CCA August 2021 Public Meeting Recap
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The CCA held their third quarter Public Meeting on Tuesday, August 17 so we have tons of info to share! Topics include sustainability/plastic bag ban, tax credits, the Baltimore City water billing system, Boston Street traffic calming efforts, Dypski Park, and more. Here are some of the highlights.
• CCA Sustainability PopUp
Join CCA on Wednesday, September 22 from 5-7pm at O’Donnell Square Park for a Sustainability PopUp. Say hi to your neighbors, learn about the new Baltimore City Plastic Bag Ban and how you can prepare in advance. The best way? Pick up one of the new foldable, reusable CCA totes!
Effective October 1, 2021, the Comprehensive Bag Reduction Act bans single-use plastic check-out bags at the point of sale, pickup, or delivery. Baltimore businesses must charge a minimum of $0.05 for each alternative bag distributed at check out, of which $0.01 must be remitted to the city. To learn more, visit https://www.baltimoresustainability.org/projects/bringyourbag.
• Dypski Park
After several years of planning, Dypski Park, located at 1213 S. Ellwood, is finally being renovated!! The historic pavilion, which was once at the center of O’Donnell Square, is being moved to Leakin Park and its deconstruction is underway. The completion of the new park design is expected to take approximately a year and the public can expect closures throughout the process.
• Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
The PBRC is Maryland’s hub for pro bono (free) civil legal assistance provided by volunteers. Here are some of the ways neighbors can get help that were discussed during our meeting:
Avoid Eviction (Landlord/Tenant Law)
Rental Assistance Program – contact www.BmoreChildren.com
Tenant Hotline 443.703.3053
Topics include failure to pay rent, breach of lease, court appearances
Home Preservation Project (Foreclosure and Taxes)
Homeowners Property Tax Credit – income based
Homestead Tax Credit – keeps your property tax assessment stay low
To apply for these property tax credits visit www.Dat.maryland.gov – select “Tax Credit Application” from the list of Online Services.
Housing Counselor – www.hud.gov/resources
Estate Planning – Get help setting up documents, preparing your will, etc., Call 443.730.3052 for more info.
• Civic Works COVAX Outreach Hotline
If you need help getting your Covid-19 Vaccination, call 410.929.5448 or email COVAXoutreach@civicworks.com. Civic Works can help with registration, arranging transportation, and obtaining other information.
• Boston Street Traffic Calming
Department of Transportation (DOT) Legislative Affairs Manager Liam Davis joined us to talk about improving public safety along the Boston Street corridor in Canton. He presented a proposed concept to start at the intersection of Boston Street, Montford Avenue, and Hudson Street. As shown in the graphic, this plan would provide the following:
● Channelizing concrete island on Hudson St. to slow down turns, provide pedestrian refuge/protection
● Median Delineation on Boston St. to slow down sweeping left-turns
● Dedicated turning movement signal modification
● New crosswalks for all crossings at the intersection Boston St. and S. Montford Ave./Hudson St.
● ADA ramp upgrades depending on available funding
● Questions and feedback should go to grishae.blackette@baltimorecity.gov
We also discussed Red Light and Speed Cameras on Boston Street. Residents can use 311 to request an Automated Camera Investigation. Submit form to ATVES.Project@Baltimroecity.gov. Also, there are state regulations on speed cameras that the City DOT has to adhere to: https://roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/index.aspx. Please watch the video in full for more information.
• Baltimore City Water Billing Issues – DPW (Customer Turnaround Project)
Matthew Garbark, the Deputy Director at the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW), joined us to share information about the continuing challenges of the city’s water billing system and plans the city has to address them.
Here are some highlights.
• In 2016, Baltimore City DPW implemented 3 changes: meters changed to digital, new billing system, new rate structure (actual consumption billing)
• In 2021, the City brought in 2 expert consultants to audit the department (please refer to the video for details)
• WaterBillPortal.baltimorecity.gov – residents can register and see daily consumption, alerts, etc. (Note: you cannot pay your bill here.)
• If you are not satisfied with the City’s resolution, there is an appeal process via the Environmental Control Board (Hearing officers render decision separate from DPW)
• For more information, contact Matthew Garbark at Matt.Garbark@baltimorecity.gov.
• Neighbor, John Woods, has battled an inflated bill and has compiled info and is willing to chat will neighbors to help, if possible. You can email him at woods.johnt@gmail.com.
• Please refer to the video for specifics.
• Solar Energy
Want to learn more about how solar panels are now being installed on flat roofs and pergolas to accommodate city residents? Contact Jesse Wilensky of Revolution Solar at jesse@revolutionsolar.energy or 301-385-0637. Website www.revolutionsolar.energy.
To watch the meeting in full, you can check it out below: