Baltimore City Council website
"Investing Where Baltimore Lives"
March 20, 2008

Dear Friends:

As I meet with different community associations and individual citizens, I hear frequent complaints about liquor establishments in Baltimore who blatantly and repeatedly violate the terms of their liquor licenses. In January I saw these violations firsthand when walking through the Park Heights neighborhood with concerned residents who live with the costly effects of these abuses each and every day.

At Monday's Council meeting, I introduced a resolution calling for a public hearing with the Chairman of the Baltimore Board of Liquor License Commissioners to explain current license enforcement, regulations and procedures. How are the statutes written--and how are they enforced?

Specifically, I want to address:

  • The legitimacy of establishments claiming to be tavern operations;
  • The legitimacy of establishments operating with bottle licenses;
  • Repeat violators who consistently and knowingly sell alcohol to minors;
  • The level of cooperation between Liquor Board Inspectors and law enforcement personnel; and
  • Whether or not current alcoholic beverage statutes, zoning laws, and Board rules and regulations are truly protecting Baltimore neighborhoods from the potentially harmful effects of high proliferation of alcohol establishments

I want the Liquor Board Chair to explain the licensing process to the City Council and to our constituents. This hearing will help Baltimore community leaders effectively work with the Liquor Board and state and local officials to develop remedies for the abuse of liquor licenses. The Liquor Board is a State agency, and the City's jurisdiction over liquor licensing limited, so it is incumbent on us as city leaders to empower communities with an understanding of liquor licensing regulations—before their communities are adversely affected.

We have all seen neighborhoods around the City where there are two or more liquor stores per block. We have also seen that they are often neighborhoods where illegal activities take place, where the quality of life is severely compromised. In Park Heights, community leaders are taking the initiative to monitor and curtail these activities. Such establishments are more than just eyesores contributing to blight in communities: they provide the infrastructure for open-air drug markets and the menace of gun violence associated with the drug trade.

I've assigned this resolution to the City Council's Public Health and Safety Committee because, quite simply, it is a matter of both public health and public safety—and we must no longer allow the abuse of liquor licenses to hinder the revitalization of Baltimore's neighborhoods.

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
President, Baltimore City Council

Each week in the President's SchoolSpot,
Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake highlights the outstanding accomplishments of Baltimore City Schools students and staff.

College-Prep Middle School Holds Annual Career Day

While many students spent their Saturday glued to television or video game consoles, students at KIPP Ujima Village Academy were focused on what jobs could be in their future. City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and more than 25 professionals participated in KIPP Academy’s annual Career Day held earlier this month during its Saturday School. KIPP Academy is a college-prep charter middle school in Northwest Baltimore.

“We want our children to be exposed to local professionals – to know that these people have provided a gateway to the myriad of opportunities that await them after they climb the mountain to college,” said School Leader Shayna Hammond.

Career presenters included an impressive mix of professionals from key employment sectors, such as healthcare, law, education, non-profit management, and community advocacy. With the goal of showing its 5th through 8th grade students the linkages between a well-rounded academic experience and a promising work career, KIPP’s annual Career Day is one of the many extras offered at KIPP Ujima Village Academy during its monthly "Saturday School" enrichment component.

Founded in 2002, KIPP Ujima Village is a public, college-prep charter middle school with 315 students in Northwest Baltimore. Students spend 70 percent more time in class than traditional public schools, and are subject to high expectations with a relentless focus on results. KIPP Baltimore, a non-profit organization operates KIPP Ujima Village Academy – credited as the highest performing public school serving middle grades in Baltimore City. KIPP Ujima Village is proving that the achievement gap can be closed for traditionally underserved students. Its students have among the highest 7th and 8th grade math achievement scores in the state. KIPP Ujima Village is one of 57 KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) schools serving over 14,000 students nationwide. While fewer than 20 percent of low-income students typically attend college nationally, KIPP’s national college matriculation rate stands at nearly 80 percent for students who complete the eighth grade at KIPP. KIPP’s success in raising student achievement in low-income neighborhoods has been heralded by national media such as the Oprah Winfrey Show, 60 Minutes, The New York Times, Washington Post and ABC World News Tonight.

