CCA Public Meeting Minutes 9.19.2023
/CCA Public Meeting
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – Hybrid
Location: United Evangelical Church (Dillon Street and East Avenue)
The meeting started at 6:40PM.
Welcoming remarks: Doug Kaufman, CCA EDC Chair, welcomed everyone in Amanda Bourgeois’ absence.
He thanked Southern Provisions for the food tonight.
(Note: Announcements and Presentations listed below are not in exact order of being done).
Announcements:
Dumpster Day – Saturday, September 23 – Maura Taylor: This will be located at Lakewood Avenue near the Safeway. It usually arrives between 8-9AM.
Updates will be on Facebook. Metal is taken out and folks are allowed to “dumpster dive”.
Public Safety – Joe Koehler: There will be a COP walk on Monday, September 25 with Major Keira Saunders. Joe reported that about half of Canton’s blocks are covered as part of the Block Captain Program.
Canton Dog Park – Jayne Miller: Jayne said they are waiting for a meeting soon with Rec and Parks, Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). There is concern that maybe the water problem is influenced by what is going on in other areas. Large dogs are discouraged from using the small park.
Canton Waterfront Park/Railroad Transfer Bridge Historic Landmark – Dr. Ray Bahr: Dr. Bahr spoke about the designation of the Railroad Transfer Bridge as a historic landmark by the City of Baltimore. This celebration will take place at the Canton Waterfront on Thursday, September 21 at 4PM.
Higher Achievement – Josh Bailey: Volunteers are needed to help mentor 5th-8th grade students. Mentors are needed at Highlandtown, Lakeland and Mt. Royal Middle Schools
CCA Bloom Box Fall Fundraiser/Partnership – Zach Spedden: This is a local online garden center. Plants, mums, etc. will be delivered right to your home. Participation is required by September 30 with 15% of the purchase amount going to the CCA.
Day of Giving – Doug: The annual Day of Giving (collecting canned goods, Christmas gifts for children and coats) will be Saturday, December 9 on the Square. It is in partnership with the Exchange Club of Highlandtown/Canton.
Presentations:
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Office – Telik Johnson: Mr. Johnson feels that the Citation Docket Process is working. He can be reached at 410-855-5578. He left information here at the meeting. Someone asked if there is an update on Darrell Benner who was killed a few weeks ago. The update from Major Keira Saunders is that they have prints but no suspect.
Reading Partners – Christine Pannell and Jessica Johnson-Clay: They left information for those attending this meeting tonight. Volunteers are needed. Contact information is 410-585-7600, volunteerBAL@readingpartners.org.
Team 46 – Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, Delegates Mark Edelson (former CCA President) and Robbyn Lewis. (Luke Clippinger could not be present) Senator Ferguson recognized former House Delegate Pete Hammen and former City Councilman Jim Kraft.
Mark said that the Ways and Means Committee raises the money and the House Appropriations Committee spends it. He is now on the House Transportation and Environment subcommittee as Vice Chair and is enjoying it.
Senator Ferguson has served in the State Senate for 13 years. He mentioned there is discussion of making the water system (which also serves Baltimore County) a regional one. He made available tonight The Senate Standard listing the 2023 Legislative Session Highlights.
The Red Line has $100,000,000 for planning. Different options are on the table. Senator Ferguson said there are deficits and hard decisions to make. An east-west corridor is needed. Meetings and hearings are being held. Doug mentioned later in the meeting there will be working sessions held by the CCA for the Red Line.
The MTA is struggling on hiring. Hopefully this will improve. There is the question of whether transit should be regional. The Transportation Trust Fund is dedicated to support the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).
Senator Ferguson remarked that this is the first time in 80 years that all officers (Governor, State Comptroller and Maryland Attorney General) have changed at the same time. He feels the next three years are very important.
Questions: Someone asked about the Juvenile Justice Reform Act and if there are any updates. Senator Ferguson said that Delegate Clippinger usually talks about that issue. Saying that the data shows juvenile violence is down, he recognizes that kids are not okay for various reasons – social media and access to illegal guns among reasons. Everyone is focused on this problem.
There was a question about the Baltimore Peninsula. Leasing is being done with residential moving quickly.
There is a shortage of police officers with no real comment. Hiring is an acute issue.
Recognition of Darryl Jurkiewicz – Doug: Doug said tonight is special as we are recognizing Darryl Jurkiewicz for his years of service to the southeast area. Senator Ferguson presented a citation from the Maryland Senate. Delegate Edelson presented one from Baltimore City in Councilman Zeke Cohen’s absence. There was also one from Comptroller Brooke Lierman from the Comptroller’s office.
Denise Aversa, CCA Secretary, read something from Steve Strohl, former CCA President before Darryl.
Darryl appreciated the recognition and especially thanked his wife, Mary, since he spent a lot of time answering emails and attending meetings. He repeated what he said at many meetings that people will hopefully get involved.
Neighborhood Coordination Committee – Jim Murphy and Ricardo Cabreja, Police Officers: They can help with various issues. Among them are barking dogs, squatters and loud music being played
Officer Murphy urges residents to have packages delivered elsewhere if necessary.
The block captain program is good for neighbors. Someone asked if the plans for the Police Department to be a City agency will affect them. This shouldn’t happen.
Jill Murphy Jill.Murphy@BaltimorePolice.org
Ricardo Cabreja ricardo.cabreja@baltimorepolice.org
Department of Public Works (DPW) – Larry Nunley, Liaison: Mr. Nunley spoke about the importance of getting confirmation numbers when calling 311 about various issues This helps him investigate issues.
He mentioned the Veterans Day Parade on Friday, November 10 at noon starting at the Washington Monument. They are looking at getting recycling back to every week. He asked that people don’t put recyclables in bags. Larry.nunley@baltimorecity.gov. His number is 443-615-2626.
Delegate Robbyn Lewis: She recognized Darryl and thanked him for his work over the years. She realizes there are problems with buses and tech issues, reliability and GPS tracking. She mentioned the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) regarding the buses and will try to find out its status.
Closing Remarks – Doug: Thank you to everyone who came to the meeting tonight. CCA Committees could always use help.
You can reach us at info@cantoncommunity.org. Let us know if you are interested in the Get Lit program or the O’Donnell Square Park Buy-A-Brick program (also being sold at the Canton Dog Park).
Special thanks to Southern Provisions for providing the food tonight and for the United Evangelical Church for providing the space.
The meeting officially adjourned at 8:10PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Aversa