CCA Public Meeting Minutes: 02.18.2025
/CCA Public Meeting
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 (Questions Can Be Submitted on Facebook)
Location: United Evangelical Church (Dillon Street and East Avenue)
The meeting started at 6:35PM.
APPROVED
Welcoming remarks: Amanda Bourgeois, CCA President:
Amanda welcomed everyone saying we are a group of volunteers. She thanked Tutti Gusti’s for the pizzas.
Announcements:
Councilman Mark Parker:
Mark said he is grateful to be here tonight. At the next Public meeting on May 13 he’ll be able to stay a little longer. He mentioned CASA being involved in the latest immigration situation. He and City Council President Zeke Cohen are talking to community members about the Canton Middle School RFP and trying to find creative ways to use the former school. It’s being proposed to be 75% housing and 25% school asking what is the best use of the classroom and impact on the area.
Canton Library – Maddie Estrabillo:
Maddie mentioned programs for children as well as for adults. Chad Helton, the CEO of Pratt, will hold a Town Hall at the Canton Branch on Saturday, March 22 from 2-4PM.
Comptroller of Maryland, Public Engagement Officer – Deli Okafor (Brooke Lierman’s office):
She mentioned having time for people to get the necessary IRS form. Direct File is preparing and filing federal taxes online directly with the IRS. She mentioned various tax credits which can be found on marylandtaxes.gov. There will be a webinar on February 25 for seniors to learn more about credits.
HHA – B3 Fundraiser – Katie Stewart:
This will be held on Saturday, April 5 at Hampstead Hill Academy (Linwood Avenue and Eastern Avenue).
There will be food, drinks, bingo and a silent auction. They are looking for sponsors. Tickets go on sale March 7.
United Evangelical Church – Former Pastor Steven Farr:
Pastor Farr was at the church from 1985-1990. He said this is their 150th Anniversary Year with their anniversary service and dinner being held Sunday, September 21. Pastor Farr’s wife was also at the meeting. Information was in the back on the Murder Mystery Game April 27 as well as “Noah: The Musical” Saturday, December 13.
Dumpster – Maura Taylor:
This will be on Saturday, March 8 located on Lakewood Avenue near the Safeway (or if that’s not available it would probably be on O’Donnell Street nearby). It is usually there about 8AM until full. Notices are on Facebook. Metal is diverted leaving more room in the dumpster. “Dumpster diving” is allowed.
Canton Anti-Racism Alliance – John Ford:
There will be a Zoom meeting on February 24th at 6pm. The Canton Antiracism Alliance is a volunteer group that is working on a special project involving a historic marker for O'Donnell Square Park. Information is on the CCA’s FB page.
Volunteer of the Year Award – Amanda:
This annual award goes to someone who is not a Board member. Stephen Washington is being honored tonight with Amanda saying he has been great with ideas and know how. Stephen has been very involved with the “I Wonder Garden” (near Fait Avenue and Conkling Street).
Board Elections – Amanda:
Voting is being done online through noon Wednesday (per emails sent). Members who do not have computer access can get a ballot tonight from Julie Kichline. Those running for reelection are: Sheila Anderson, Rev. Jim Hamilton, Doug Kaufman, Joe Koehler, Matt Lasinski, Deborah Manarin and Maura Taylor.
Presentations:
Comptroller, Baltimore City – Bill Henry
He introduced himself and mentioned thanks for supporting him. Instead of talking about his duties, he mentioned the City Office of Real Estate working with the City Heliport. They want to move the Police Helicopter Unit from Martin State Airport and possibly the Maritime Unit currently in the Canton Waterfront to the City. The building at the Waterfront being used now might be free in about a year.
There is a master plan being developed for the Canton Waterfront. There is more helicopter traffic. Refueling is an issue. They already fly in and out of Canton during the day. Someone asked how the money issues will be done.
J Hardy from his office can get any questions people might have along with their contact information so he can get back to people. (J.Hardy@BaltimoreCity.gov)
CASA – Crisaly De Los Santos
Crisaly grew up with CASA and began her journey as a high school student. She spoke about the organization and what they are doing now with the new immigration laws advising people of their rights. There is a health and human services team. The hotline number if seeing anything suspicious is 888-214-6016.
Baltimore City Schools – Canton Middle School RFP (Request for Proposal) – Maureen Gershberg & Chanae Tynes:
This is not set in stone as they are still getting input with the deadline February 24. Saying every school in the SE is overcrowded, they are aiming to transform the currently vacant Canton Middle School building into a mixed-use facility. They propose for 25% of the building to be Early Learning (PK-1 st;); the other 75% would be for Non-Educational Use (perhaps affordable senior housing thus revenue). The Canton Middle School Building is located at 801 S. Highland Avenue, between Fait Avenue and Hudson Street. Highlandtown 215 Elementary is located at 3223 East Pratt Street and would be for 2nd -8th grades.
Cushman and Wakefield (Commercial Real Estate Services) will run the RFP process. City Schools will lead the evaluation with The City of Baltimore Planning Department and hopefully a developer will be chosen in October. The developer will fix up the building, and the City would not pay rent for 20 years. Concern was expressed that once given to a developer the City wouldn’t get the building back. Hopefully the “I Wonder Garden” can be kept.
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 8:10PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Aversa