Have an exciting news item on achievements
in Baltimore City Public Schools?
Let us know so that we can feature them in the President's SchoolSpot. Call Council President Rawlings-Blake's office at 410-396-4804 or send an e-mail to Marva Williams at mwilliams@baltimorecitycouncil.com.

City Council This Week

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Hearing: Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee, Jim Kraft - Chair
10:00 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0021 Boards, Commissions, etc. - Meetings on Election Days

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Hearing: Executive Appointments Committee, Robert Curran – Chair
10:00 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
EA08-0044 Michelle Nicole Lipkowitz President - Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals - 12th District
EA08-0050 Drusilla Bunch Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 9th District
EA08-0051 LaShelle R. Bynum Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 8th District
EA08-0052 Helen L. Dale Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 6th District
EA08-0053 Lisa Daniels Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 3rd District
EA08-0054 Katrina Fuller Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 3rd District
EA08-0055 Tessa Hill-Aston Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 5th District
EA08-0056 Jules K. Dunham Howie Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 11th District
EA08-0057 Eun Ann Kim Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 14th District
EA08-0059 Sandi McFadden Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 4th District
EA08-0060 Lora G. Mayo Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 1st District
EA08-0061 Pearl Moulton Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 7th District
EA08-0062 Darleen M. Smith Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 10th District
EA08-0063 Jacqueline L. Washington Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 12th District
EA08-0064 Robin L. Truiett-Theodorson Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women - 14th District
EA08-0067 Debra Nunez Member - Baltimore City Commission for Women

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Hearing: Education Committee, Mary Pat Clarke – Chair
4:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0023R Informational Hearing - Building a Skatepark in Baltimore City

Community Events

Neighborhoods: Sign up for Mayor Dixon's Citywide Spring Cleanup
Saturday, April 19, 2008

Every spring the citizens of Baltimore band together with city government to sweep, rake and haul away the litter from our neighborhoods. While some neighborhoods concentrate on a particular trash trouble spot, others do an overall spring cleaning. Many use this as an opportunity to not only clean but also to green their neighborhoods through tree, shrub and flower planting and mulching. Numerous City agencies will also be on-hand for the event and will work to clear storm drains, remove graffiti,cut weeds, trim trees, and board vacant homes. The Department of Public Works will provide volunteers with gloves, rakes, brooms, shovels, bags and debris removal. To register for the Spring cleanup or for more information, citizens should call 410-396-1209.

Registration form

Friday, March 21

HOLIDAY NOTICE: Good Friday. Baltimore City Public Works offices will be closed.
No municipal trash pickup; parking meters will remain in effect.

Saturday, March 22

Spring Tasting Event at Whole Foods Market
Mt. Washington and Harbor East stores, 12pm-3pm. 410-528-1640.

Monday, March 24

Why Women Cry Conference III
Sheraton Baltimore, 101 W. Fayette St. 9am-4pm. Women’s health issues will be discussed. www.sisterstogetherandreaching.org 410-383-1903.

Tuesday, March 25

A panel discussion on Foreclosure and Lending Practices will be held during the Baltimore City Branch NAACP’s general membership meeting, 6pm-8pm, Union Baptist Church, 1219 Druid Hill Ave. 410-366-3300.

Wednesday, March 26

The SEED School of Maryland Open House and Tour
SEED Maryland Campus, 200 Font Hill Ave, 1pm-4pm. RSVP to Carol Beck: 410-979-7971 or carol@seedfoundation.com

Upcoming/Ongoing

Disability Income Tax Day, March 29. 10am-3pm, Northern Community Action Center, 5225 York Rd.; Northwest Community Action Center, 3314 Ayrdale Ave. Register at 410-333-6109. People who have at least $3,000 from wages or certain benefits from Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Veterans Affairs may be eligible to receive the economic stimulus payments. This year, they must file to receive the payments.

