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| For far too long, the Madison Park North Apartments, a 202-unit apartment complex along West North Avenue, has long been a haven for drugs and gun violence. The violence that takes place on a daily basis in this complex has been a nuisance and keeps the residents and surrounding neighborhood in constant fear. Parents fear for their children and seniors fear for their lives.
We cannot and will not tolerate criminal activity in our neighborhoods. I am committed to using any and all enforcement tools against irresponsible landlords whose inaction threatens the health, safety, and general welfare of their residents or the general public.
This week, Baltimore decided to take strong measures to keep our residents safe. The Housing Department issued a notice of intent to revoke the Madison Park North Apartments' multiple family dwelling (MFD) license on Monday, August 16, 2010. If the MFD license is revoked, the property must cease its operation as an MFD. In the event of a license revocation it is likely that the federal government would terminate all direct rent subsidies to the landlord.
I am grateful for the efforts of Housing Commissioner Paul Graziano and his staff. They worked closely with residents, community members, and Councilman Bill Cole to prepare the necessary documentation in support of this action.
A hearing will be held in September to determine if there is sufficient evidence to establish whether the property is being used for drug related activities that constitute a nuisance and if the owner and management failed to prevent the nuisance activity. If the MFD license is revoked, Baltimore Housing and HUD will assist qualified residents in relocating to safe housing.
License revocation is just one of many resourceful public safety approaches city officials can use as part of our collaboration with prosecutors, housing officials, and police to dislodge criminal activity in troubled neighborhoods. We will continue to search for more creative solutions to public safety challenges until we have taken back all of our neighborhoods one house, one block, one street at a time.
This year, I pledged to invest in the services that are most important to making Baltimore safer. With my Comprehensive Plan, we were able to avoid layoffs and cuts to specialized units within the Police Department. Most recently, I announced a plan to hire 450 new police officers in the next year, putting more patrol officers in our communities.
This support for the Police Department, as well as the aggressive enforcement action we have taken this week, enables us to improve security and safety for the residents who live in this area and in neighborhoods throughout Baltimore. |
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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Red Line Station Design in Your Neighborhood Nominations are still being accepted to serve on the Red Line Station Area Advisory Committees (SAAC)! You can participate in the process by volunteering to serve on your area SAAC. Nominations are open until August 25. For more information and to sign up online, visit the MTA Red Line website. |
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Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar Shop for the region's freshest produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, fresh flowers and more. The bazaar returns with unique crafts and collectibles. The Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, located on Saratoga Street between Holliday and Gay streets under the Jones Falls Expressway, is open every Sunday from May 2 through December 19 from 7:00 am until sell out, approximately noon. For more information, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com. |
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Little Italy's Open Air Film Festival Fridays in August, 7:00 pm-11:00 pm
Corner of High Street & Stiles Street Presented by the Little Italy Restaurant Association, enjoy live music, free movies, and popcorn. Arrive early to eat dinner at one of Little Italy's many restaurants, set up a lawn chair, enjoy the music, and stroll the charming neighborhood.
To view the movie schedule, visit www.littleitalymd.org. |
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Can't Stand The Heat? Get Into The Zoo. Tuesdays in August
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Druid Hill Park Each Tuesday during August, the Zoo will offer half price admission for tickets purchased at the Main Gate (not applicable for online tickets). Visitors will also receive a coupon for a free frozen popsicle or ice cream treat. It's more fun (and more cool!) at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.
For more information, visit http://www.marylandzoo.org/2010/07/cant-stand-the-heat-get-into-the-zoo. |
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Summer Restaurant Week
August 13-August 22 The most delicious week of the summer returns! Enjoy a three-course meal from special prix-fixe dinner menus for $35.10 or lunch menus for $20.10 per person. At participating restaurants, you will find donation boxes for The Journey Home, Mayor Rawlings-Blake's plan to make homelessness rare and brief. While you are out enjoying Baltimore Restaurant Week, join in supporting this effort with a kind donation.
For more information and a complete list of participating restaurants, visit www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com. |
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Thursdays at the Lewis Thursday, August 19, 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 East Pratt Street Enjoy extended hours and $5 admission to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Dine, shop, and tour the galleries. Third Thursdays feature live music, light fare, and a cash bar.
For more information, visit www.africanamericanculture.org or call 443-263-1800. |
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Charm City Garden Tours Saturday, August 21, 2:00 pm-7:00 pm
Various locations Community gardens are transforming Baltimore. Visit the sites, meet the gardeners, and learn about these amazing spaces. The 2:00 tours will be followed by a Celebration For All from 5:00-7:00, located at Duncan Street Miracle Garden. A $5 donation is suggested for those attending only the party.
To register for the $15 bike tour, call 410-448-5663, ext. 128 or email community.greening@parksandpeople.org. To register for the $20 bus tour, contact Betsey Heuisler at 410-529-4692 or betsheuis@aol.com. |
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Nature Recycling Crafts Saturday, August 21 & 28, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Carrie Murray Nature Center, 1901 Ridgetop Road Stop by to make crafts from recycled materials. No pets please. Pre-registration is NOT required, and admission is $1.
To learn more, call 410-396-0808. |
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Fells Point Films on the Pier Wednesday, August 25, 8:45
Broadway Pier, Fells Point The Sound Garden and Su casa Present Films on the Pier. This Wednesday's film is "(500) Days of Summer." Make sure to bring your own chair.
For more information, visit www.fellspointmainstreet.org. |
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League of Women Voters Candidate Forums
The League of Women Voters of Baltimore City will be holding forums for candidates for State Senate and House of Delegates in the 2010 Primary Election. Forums will be held in each of Baltimore's six Legislative Districts. Both Democratic and Republican party candidates will attend and the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions.
DISTRICT 45
Wednesday, August 25, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Herring Run Watershed Center, 3545 Belair Road
DISTRICT 41
Thursday, September 2, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Forest Park Senior Center, 4801 Liberty Heights Avenue
DISTRICT 43
Thursday, September 2, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Good Samaritan Hospital, Parker Rooms 3 & 4, 3601 Loch Raven Boulevard
DISTRICT 44
Thursday, September 2, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Union Baptist Church, 1219 Druid Hill Avenue
DISTRICT 40
Tuesday, September 7, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 1900 St Paul Street
DISTRICT 46
Thursday, September 9, 6:30-8:30 pm
Virginia S. Baker Patterson Park Rec. Center, 2601 East Baltimore Street |
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It's All About the Children Saturday, September 4, 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Carroll Park, Washington Boulevard & Monroe St. This no cost event is for children in foster care and their families. The 5th annual "It's All About the Children" day serves as a fun-filled day for children in foster care and an opportunity to recognize foster care and kinder-care parents.
To volunteer, or for more information, call 410-362-3758 or visit www.iflp.org. |
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The KARS Women's Empowerment Tour
September 9-10 As part of its mission to help empower and support women in communities across the country, The KARS Consulting Group is making available $5,000 Empowerment Grants to women-owned, founded, or focused small businesses, nonprofits, or community organizations as part of its KARS Women's Empowerment Tour.
For details or to register, visit www.karsconsultinggroup.com, call 866-224-1285, or email contact@karsconsultinggroup.com. |
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