CCA Public Meeting Minutes 02 28 2023
/CCA Public Meeting
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 – Hybrid (Questions Can Be Submitted on Facebook) APPROVED
Location: United Evangelical Church (Dillon Street and East Avenue)
The meeting started at 6:35PM.
Welcoming remarks: Amanda Bourgeois, CCA President, welcomed everyone saying we are trying to have a hybrid format.
Announcements:
CCA Board Elections February – Amanda: Emails were sent out to members to vote online by 12:30PM Wednesday, March 1. Those up for reelection are: Sheila Anderson, Jim Hamilton, Doug Kaufman, Joe Koehler, Matt Lasinski, Zach Spedden and Maura Taylor. Deborah Manarin is new.
Amanda noted that Mark Edelson and Torbin Green are stepping down from the Board. She thanked them for the work they’ve done over the years. They don’t have the time to devote now.
Camera Grant – Amanda: Canton has received grant funding for cameras to be placed in business areas. Brewers Hill, Patterson Park and Highlandtown are also involved. The community will be kept posted.
Earth Day Clean Up – April 22- Amanda: If anyone is interested, email info@cantoncommunity.org.
St. Patrick’s Day Festivities – Amanda/Matt Lasinski: Matt is the owner of Southern Provisions on Potomac and O’Donnell Streets. There is the Irish Stroll March 4.
The festivities on the Square will be Friday and Saturday, March 17 & 18. Trash will be handled within a three-block radius. Police officers and the fire marshal will be present. O’Donnell Street between Potomac Street and Linwood Avenue will be closed Friday PM to Sunday AM.
Little disruption is expected for businesses. Amanda said that Matt is on “top of things”.
Church on the Square – Maura Taylor: Jim Hamilton and Maura Taylor are helping March 17 & 18. If someone needs assistance, the COTS is available from 10PM to 1:30AM. This will be advertised on social media.
Also, the next upcoming concert is Friday, March 3.
Merchandise Sales Update – Amanda: Since 2910 on the Square closed, the CCA is partnering with Ace Hardware to sell the CCA merchandise. Details are being worked on now.
2023 Dumpster Day Dates – Maura Taylor: The dates are: March 11, June 3, September 23 and November 4. The location is Lakewood Avenue near the Safeway. The dumpster is usually delivered between 8-9A. It usually fills up within two hours. Updates will be posted on social media.
Volunteer of the Year – Amanda/Jayne Miller: This is done every February. Jayne presented awards to three people who have been “superb volunteers” – at the Dog Park - Jason, Tony and Ali.
Canton Dog Park – Jayne: Saying this is on City land, there is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rec and Parks. It is in
Its 21st year, and is the oldest off-leash park in the City. A major project was done last year with digging trenches and a wall. There will be a meeting soon with Rec and Parks to discuss this “lake” issue. A fundraiser for June is being planned. Donations are always welcomed.
Hampstead Hill Academy (HHA) – B3 Event – Saturday, April 29 - Amanda:
Presentations:
Canton Library – Morgan Stanton: This Enoch Pratt branch, the oldest in the City, provides a lot of services. There are no late fees. Copies (up to 20) can be made free of charge.
Morgan said that Lisa Bintrim, Children’s Librarian, has many programs throughout the week. There are other programs being planned especially regarding gardening. On Thursday, May 11, E. Evans Paull, author of Stop The Road, will be a guest speaker.
(At this point Amanda introduced Jim, Doug and Deborah up for election).
Blue Cross/Blue Shield in Canton – Shakia Colbert: Shakia thanked the CCA for inviting her tonight. Blue Cross is offering free classes and various resources for Canton. They want to bring health and wellness to the area. BC/BS insurance is not required for residents to participate
Department of Transportation Traffic Calming Update – Liam Davis/Robert O’Brien: They passed out DOT Concept Designs for Boston Street at Ellwood Avenue and Boston at Potomac Street for traffic calming purposes. It was also mentioned that developers have to pay for traffic mitigation studies.
They want to do resurfacing on Boston between Kenwood Avenue and Clinton Street. Liam said they welcome all feedback.
They know that the area at Hudson, Boston and Montford Avenue is a problem. Liam can get data on violations of the red-light camera at Boston and Aliceanna Streets. It was asked if parking restrictions can be lifted along Boston Street. The traffic engineers need to look into this. There are plans for “pedestrian refuge” where a pedestrian can wait if finishing crossing the street isn’t possible. It’s a small section of pavement or sidewalk.
Baltimore City Police Department – Major Keira Saunders: She said she has 15 police in the southeast per shift so she cannot have police at each corner all the time. Major Saunders said stolen autos is big in this area especially Hyundais. She urges us not to leave anything visible in our cars. She suggested leaving car keys in a metal box in the home
District 1 Councilman Zeke Cohen Updates – Maggie Master, Chief of Staff: The councilman has introduced legislation to strengthen rules about slum landlords. Inspections will be required. A safety grant of $1.4 million is available. The City wants to improve the 311 system and make it user friendly. The feeling is that the Deputy Chief, Majors, the new Sheriff and Baltimore City State’s Attorney are all on the same page.
Board of Liquor License Commissioners – Baltimore City – Matt Achhammer: Matt is our Community Liaison. He said to please call 311 for any complaints.
Closing Remarks – Amanda B: You can reach us at info@cantoncommunity.org.
Special thanks to Tutti Gusti’s 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