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Dear Friends:

City Council Taking Steps to Provide Property Tax Relief

I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with an update on some legislation that the City Council is working on that will provide much needed property tax relief to the citizens of Baltimore. Since taking office as City Council President, I have made reducing city property taxes a top priority for the City Council.

Baltimore’s property tax is the highest in the state and is more than double Baltimore County’s rate. We need to change that so more families can choose to live in Baltimore City and stay in Baltimore City. Together, we have made significant progress reducing this terrible burden on City homeowners. Over the past few years, we have been able to provide more than $32 million in property tax rate relief. The current property tax rate is at its lowest level since 1972. And, since 1989, the rate has been cut 7 times. We need to do more.

Last night, the City Council Land Use and Transportation Committee and Urban Affairs Committee continued making progress by approving the zoning changes needed to allow for a Video Lottery Terminal facility in South Baltimore. In addition to creating more than 1100 new jobs, the facility will generate an estimated $25.4 million annually in new City revenue, enabling an 8-cent reduction of the property tax rate. This would amount to the largest single rate reduction in Baltimore City’s modern history.

I am very pleased that Council committee members have approved the legislation to allow the city to move forward. This open and transparent process will continue as we work to fulfill the will of city voters who voted overwhelmingly for the statewide slots referendum. The zoning legislation will be presented for a full vote at the next meeting of the City Council on Monday.

Yesterday, the Taxation, Finance and Economic Development Committee overwhelmingly approved my legislation to extend Baltimore City’s Newly Constructed Dwelling Property Tax Credit for another five years. This credit is a vitally important incentive that encourages people to build and rebuild homes in Baltimore by allowing significant property tax rate relief for homeowners that invest in newly-constructed or rehabilitated houses.

In addition to providing significant rate relief—more than $26 million over nine years—my legislation will allow qualifying homeowners who missed the application deadline going back to 2005 to apply for this credit. In the coming weeks, my office will be working with the administration to promote this opportunity for city homeowners.

The late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, an expert in urban affairs, once said that a city that isn’t growing is a city that is dying. We will never let that happen to Baltimore. I would like to thank all of my Council colleagues who share my vision for a more sustainable Baltimore: a city that grows its population and diversifies its tax base through policies that encourage families to live here and stay here.

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
President, Baltimore City Council

One Week Until Transition to Digital TV

Are you ready for the transition to digital TV? Friday, June 12th is the date all television stations will begin to transmit only digital signals. If you do not have a digital TV and rely on antenna reception (not pay TV, cable or satellite service) to receive your local stations,
only 7 days remain to convert your TV signal from analog to digital.

The good news is that you don’t have to buy a new digital television. By attaching a converter box to your analog television you will be able to watch the shows you enjoy on TV. Another advantage of switching to digital is that most viewers will receive better sound, a better picture, more channels and more programs. There are resources to help you install the converter box and purchase one using a coupon. Conversion boxes cost $40 and are available at participating electronic equipment stores. To receive a $40 coupon call 1-888-CALL-FCC, the coupons expire after 90 days.

AmeriCorps volunteers are also available to provide assistance installing your converter box. You may call 1-888-CALL-FCC to schedule an appointment. More information at www.dtv.gov

Free Demonstration this Sunday at Downtown Farmers Market

A free demonstration on how to connect a digital converter box to an analog TV will be available this Sunday:

Sunday, June 7th
8am to 12 noon
Baltimore Farmers Market
under the Jones Falls Expressway

City of Baltimore 2010 Census

The Census Bureau is verifying and updating more than 145 million addresses to prepare for the 2010 Census. New handheld computers equipped with GPS to increase geographic accuracy are being used because the ability to capture GPS coordinates for most of the nation’s housing units will greatly reduce the number of errors caused by paper maps in previous counts. Baltimore City began the operation in April. Address canvassing efforts should end by mid-July.

How to identify Census workers
Census workers can be identified by their official Census Bureau badge. During the address canvassing operation, census workers may ask to verify a housing structure’s address and whether additional living quarters are on the property.

Your information is confidential
2010 Census workers will never ask for bank or Social Security information. All census information collected, including addresses, are confidential and protected by law. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with the FBI, the IRS, CIA, Welfare, Immigration, or any other government agency. No court of law or law enforcement agency can find out respondents’ answers. All Census Bureau employees — including temporary employees — take an oath for life to keep census information confidential. Any violation of that oath is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and five years in prison. For more information about the Census, visit www.baltimorecity.gov.

