Better Schools. Safer Streets. Stronger Neighborhoods.
Issue #123: July 2, 2009

Dear Friends:

WBAL-TV coverage of hearing

On Tuesday, the City Council’s Public Safety and Health Committee held hearings on two resolutions regarding police transparency and communications. In March, I urged the Police Commissioner to institute a citywide text messaging system to alert residents and businesses about criminal activity. The Police Department has since created alert systems to provide real-time updates and information about robberies, missing persons, and violent crime.

As the Baltimore Sun reported on Wednesday, Commissioner Bealefeld “told members of the City Council that the agency is embracing technology and social media to spread the word about the city's crime fight…” The commissioner also described some of the challenges and opportunities that the Department encountered while establishing these new systems. Police have implemented a pilot program in the Southeast District, called Nixle to provide real-time alerts to subscribers via text and e-mail. The Department’s public affairs office also regularly posts incident information on Facebook and Twitter.

I’m very pleased that the Police Department has implemented these new innovative tools to get more of our citizens and local businesses engaged in the fight against crime. Email and text messaging alert systems will help provide important, timely information about criminal activity directly to our citizens. The next most important step is to begin to share more information about criminal suspects so that our citizens and community groups can be more aware and helpful to police.

Photo courtesy Matthew Saindon

After the public safety hearing, I was glad to join residents and police officers for a Citizens On Patrol (COP) Walk in the Highlandtown community in Southeast. During the COP walk, we encouraged city residents and businesses to take advantage of the new e-mail/text crime alert systems.

During the hearing we also discussed my Council Resolution urging the Police Department to implement Internet reporting systems to disclose the final internal investigation results of officer-related shootings and monthly preliminary crime statistics. Read more about this discussion on the Baltimore Sun’s Crime Beat Blog.

Chicago’s Independent Police Review Authority now posts the final results of investigations of police-involved shootings on the Internet. The reports provide great detail of the agency's investigations, including direct accounts from police officers and witnesses. Across the nation, police departments are building trust with communities and becoming more transparent by providing monthly preliminary crime statistics reports via the Internet.

By increasing the level of transparency and communication here, we too can strengthen the sacred trust between our police officers and the public they serve which will only help to make Baltimore better, safer and stronger. Finally, I'd like to wish you all a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend.

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
President, Baltimore City Council

Citizen Alert: Trash and Recycling Days are changing
Monday, July 13, 2009.

Major changes in trash and recycling collections will take effect starting Monday, July 13, 2009. There will be no trash collection in Baltimore city on Monday, July 13, 2009. After that date, the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Solid Waste will begin picking up trash once a week and recycling once a week. Residents will then be limited to setting out three 32-gallon cans of waste on their trash collection day (96 gallons), but they may continue to set out an unlimited amount of recycling on their recycling collection day.

After Monday, July 13th, trash and recycling will be picked up Tuesday through Friday. Under the new schedule, if a holiday occurs during the week, Saturday will be the automatic make up day. There will be one point of collection for trash and recycling. Residents should set out their recycling where they now set out their trash.

Residents will be able to set out trashcans no later than 6 am and set out waste the night before, as long as it’s in a can with a tight-fitting lid. Using trashcans with tight-fitting lids has always been required by law in Baltimore City.

Postcards with the new days of service will be mailed to every address in Baltimore City. Residents can also call 311 or go to baltimorecity.gov or cleanergreenerbaltimore.org to learn their new days of service.

One PLUS ONE Press Release

Look up your new pickup days using the Imap website

To use the Imap web page to look up your new trash and recycling pickup dates:

Go to http://maps.baltimorecity.gov/imap.
In the upper right hand corner of the page, type your street address as follows:

In the first box labeled "Num.", type in your house number

In the second box labeled "Dir.", select street direction (if applicable) from the pulldown menu: N, S, E, W.

In the third box labeled "Name", type your street name, like "Fulton," not "Fulton Ave."

In the fourth box, select street type from the pulldown menu: AVE., ST. RD., BLVD. etc.

Finally, click the button marked "LOCATE." Your One Plus One pickup dates should come up in the box below.

Trash and Recycling Collection Maps

These maps are intended as basic guides for determining your new days of service. If you live near multiple collection areas, please call 311 or visit www.baltimorecity.gov to confirm your new days of service.

