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Our New Electronic Newsletter
December 2007
The Midtown Community Benefits District is introducing our new electronic newsletter.  We expect to use this medium to keep you up to date on the news, issues, policies and practices of the district.  Please feel free to refer your friends and neighbors for subscriptions to this publication, or contact us if you wish to be removed from our list. We expect to send out this brief newsletter once a month.
 
Public Safety Initiatives in Midtown
 

The Midtown Community Benefits District is looking at ways to increase public safety throughout the district.  Among the possibilities being considered by the Midtown Operations Committee is the use of camera technology (non-blue-light), improved street-lighting,strategic fencing and gating, emergency call boxes, and helping neighborhoods develop and expand Citizens on Patrol (COP) programs. We are working with the Baltimore City Police Department in an effort to increase police patrols through the district.

 

Midtown is researching camera technology and seeking proposals from security consultants to look at the installation of actively monitored security cameras in each of the four Midtown neighborhoods.  Initially the proposal for a pilot project may include two sites for camera locations in each neighborhood. These pilot projects will provide the Midtown Board with the information it needs to determine if security cameras installed throughout the neighborhood are desirable, feasible, and affordable.  

 
 
Baltimore City Police Tip
Every car thief in the city is hoping you don't read this
Auto theft and larceny are on the rise. FBI data indicates that city drivers are more likely than suburban motorists to become victims of vehicle theft. It takes mere seconds for a thief to break into your car - whether in an attempt to steal personal belongings or the car itself. Here's what you can do to reduce your chances of being victimized:
  • Remove your keys from the ignition and take them with you
  • Do not leave any extra sets of keys in the car
  • Take valuables with you or keep them out of sight
  • Park in populated, well-lit areas
  • Close your windows and sunroof
  • Lock your car doors
  • Use a steering wheel lock
  • Post theft prevention decals
  • Install a kill switch, warning light and/or an audible alarm

    It takes little effort to put any of these tips into practice, and it could make all the difference.

    For more information on how you can deter car thieves, contact the Auto Unit at 410-396-2005.
     
    • SINGLE STREAM RECYCLING COMES TO MIDTOWN!
    New consumer friendly process starts in January. Bins available at Midtown's office.

    BannerBeginning January 8, 2007 recycling in Baltimore City becomes easier! ALL recyclables will be set out in one bin on the same day.e Stream Recycle

    Acceptable Material that may be combined in one container includes metal (aluminum, tin, and steel food and beverage containers), plastic (bottles and jars with the numbers 1 - 7 on the bottom), glass (bottles and jars), mixed paper (all colors, mail, books, newsprint, folders, magazines, cardboard, cereal boxes, office and school paper) ONLY the items above are acceptable! 

    For example: Do not put items such as window glass, used food containers, waxed boxes, or aluminum foil into your recycling container. This means all of your recyclables-paper, cardboard, glass bottles, plastic bottles and jars (with 1 - 7 on the bottom), metal, aluminum, and tin cans-can now go into one container, put out on your normal day.

    Do not use plastic bags for your recyclables. Plastic bags are no longer acceptable. Recycling will no longer be collected on Mondays. Your current paper recycling collection day will become your new single stream recycling collection day. Single stream recycling will be collected on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays through Fridays; depending on your recycling zone.

    When setting out single stream recycling, citizens have 3 options: purchase and use a recycling bin; use a container of choice that is clearly marked as recycling material; or use a cardboard box.

    Low cost recycling bins are on sale at the Midtown office, 1221 N. Calvert Street. Please call 410 528-1512 to check on availability.  Twenty-five gallon bins sell for $12 and 18 gallon bins sell $5.00.  

    You are not required to use these bins, but you may no longer use the blue bags.  You may use a carton, a paper bag or most other containers if clearly marked "Recycling."

    For additional information, including drop off locations and recycling bins, please dial 311, or go to www.cleanergreenerbaltimore.org or www.baltimorecity.gov.

    Board of Ed Approves Montessori Charter School for Midtown
    Montessori 
    Goal is to serve children through grade 6 by 2010
     

    Plans by the Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School (PCS) to open in the Midtown area in September 2008 received approval from the Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS).  he new school has "a vision is to nurture a love of learning in a family-like environment," according to organizer Allison Shecter, " by providing an extraordinary and proven Montessori public school experience for families living in Baltimore City.  We are especially interested in bringing together a harmonious community of caring families from diverse backgrounds."

    A charter school is a non-profit public school of choice that has the flexibility to use innovative methods of education while being highly accountable for effective school management and student achievement.  Like all charter schools, Baltimore Montessori PCS will have no admission tests or fees and will be open to all city residents through a lottery.  The school will open with children ages three through nine (4th grade) and will expand annually, serving approximately 156 children up to age 11 (6th grade) by 2010.

    Guided by the century-old principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, which are supported by current research, the school's mission is to prepare an environment that is responsive to each child's unique developmental needs, abilities and interests.  Our whole-child approach will foster respect for oneself, for others and for the environment.  The Baltimore Montessori PCS goal is to develop all its students to their full potential through mixed-age groupings, integrated curriculum, peace education, uninterrupted work periods, hands-on materials, art exploration and freedom within limits.  

    The school has developed a consultative partnership with the Washington Montessori Institute at Loyola College.  There are approximately 300 public Montessori schools in the United States.  Baltimore Montessori PCS looks forward to being the first public school of choice in Baltimore to offer an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) curriculum.  For more information, contact Allison Shecter at 410-602-2642 or baltimoremontessoricharter@gmail.com.
    Peter Merles, District Administrator
    Midtown Community Benefits District
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