CCA Public Meeting Minutes: 9.17.2024
/CCA Public Meeting
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – (Questions Can Be Submitted on Facebook)
Location: United Evangelical Church (Dillon Street and East Avenue)
The meeting started at 6:30PM.
Welcoming remarks: Amanda Bourgeois, CCA President, welcomed everyone.
She thanked Tutti Gusti for the food tonight. Also thanks go to the United Evangelical Church for hosting the meeting.
Amanda said we have a packed agenda tonight. MCB Real Estate will not be presenting their plans for Harborplace due to the recent court decision on the Referendum – Ballot Question F (this will be discussed later in the meeting).
(Below not necessarily in order of being presented)
Presentations:
SE District Police – Major Alberto Colon:
Major Alberto Colon spoke and said some crimes are down. There have been some incidents at Conkling Street and Highland Avenue. What determines a “carjacking” depends on circumstances. Officer Saunders and Sergeant Arias were also with him.
Baltimore City Fire Department – Captain John Burke:
Captain Burk and another fire fighter spoke about roof top decks and the danger of fires starting there and being difficult to fight. The fires on Hudson Street started on the deck. Propane for grills can be dangerous if not handled properly. A metal container should always be kept on the deck. He said that grills should really be kept off decks. He said fire extinguishers are inexpensive and easy to use. Residents are always welcome to bring concerns to firehouses. It was asked about cars parking close to fire hydrants. Because of police shortages, the police cannot always get to ticket these cars or have them towed. Dangerous houses have been designated by red placards so firefighters don’t enter those houses.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors (also plug-in ones) are recommended on each floor. The City does supply smoke detectors; however, they don’t supply those for carbon monoxide.
With the holidays coming, more cooking will be done. People should be mindful of extension cords, candles, etc. A good suggestion for older people is to keep a list of their meds near the refrigerator.
Department of Public Works (DPW) – Community Outreach and Engagement – Chris Munroe:
Chris showed a presentation about Water Contract 1313 – Water Main Replacement Project Details covering Upper Fells Point and West Canton. About 1,500 miles of water mains are maintained by DPW. The upcoming work will improve water flow and quality and minimize breaks. The contract has been awarded and work should start soon and hopefully done by the summer or 2026. Letters are always sent ahead of time as well as doorhangers. No parking signs will be posted 72 hours ahead of time. There should only be a minimum disruption to water usage.
Chris is the Construction Project Supervisor; email is Christopher.Munroe@BaltimoreCity.gov; his cell is 802-598-1155; publicworks.baltimorecity.gov.
As more information is available, it will be sent to the CCA.
Inner Harbor Coalition – Michael Brassert and David Benn:
Michael spoke about the group forming saying the Inner Harbor area is dedicated as public land which is owned by the City. Their group, InnerHarborCoalition.org, is opposed to Ballot Question F. This Question asks voters whether they want to turn several acres of public park at the Inner Harbor into a commercial, mixed-use development that includes apartment buildings and parking. Someone asked about a traffic impact study; however, none was done.
For now their group won in court. David feels that even though ballots have been printed, votes on this matter will not count. However, this is being appealed so voters are encouraged to vote no on Question F. There are upcoming meetings planned before the election. Harborplace Forum is a group on Facebook.
Announcements:
Canton Ace Hardware Ladies Night – October 15 – Amanda:
Amanda said a few Board members will be there talking to people, telling them about the CCA and pointing to our swag which is sold there.
Canton Day of Giving – December 14 – Amanda:
This is with the Exchange Club of Highlandtown/Canton and is held on O’Donnell Square.
Toys are collected along with can goods. Santa makes an appearance.
Exchange Club of Highlandtown/Canton Charity Bowling Event – September 24 – Denise Aversa:
This year the Club is having a bowling event instead of a golf tournament. It is at Mustang Alley’s at 1300 Bank Street. Denise spoke of the Club’s charity endeavors during the year. Fliers were left at the front table.
I Wonder Garden (801 S. Highland Avenue) – Steven Washington:
Steven spoke of major renovations to be done there involving structures being realigned. Mulching will be done. Free composting is also offered at the site.
United Evangelical Events/Announcement – Rev. Stephen Fair:
Rev. Fair was the pastor here a number of years ago. The church will be celebrating over 150 years of bringing faith, hope and love to the Canton Community. A special worship will be held September 21, 2025 ending a year of celebration.
Dumpster Days – November 2- Amanda:
The next one is November 2. Since it usually fills up quickly people are encouraged to get there early. It is usually located on Lakewood Avenue in back of the Safeway. A lot of metal is repurposed leaving more room in the dumpster.
THREAD – Gaviota Del Mar Hernandez Quinones – Partnerships and Recruitment Manager:
Gaviota passed out information on this nonprofit. Their site is: join.thread.org.
Closing Remarks – Amanda:
Amanda thanked everyone who participated in and attended the meeting. We can be reached at info@cantoncommunity.org. The meeting officially adjourned at 8:20PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Aversa