The 12/5 WIA Meeting was
opened by 2nd Vice President Frank
Williams.
He introduced Lt. Swan,
Firefighter Pierson & CO Adkins from Engine Co #56, 6512 Harford Rd.
Lt. Swan spoke about the
importance of CO & smoke detectors in the home.
Both are required by law in
Baltimore City. The Fire Department provides free smoke detectors, which are available
through 311. A fact sheet was passed out.
Next, Off. Blumberg from BPD
Neighborhood Services Unit spoke about how to avoid being a victim of theft during
the X-Mas season, including disposing of product packaging so that new items
are not obvious (particularly electronics), keeping home exteriors well lit all
night, use an inexpensive LOUD alarm, and engrave personal property with your
Drivers License #. Other tips to deter crime are: avoid walking alone, carry handbags
under your coat, don’t walk & talk on your cell phone and be aware of people
around you, including making eye contact.
The PD will do free security
assessments of your house, this can be scheduled through the Neighborhood
Services Unit.
Lastly he invited WIA to “Coffee
with a Cop” on 12/15 from 9:30am -
11:00am at McDonald's, 5713 Belair Rd. to meet the officers that patrol our neighborhood
& discuss any concerns. If attendance is good this will become a regular event.
Other upcoming events are:
12/15 “Goods for Guns” from 10:00am – 2:00pm at
City College on E. 33rd St
12/17 Christmas caroling and
visiting with residents of Angel’s Cove, 5404 Belair Rd - Christmas caroling and
visiting with residents at 6:30pm
Brandon Scott invited us to
celebrate the anniversary of his first year in office on 12/6, He then discussed
the upcoming BMZA hearing for an automotive repair & body shop at 4700-4706
Belair Rd. He is not personally in favor, “as car lots have caused vacancies in
the corridor, and we need to have businesses that are good stewards to the
neighborhood”. He will speak to the zoning board about WIA’s position (not in
favor). Some discussion ensued regarding the current zoning status of the
property, and zoning changes needing approval to have this type of business.
Councilman Scott reiterated
his concerns about the Belair Rd. corridor and has handed out a booklet to
business owners on Code Enforcement. Enforcement has begun.
Unofficially he told us that
a new use the former “Hacienda” property (which has been demolished) is in
progress & that it is something positive for the area,
Another addition is a new
Sports Bar/Restaurant on Belair at Glenmore which is being opened by the owner
of Darker Than Blue (on Greenmount Ave)
Continuing discussion of noise
and other issues with a Church conducting services etc. in a private home on
Ailsa at Arabia, included Councilman Scott and Mike Hilliard. Mike Hilliard
volunteered to contact the Church after receiving their information.
Jordan Paley, Zach Bradley
and Joanna Parker from Public Allies (part of AmeriCorps) spoke about their
project. Their team of 8 people will be working through June(?) with HLMS to
enhance community engagement through development of ideas and projects. The
project is through the University of Maryland School of Social Work’s Team
Service Project They are available several hours a week for anything we feel
would benefit our community. Past projects include Health Fairs; clean ups and
greenspace planting. Joanna can be reached at 707-327-7740, and Susan Kessel
has additional contact info.
FINALLY ......
Francis Beane has
volunteered to help members understand the “Transform Baltimore” the draft of the new Baltimore City
Zoning Code Legislation, as it is important for us to discuss and be aware of
the changes. These include changes for institutions, businesses and new
residential.
PS .....
At WIA’s January 2nd
Meeting - New officers will begin their terms
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