Assistance with Water Bills for Seniors and Low Income Residents

Baltimore City Low Income Senior Citizen Water Discount Program

Homeowners and tenants whose lease holds them responsible for paying the water bill can apply each year for the discount if they meet the following criteria:
1. The applicant must be a City of Baltimore resident who receives a water/sewer bill directly from the City.
2. The principal resident must be age 65 or older.
3. The combined gross household income must be $25,000 or less.
4. The applicant must certify that he/she is the property owner-of-record with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, or provide a lease showing his/her responsibility for paying water/sewer charges at that property.

Those who qualify receive a 30% discount on their water and sewer rates charged on each quarterly bill. Eligible senior citizens may apply at any of the Senior Community Centers listed on this brochure or may call 311 or 410-396-5398 to obtain an application.

See brochure for complete information
Senior Citizen Discount Application

Baltimore City Low Income Water Assistance Program

• You must be a Baltimore City resident, the utility account holder and receive your water bill directly from the City.
• You must reside at the property on the account.
• You must have received a delinquent, turn-off, or tax sale notice due to being in arrears.
• You must not have an existing payment plan with the Department of Finance.
• You must have verification documents for eligibility.

Once approved:

• You must pledge to make consistent payments on your unpaid and current balance.
• You will receive a credit of $125.00.

See brochure for complete information

City Council This Week

Monday, June 8

City Council Meeting
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
Draft agenda

Tuesday, June 9

Hearing: Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee, James B. Kraft – Chair
9:30 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0127R Informational Hearing - Department of Transportation - Increase in Towing Fees

Voting Session: Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee, James B. Kraft – Chair
9:35 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0094 Construction Debris- Proof of Proper Disposal

9:40 AM
08-0214 Illegal Dumping-Penalties-Enforcement

Hearing: Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee, James B. Kraft – Chair
9:45 AM
09-0319 Impound Towing - Fees

10:00 AM
09-0320 Trespass Towing - Fees

Community Events

For a comprehensive listing of events in Baltimore, check the City Council's online events calendar.

Friday, June 5

First Fridays after Five in Fells Point
Take a walk along the Fells Point ArtLoop and enjoy art shows, openings, events & great food.
www.fellspointdevelopment.com

Summer Sounds at the Square
Belvedere Square, 6-9pm. Friday night outdoor concert. Featuring: Higher Hands, soul/funk.

First Fridays at the Walters
600 N. Charles St., 5-8pm. The theme is "Dancin' in the Streets," with music, cocktails, and live performances. www.thewalters.org

June 5-7

Universoul Circus
Security Square Mall. The first and only African-American owned and operated circus. For performance times and ticket information go to www.universoulcircus.com

June 6-7

Charles Village Festival
Wyman Park Dell, Charles and 29th Streets, Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm. Live music, Garden Walk, kids games, food, vendors. www.charlesvillagefestival.com

Historic Reservoir Hill Walking Tours
Self-guided tours to benefit community projects, Sat. 11am-4pm & Sun. 1pm-4pm. $10.

Saturday, June 6

YMCA Family Fun Night
6-9pm at 2 locations, Druid Hill YMCA, 1609 Druid Hill Ave. and Harry & Jeanette Weinberg YMCA at Stadium Place, 900 E. 33rd Street. Maryland families are invited to the Y of Central Maryland Centers for a free night of fun and entertainment. Guests may enjoy a fitness class, the gym, pool, or a variety of games. Healthy snacks and give-aways will be provided.

Keep Your Cool Family Fun Fair
Druid Hill Park, 1-4pm. The Family Tree presents a fun afternoon with rides, games, food, entertainment, give-aways, and information on how to have a safe and healthy summer as a family. www.familytreemd.org

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings’ Foreclosure Prevention Workshop
Morgan State University, Clarence M. Mitchell Engineering Bldg., 5200 Perring Parkway, 9am-3pm, Must register. 410-685-9199. www.house.gov/cummings

Baltimore Convoy of Hope
Clifton Park, 10am. Churches and religious organizations come together for community outreach, distribution of free groceries, free health and dental screenings, free haircuts, children activities, community resources and prayer. www.convoybaltimore.org

“Royal Heritage-Greatness Runs Through Your Veins" African Princess Party
Greater Baltimore Urban League, 512 Orchard St., 2nd floor, 10am-2pm. Girls 6-16 years old will make crafts and headwraps, learn African dance steps and learn principles of self-worth and leadership. royalheritagellc@gmail.com or call 1-888-783-8656 ext. 106.

Summer Resource Fair for Parents
Sojourner Douglass-College Cafeteria, 200 N. Central Ave., 12pm-4pm. 410-467-1605.

