportunities for sharing skills and experience among community greeners. Sarah Krones 410-448-5663.
New Conversations/Conversaciones Nuevas, Enoch Pratt’s Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Ave., Tuesdays at 11am. Practice casual conversation for beginning English and Spanish speakers, 410-396-1580.
Open Minds is Creative Alliance's free book-based after school program. New visual and performing arts courses, including mural painting, photography, music production and breakdancing are beginning at Wolfe Street Academy, Hampstead Hill, Collington Square and with EBLO-Mi Segunda Casa at John Ruhrah. Call Karen Summerville at 410-276-1651.
Conserve energy, save money and protect the environment with BGE’s PeakRewards program. If you have central air conditioning or an electric heat pump, you could save up to 15% year round in energy costs. www.bgesmartenergy.com/peakrewards
Power of Parents and Partners in School (P.O.P.S. Program) is a new program to encourage and address the needs of students who are expecting or parenting teens who have dropped out and want to return to school. Developed by the Laurence G. Paquin School. 410-396-9398/9399.
Baltimore Speaks Out! Program, a great opportunity for children ages 11-15 to learn about video/film production. Offered at Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Herring Run branch, 3810 Erdman Ave. 410-338-0947. Free.
On March 4, 2009, Roland Park School #233 won its 12th consecutive