New Trash & Recycling Collection Days - Citywide
New Trash & Recycling Collection Days - Southwest
New Trash & Recycling Collection Days - Northeast
New Trash & Recycling Collection Days - Northwest
New Trash & Recycling Collection Days - Southeast

Other Important Points About Trash and Recycling Collection

Postcards with specific days of service will be mailed to all customer addresses beginning the last week of June. Many addresses will also receive automated calls directing them to www.baltimorecity.gov and 311 for details on their new days of service.

Your collection points for trash and recycling will now be the same. Recycling will follow trash, so if trash collection is at the rear of a property, recycling will now also be collected at the rear.

Yard waste remains unlimited and can be bagged or bundled and set out on trash collection day.

Bulk Service is unchanged. Citizens can still call 311 to schedule their bulk pick up of no more than 3 items per month.

Enforcement will be focused on failure to use trash cans, not volume and schedule. The City intends to allow at least a 3-month grace period for enforcement of new service requirements as we know citizens will need time to adjust to the changes.

 

Collington Students Protect Turtles in Costa Rica

Submitted by Larry Schugam, Director of Development Baltimore Curriculum Project

In June, eight students and three staff members from Collington Square School traveled to Costa Rica to engage in a week-long turtle conservation project. The trip was the culmination of the Baobab International Service Learning Program, a year-long social entrepreneurship program. The program’s goal was to expose the students to a world larger than their immediate community and prepare them for global citizenship.

Turtle Conservation Project
From May 30th through June 6th students worked in the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, which was created in 1984 to protect one of the world’s most important nesting sites of the Olive Ridley SeaTurtle. Students assisted with daily and nightly beach patrols, checked nest temperatures, and measured and tagged turtles. The Wildlife Refuge depends heavily upon volunteers to help with these duties.

Protecting Turtles/Local Economy
Ostional is a small community of approximately 150 families whose subsistence and livelihood depend primarily upon the Olive Ridley Green Turtles’ nesting seasons. The Wildlife Refuge has created a partnership with the local village to allow villagers two days of harvesting turtle eggs during each nesting season so that they may sell the eggs to local licensed bars.

Students Learn and Earn
In order to earn the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica, students spent much of the school year learning about entrepreneurship and raising funds for the trip. They learned about market analysis, marketing, record keeping, reinvestment and analyzed the differences between developing countries and developed countries. To raise money for the trip, students developed and operated three student-run businesses: the school store provided school supplies; the Teacher Lunch Counter provided hot meals for school staff; and the MSA Care Package business provided students with essential supplies for taking the Maryland State Assessment, including a nutritious snack. Money was also raised at concession booths at several Ravens games.

Collington Square School is one of five conversion charter schools operated by the Baltimore Curriculum Project. BCP Community School Coordinator Kelia Murray and Collington Square teachers Anthony McKinney and Nicole Humphreys led the program.

President's SchoolSpot to Take Summer Vacation

With summer break upon us, The President's SchoolSpot will resume in the fall. As we did last summer, we will publish our CitySpot feature, highlighting the exciting things going on in Baltimore's neighborhoods. If you would like to suggest an individual or an initiative for the President's CitySpot, please call Council President Rawlings-Blake's office at 410-396-4699 or e-mail Marva Williams at marva.williams@baltimorecity.gov. We would also like to feature events held that show your neighborhood's spirit and unity.

Baltimore Neighborhoods: Celebrate National Night Out August 4

The 26th Annual National Night Out will be celebrated across the country on Tuesday, August 4th, 2009. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anticrime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Each community decides how it wishes to join in the celebration and in Baltimore, the evening has been celebrated with parades, cookouts, ice cream socials and candlelight vigils. To find out more about NNO and to get ideas for your event, visit the website for the National Association of Town Watch at www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno.

Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake encourages all Baltimore neighborhoods to participate in National Night Out and she wants to help you publicize your community's events. Send us your brief description of Who, What, Where, When and a Contact Phone Number, and we will include your event with all other Baltimore neighborhood celebrations in the Rawlings-Blake Roll Call.