Starting and Financing A Small Business Workshop
Enoch Pratt Library/Hamilton branch, 11am-1pm, 5910 Harford Rd, Hosted by the Small Business Administration (SBA). tonia.mccoy@sba.gov. 410-962-4392 ext. 316.

Sowebo Arts Poster Benefit Auction
University of Maryland Biotech Park Building 2, 801 W. Baltimore St., 2pm-4pm. Enjoy live music and preview the work of Baltimore’s artist community. Proceeds benefit Sowebo Arts, Inc. No credit cards. Posters online at www.soweboarts.org.

Sunday, June 7

Lauraville Block Party
4500 Harford Road (across the street from Safeway), 11am-5pm. Sponsored by the Lauraville Business Association. Music, games, vendors and much more.

Free Jazz concert by The Jolley Twins Trio
Second Presbyterian Church, 4200 St. Paul Street, 3:30pm. Also a silent auction to benefit the Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO). Free. 410-433-2442

June 11-14

St. Nicholas Greek Festival
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 520 S. Ponca St., Thursday 7-11pm, Friday and Saturday 11am–11pm, Sunday noon-10pm. www.greekfolkfestival.com

Upcoming/Ongoing

Greater Lauraville Home and Garden Tour, June 13, 11am-3pm. There will be 5-7 houses on the tour, and Healthy Neighborhoods home renovations will be the highlight. For tickets call 410-444-9188. www.greaterlauraville.com

HonFest, June 13-14, 36th Street in Hampden, between Falls Rd. and Chestnut Ave. Saturday 11am-10pm, Sunday noon-6pm. www.honfest.net

Homebuyer Education Housewarming Party, June 13, 9am-4pm, Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore(NHS) of Baltimore, 819 Park Ave., classes 9am-4pm; festivities noon-3pm; There is a fee for the workshop. 410-327-1200.

Tour Dem Parks, June 14, 7:30am-12noon. This year, the annual bike tour will have four routes. They all begin and end in Carroll Park. As always, there will be a rest stop in Patterson Park. For more information visit www.tourdemparks.org.

Baltimore Pride, June 19-21 Friday, parade and block party, Charles and Eager Streets. Saturday, festival, Druid Hill Park. Maryland's premier event celebrating the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Baltimore and throughout the mid-Atlantic. www.baltimorepride.org

Artists, craftsmen and food vendors are needed for Arts in the Park Festival hosted by the Garwyn Oaks Northwest Housing Resource Center, June 20, 12pm-5pm, Hanlon Park, Gwynns Falls Parkway and Longwood Street. RSVP by June 10. ArtsII@aol.com or 410.947.0084.

Grade A Student Night at The National Aquarium in Baltimore, June 25, 6:30pm-9pm, students with 3 A’s or more in any marking period for the 2008-2009 school period will receive free admission to the aquarium and an accompanying adult entering. Reduced rates for other relatives. Register at www.aqua.org/gradeastudent.html or 410-576-3833.

LatinoFest, June 27-28, Saturday noon-10pm and Sunday noon-9pm, Patterson Park at Linwood and Eastern avenues, 410-563-3160, www.latinofest.org.

Federal Hill Main Street’s Jazz & Blues Festival, June 28, 11am-7pm, S. Charles and Cross Streets. Summertime music, food drink, arts & crafts and fun for everyone. FREE admission. www.historicfederalhill.org

African American Heritage Festival, July 3-5, Friday 5-10pm, Saturday noon-10pm and Sunday noon-9pm, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 410-235-2227 ext. 211, www.aahf.net.

Baltimore's Fourth Of July Celebration, July 4, 9:30PM, Inner Harbor.

Caribbean Carnival Festival, July 10-12, Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday and Sunday noon-9pm, Druid Hill Park. 410-230-2969. www.bmorecarnival.com

Youth Talent Showcase (YTS) hosted by The Baltimore Education and Cultural Institute, July 12, 1pm, Reedbird Park in Cherry Hill, youths 5-18 participate in a non-competitive event to display their creative talents. www.whatfits.net/yts.htm or 240-475-6175.

Enoch Pratt’s Light Street Branch Goes Wireless and additional computers have been installed. Other Wi-Fi Pratt branches are Central, Northwood, Orleans, Roland Park, Southeast Anchor and Waverly.

Professional, business attire clothing donations are needed for The Bon Secours Outreach Center, which provides job readiness training. Clients need clothes and shoes for job interviews. tonia.mccoy@sba.gov 410-962-4392 ext. 316.

Get a free Orioles ticket for your birthday. Any fan can get a free ticket to a game during the month of his or her birthday--unless the Orioles are playing the Yankees or Red Sox. Register online at www.orioles.com/birthdays and receive a voucher for a free birthday ticket.

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

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.

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