CCA Public Meeting Minutes 02 15 2022
/CCA Public Meeting
Tuesday, February 15, 2022 VIA ZOOM
The meeting started at 6:30PM
(Comments and questions are being monitored on Facebook and being livestreamed).
Welcoming remarks: Mark Edelson:
Mark encouraged people to join the CCA for $10 which includes getting the monthly newsletter as well as being able to vote on public-related issues at meetings. Board elections are tonight with officer elections at the March Board meeting. He said it has been a wonderful four years as he is not running again for President.
Board Elections – Members can vote now by logging into the CCA website (an email was sent)
Mark introduced the following:
Denise Aversa Emily Todd Amanda Bourgeois Vic Victoriano Adrienne Ekas-Mueting Michael Woollen Jayne Miller Joe Montanye (non incumbent)
Announcements:
Department of Public Works (DPW) – Larry Nunley:
Larry introduced Yolanda Winkler who spoke about recycling, the new blue cans and trash pickup. She mentioned their four-pronged approach: Equity, eradication, education and enforcement. The water bill assistance program has started. Bulk trash has resumed on a modified schedule.
They hope to bring back street cleaning which is needed. She also mentioned a job program for youth. Yolanda is working on a Resident Advisory Committee where residents can consult with DPW. A task force is working on water bill management.
Neighborhood Volunteer Honors – Amanda Bourgeois:
Stephanie Fleishman, owner of 2910 on the Square, received a “Lifetime Volunteer of the Year 2022” award for the many things she has done over the years.
Robbyn Lewis, State Delegate, presented Dr. Ray Bahr with a citation from the State as a symbol of appreciation especially for his history project. Also, Councilman Zeke Cohen presented Dr. Bahr with a citation from the City.
Church on the Square Updates – Rev. Jim Hamilton:
Jim said the “Music on the Square” Concert Series has resumed. The next one is Friday, March 11.
A portion of the proceeds from the concerts will go to a partnership being formed to help the homeless. partnership.
Jim is also working with the Hatton Senior Center along with Morgan Stanton (Canton Library) to create programs.
Yoga is back for free in-person sessions at the church on Wednesdays at 7PM (also virtual).
Presentation – Canton Library – Children’s Programs - Lisa Bintrim:
Lisa said the library is back to normal hours with a return to in-person programs in March and Storytime back in April. Children’s kits will be available to pickup soon. People are encouraged to get involved.
Announcements:
Dumpster Days – Maura Taylor
The dates are March 12, June 4, September 10 and November 5 in the rear parking lot of the Broom Factory.
Free Composting Site – Julie Kichline:
This free site will be at the “I Wonder Garden” (Hudson and Baylis Streets). There will be a pop-up there on Saturday, March 19, with free buckets given out for food scraps.
Economic Development Committee (EDC) Update – Doug Kaufman:
Two Electric Charging Stations - the City is working with BGE on this project located on Boston Street near the Circle and St. Casimir. Four parking spaces will be affected. This was supported by the Transportation committee, EDC and the CCA.
Lee’s Pint & Shell (Linwood Avenue and Hudson Street) – Doug said there was a good meeting with Lee’s and residents regarding outside events and a proposed balcony. He thanked the Hatton Center for use of their space. Hopefully, there will be a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for each event.
St. Casimir Bank development – Foster Avenue – the developer recently met with the HOA and will resend any changes to the EDC.
2206 Cambridge Street - There are four structures to be recreated.
St. Brigid’s Development (Hudson and Ellwood) – the area is enclosed now. Doug isn’t sure of the timeline.
Dypski Park – Doug isn’t sure of plans although Mark said they are moving forward.
Announcements:
St. Patrick’s Day Festivities Saturday March 12 – Amanda:
Since some bars already have permits, she isn’t sure if additional ones are needed. Claddagh’s will have a tent up through March 17. Amanda will be attending a meeting soon. She hasn’t heard of any requests for bar crawls yet.
Presentation – SE Public Safety Task Force – Maggie Master (Councilman Zeke Cohen’s Chief of Staff):
Maggie is having a conversation about challenging issues and is getting various neighborhoods involved.
Her email is Maggie.Master@baltimorecity.gov
Miscellaneous - Councilman Zeke Cohen:
Councilman Cohen said the high BGE prices are due to the Public Service Commission approving a three-year rate increase. Inflation also has played a big part. He said if anyone gets an unusually high bill to please send to his office.
Non Profits have submitted requests for funds from the American Rescue Plan.
Homelessness is a big problem all over the country. City Council bills are in the works for affordable housing.
Council President Nick Mosby is working on a program for $1 houses to be rehabbed.
Councilman Cohen is involved with training of all aspects of trauma care.
The annual Healing City Summit returns February 28 through March 5, 2022.
Closing remarks - Mark:
Please contact us at info@cantoncommunity.org.
The meeting ended at 8:15PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Aversa