CCA Public Meeting Minutes 09 13 2022
/CCA Public Meeting
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Location: United Evangelical Church (Dillon Street and East Avenue)
The meeting started at 6:35PM.
Welcoming remarks Amanda Bourgeois, CCA President:
This meeting is streaming live on Facebook. We are also trying a hybrid option tonight.
Announcements:
Canton Canopy – Amanda B:
Amanda said that Canton Canopy is a subsidiary of the CCA and have done an amazing job of planting trees. The planting dates are November 5 and 12 (19th as a backup). More information can be found on the CCA website.
Brick Program – Amanda B:
This program is currently on hold. We are running out of space in the O’Donnell Square Park. Lauren Davino is stepping down so a new person is needed to handle the program.
Canton Ace Hardware Ladies Night – September 20 – Amanda B:
Amanda and Emily Todd (CCA Board member) will be at this upcoming event. There will be different vendors.
Church on the Square – Rev. Jim Hamilton
Jim said he is grateful to invite people to their various programs. These include gymnastics for kids and Yoga on Wednesday nights. Taking food to various places (including the Hatton Senior Center) was started during the pandemic. A new food program will soon start on Sundays. Jim also started a relationship with Cuba. All happenings will be posted to the church’s website as well as the CCA’s FB page.
Canton Dog Park – Clinton and Toone Streets– Julie Kichline:
Julie said volunteers have helped at the park. Recs and Parks had the water leak fixed. A fall event is being planned.
Transportation Committee – Chris Broughton
Chris reported that the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) has started surveys for the Regional Transit Plan (RTP) Corridor Study between Towson and downtown Baltimore. There are seven (7) options including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Heavy Rail Transit (subway). .
Wolfe and/or Washington Streets will become multi-purpose streets including dedicated bike lanes. This is being done for traffic calming purposes.
Work is continuing on the Greenway Trails for biking and hiking.
Baylis and O’Donnell Streets now have four-way stop signs although Chris feels this is not a long-term solution. It was asked about the earlier option to have Baylis a one-way street. This was not favored by the residents.
There are now crosswalks on Curley Street at O’Donnell Square.
Updates:
Southeast District (SED) Police Update – Lieutenant Ed Hernandez:
Lt. Hernandez said that burglary and larceny numbers are down. However, larceny numbers as far as shoplifting (Rite Aid, Safeway, etc.) are slightly alarming. Amanda mentioned the block captain program, cameras and community impact statements. It was also suggested to keep outside lights on since any camera footage will be clearer.
No one should be in a city park after dusk. Lt. Hernandez said if we see suspicious activity, to please call 911 first before putting it on social media.
Recreation and Parks – Carlos Camacho:
The opening ceremony for Dypski Park will take place Friday, September 16 at 10AM (at 1213 S. Ellwood Avenue). Carlos said there are different events being planned for September. There will also be Hispanic Heritage events. His email is: c.camacho@baltimorecity.gov
Noise Issues/Outdoor Dining/Live Entertainment:
At this point someone asked about noise complaints not at the WTMD Canton Waterfront Park but local weekend events. The Health Department regulates the noise. The Zoning meeting for Mama’s was cancelled today.
There was a discussion about outdoor dining. This is a decision to be made by the City at the end of the year. It was mentioned that emergency vehicles can get through O’Donnell Street. If someone sees a truck violation, please take a picture, get the license number and call 311.
A few people asked about the noise levels at Mama’s On The Half Shell and any possible noise violations. Mark Edelson, (former CCA President and current Board member) said our Economic Development Committee (EDC) is set up to deal with any Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a bar/restaurant for outdoor dining and live entertainment. Doug Kaufman chairs the EDC. People are encouraged to check for meetings.
Canton Library – Morgan Stanton:
Morgan thanked those who supported the library especially during the pandemic. There are many great programs. He thanked the Friends of the Canton Library. They still have tests and masks for distribution. He praised Lisa Bintrim the Children’s Librarian.
CCA Gold Business Member - Deborah Manarin – Real Estate Agent - RE/MAX:
Deborah said she is happy to be at the meeting.
District 1 Councilperson Update – Maggie Master, Chief of Staff:
As far as the noise problems, Maggie feels that the various City agencies are not talking to one another as far as who controls what. She did say that speakers are not allowed after 11PM. Councilman Zeke Cohen is working to reestablish an Office of Aging. There is funding for a crisis response team since the police are having to respond to too many of these type calls. Work is being done on trying to deescalate school conflicts.
Dumpster Day – Maura Taylor:
This took place last Saturday, Sept. 10 on the Safeway property close to Lakewood Avenue and O’Donnell Street. Approximately 600 lbs. of metal got recycled.
Blue Water Program – Darryl Jurkiewicz:
Darryl mentioned the Blue Water Program “2022 Cheers to Clean Water” across Baltimore on Saturday, September 17 at 9AM - https://bluewaterbaltimore.org/cheers-to-clean-water-signup/.
Closing Remarks – Amanda B:
Amanda thanked Stephanie from 2910 on the Square who sold CCA things. We’ll need to find another place now. Committees needing help are: Membership, Sustainability, Arts and Social. Maybe we can have happy hours again!
You can reach us atinfo@cantoncommunity.org.
The next CCA Public meeting is scheduled for November 15, 2022.
The meeting officially adjourned at 8:05PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Aversa