For example:
Who: High Hill Community Association
What: Cook Out
Where: Main & Broad Streets
When: 6:30 PM until dusk
Contact Phone Number: 410-555-5555

Federal Stimulus to Enhance Baltimore City Weatherization Initiative for Low Income Families

Baltimore City will receive $15,713,551 in stimulus funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) over a three year period to weatherize the homes of 700 low-income families per year for the next three years. Weatherization services are offered at no cost to families who meet income eligibility requirements which are now set at 200% or below poverty levels. For a family of four that means $44,100 per year or less.

Weatherizing protects the interior of a home from the elements, such as sunlight or wind, to maintain stable temperatures indoors. This helps to reduce energy consumption by as much as one-third. Weatherization services include air sealing, insulation, furnace cleaning and tuning, weather-stripping, and minor health and safety repairs. The weatherization program is not able to replace or significantly repair roofs, replace primary windows and doors, or install storm windows. The house must also be weatherization ready without environmental or structural problems such as mold and severe roof problems. To apply for weatherization services, citizens should call 311.

City Council This Week

Tuesday, July 7

Hearing: Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee, James B. Kraft – Chair
10:00 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0287 Metropolitan District of Baltimore County, Extension 160

10:15 AM
09-0342 Speed Monitoring Systems - Establishment

Voting Session: Urban Affairs and Aging Committee, Agnes Welch - Chair
4:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0313 Urban Renewal-Uplands-Amendment

Thursday, July 9

Hearing: Urban Affairs and Aging Committee, Agnes Welch - Chair
4:30 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0317 Urban Renewal - Greenmount West - Amendment

Hearing: Land Use and Transportation Committee, Edward Reisinger - Chair
4:35 Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0318 Rezoning - 1500 Greenmount Avenue

Hearing: Urban Affairs and Aging Committee, Agnes Welch - Chair
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0278 Urban Renewal - Reisterstown Plaza Transit Station - Renewal Area Designation and Renewal Plan
RESCHEDULED FROM 5/28/2009

Hearing: Land Use and Transportation Committee, Edward Reisinger - Chair
5:05 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0279 Rezoning - Certain Properties in the Reisterstown Plaza Transit Station Urban Renewal Area
RESCHEDULED FROM 5/27/2009

Friday, July 10

Hearing: Community Development Subcommittee, William H. Cole – Chair
10:00 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0135R Informational Hearing - Vacant Property Security, Inc.

10:30 AM
09-0136R Investigative Hearing - Urban Modular Home Factory

Voting Session: Taxation, Finance and Economic Development Committee, Helen Holton – Chair
11:35 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0295 Fire and Police Employees’ Retirement System - Benefits

Community Events

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

Thursday, July 2

First Thursday Lunchtime Concert Series
Hopkins Plaza, noon-2pm. Featuring Part Harmony, a cappella group.

Open Studio Day at Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower
21 S. Eutaw Street, 5-9pm. Visit, tour and purchase art directly from artists working in studios at the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower. www.bromoseltzerartstower.com

First Thursday Concerts in the Park
West Mt. Vernon Park, 5:30 pm. Featuring Guggenheim Grotto and Pressing Strings.

Flicks on the Hill
American Visionary Arts Museum, 800 Key Highway. Screenings start at 9 pm; Museum is open and free between 5 and 9 pm on Flick nights. Feature: Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Friday, July 3

INDEPENDENCE DAY - BALTIMORE CITY HOLIDAY
Baltimore City Public Works’ offices will be closed. However, trash will be collected on Friday except for the Central Business District, Zone 1. See complete holiday notice

First Fridays in Canton
The Can Company, 2400 Boston St. Free outdoor live music 6-9pm and happy hour deals at participating Can Company restaurants. Featuring: Mambo Combo.

Summer Sounds at the Square
Belvedere Square, 6-9pm. Friday night outdoor concert. Featuring: Swingin' Swamis, jazz and latin.

Little Italy Open-Air Film Festival
High and Stiles Streets, Little Italy, 9pm. Folding chairs are provided on a first come basis, although attendees may wish to bring a lawn chair to assure seating comfort and availability. Feature: Moonstruck.

July 3-5

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

Saturday, July 4

Cricket Wireless Fourth Of July Celebration
Inner Harbor. Zambelli Fireworks Internationale produces the spectacular fireworks display, which begins at 9:30pm. The holiday fireworks can be viewed from several locations in downtown and beyond including Federal Hill, Fell's Point, Canton and Rash Field. 1-877-BALTIMORE.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Temporary commercial vehicle restrictions will be in effect on Saturday, July 4, 2009 from 4 pm until 3 am. During this time commercial vehicles will not be permitted in the downtown – Inner Harbor area portions of the city except for local deliveries. Complete traffic advisory

Visionary Pets on Parade at AVAM
American Visionary Arts Museum, Key Highway, 10:30am-Noon. Pets on parade, best costume, talent show. Pets must be carried or on a leash. 410-244-1900.

Upcoming/Ongoing

RFC Chess Summer Youth Chess Tournament, July 9, 3pm-6pm, Pimlico Road Arts Center, 4330 Pimlico Rd, tournament for grades K-12, a game in 10-minutes tournament. There's an entry fee. David “Pawn Master” McDuffie at 410-499-4299 or love1way@yahoo.com.

Registration ends July 15 for the 2009 AFRO Clean Green Block Competition. Winners to be announced in September. www.cleanergreener.org.

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

Robert W. Coleman Community Organization Flower Mart, Saturday, July 11, 2-6 pm rear 2200 blk. Walbrook Avenue (Quiet Place park). Live entertainment, arts and crafts, free plants for as long as they last, door prizes, games, educational material and community information.

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.

Baltimore Museum of Industry Green Kids Camp, July 13-17, 8:30am-4:30pm daily. For children entering 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Green Kids Campers participate in hands-on engineering experiments, crafts, games, urban beautification programs, and field trips, all with a focus on the environment. $175 for non-members, $160 for museum members. To register contact Lori Finkelstein at 410-727-4808 x 146 or e-mail lfinkelstein@thebmi.org

Baltimore Green Construction Event and Vendor Fair, July 16, Holiday Inn-1100 Cromwell Bridge Rd., Towson, MD, 9am-1pm. An opportunity for small, minority and women-owned construction firms and contractors to learn about green building, green initiatives affecting contractors, green construction opportunities, and more. Register at info@sbrcbaltimore.com or 443-751-7400.

Artscape, July 17-19, Mount Royal Avenue & Cathedral Street/Charles Street,
Bolton Hill neighborhood & Station North Arts & Entertainment District, Friday, 12-10pm, Saturday, 12-10pm and Sunday, 12-8pm.The region's premier celebration of the arts featuring continuous musical performances by local, regional and national talent on four outdoor stages, indoor and outdoor visual arts exhibitions, film, theater, the Artists' Market with crafts and works of art for sale, opera, dance, fashion, literary arts activities, street theater and special activities geared towards children. www.artscape.org

The Door’s Family Fun Fest 2009 Block Party/Health Fair, July 18, Noon-5pm, 200 block of N. Chester St. Health screenings, food, carnival games, financial awareness, music and more. 410-675-3288.

Women’s Business Forum, July 29, Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel, 401 W. Pratt Street, 2nd floor, 6pm-8pm. This is an opportunity to network with business women in and around the City of Baltimore and various city agencies representatives. The event is free and registration is required. Discount parking is available. RSVP to the Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development at 410-396-3818 by Friday, July 24th.

International Festival, August 1-2, Poly/Western High School, Falls Road and West Cold Spring Lane, noon-9pm daily. A celebration of Baltimore's cultural diversity with music, dancing, and a variety of ethnic foods. www.baltimorecity.gov/ifest or 410-396-3141.

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.

Assistance to help low-and fixed-income residents with cooling and heating bills is available through the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). Call the OHEP hotline at 410-396-5555 or visit the office at 2700 N. Charles St.

Mentors Needed for Community Law In Action (CLIA) is organizing a new mentoring program to connect 100 young people with 100 adult mentors. The youth are all rising 9th and 10th grade students from four Baltimore City schools--Lemmel & Garrison Middle Schools and Forest Park & Douglas High Schools. Mentors must be over 20, live in the Baltimore Metro area, and be dedicated to mentor for at least one year. Angela Hanks at 410-706-3940 or anghanks@gmail.com.

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

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