The John and Berthe Ford Annual Lectureship in Asian Art: Rama and His Foes in Southeast Asian Art. March 30, 3pm, The Walters Art Museum, Graham Auditorium, 600 N. Charles St. Forrest McGill, Chief Curator and Wattis Curator of South and Southeast Asian Art, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.

The Baltimore City Health Department is accepting nominations for the Sebastian Russo Memorial Award. It recognizes healthcare providers who have made significant contributions to their fields by providing dedicated and compassionate service to low-income individuals and families. Deadline is April 30. www.baltimorehealth.org. 410-396-4388.

Baltimore Rising’s Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents Program (MCIP) needs mentors for youths whose parent or guardian is in jail and is taking referrals for children who need mentors. Kamala Green at 443-984-1013.

United Black Fund of America Launches "Ending The Violence" Essay Contest
Youth ages 14-18 are encouraged to submit essays answering these questions:

  • What are the causes of violence in your community?
  • What is your strategy for managing or eliminating those causes?
  • What steps do you take to implement your strategy?

The winner will receive a $1000 cash award, and follow up discussion groups will be televised for a national campaign. Help us start the talk about community violence! Send your essay to:
United Black Fund of America, Ending The Violence Essay Contest, 2500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020. Deadline for entries is April 4, 2008. For more information (202) 783-9300 or www.ubfinc.org

Neighborhood Design Center Now Accepting Project Assistance Applications
Do you need design or planning assistance for a neighborhood improvement project or your non-profit? The Neighborhood Design Center is accepting project assistance applications for its Spring Cycle. Applications are due April 1, 2008. They can be downloaded in either PDF or Word format from NDC's web site: www.ndc-md.org. Click on "Get Assistance" and then "How to Apply". For more information contact Irene Poulsen at ipoulsen@ndc-md.org or 410-233-9686 x105.

Baltimore Healthcare Access, Inc. is announcing a new initiative to protect the health and well-being of city residents. Through this initiative, city residents can call 311 for screening and referral to a range of health insurance programs and low-cost healthcare options. www.bhca.org

The Bar Association of Baltimore City is pleased to offer its Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) to the general public. This service features a panel of attorneys who provide a wide range of legal assistance ranging from Asbestos to Worker's Compensation. Those referred to private attorneys will be able to receive a reduced fee half-hour consultation, which is waived for certain case types. This service also occasionally features volunteer attorneys who are able to answer basic legal questions over telephone for no charge. For those who qualify, the LRIS also offers reduced fee legal services for the elderly. For more information call 410-539-3112 between 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday-Friday, or email info@baltimorebar.org.

Baltimore CASH Campaign: Free Community Tax Preparation
Families and individuals can have their taxes prepared for free at one of more than 13 CASH Campaign locations in the City. Qualifying families and individuals can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and other valuable tax credits. Call for an appointment at 410-234-8008.
www.baltimorecashcampaign.org

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provides free representation to low-income individuals with IRS tax disputes, including denial of earned income tax credit, IRS audits, filing back taxes, and setting up payment plans. Call 410-547-6537 between 9 am-1 pm, Monday-Thursday.

Also, small community-based nonprofits working to strengthen low income communities are eligible for pro bono legal help from the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service Community Development Project. Get help with reviewing contracts, negotiating leases, preparing employee manuals, and many other legal issues. Call 443-451-4064 or email jocarol@mvlslaw.org

Baltimore International Academy, a public charter school, is now accepting applications for students interested in full immersion education in one of four tracks: French, Chinese, Russian or Spanish. Open Houses will be held at 7 pm on April 22 and May 20 at our campus at 3515 Taylor Avenue – the campus of the Maryland School for the Blind. More information is available from the school at (410)426-3650 or baltimoreinternationalacademy@yahoo.com.