All over Ashburton, flowers are blooming and bees are buzzing. Azaleas will begin their show in just a little while, painting Ashburton in beautiful hues.
I am delighted to share the Spring 2023 edition of our newsletter with you. In it, you will find important details about our up-coming community events, advice for preparing your yard for summer, and guidelines for
To get involved simply send an email to the chair of the committee you would like to support.
Education: tonette.d.campbell@gmail.com
Fundraising: torikay@verixon.net
Housing: byron@conmcastnet
Newsletter: veronica@monarchbutterfly.net
Beautification/Events: kendra.abaidoo@verizon.net
Safety: Ropbin.Tigbnor@gmail.com
Communications: tyravmitchell@gmail.com
Community Development: Ddeleaver@gmail.com
Architectural Review Committee CHAP: Dawn@otiswarren.com and Noell1229@gmail.com
Public Relations: Phylliseva@msn.com
FROM THE PRESIDENT!
making home-improvements, according to CHAP.
Spring is all about transformations. Let’s all do our part in continuously growing and transforming our community, so that it remains one of Baltimore’s best.
Your President, Arnold Foster,
Jr.GENERAL MEETINGS:
Ashburton general meetings are open to all residents of our community.
Meeting Dates:
April 18, 2023 @ 6:30 pm
June 20, 2023 @ 6:30 pm
August 15, 2023 @ 6:30 pm
October 17, 2023 @ 6:30 pm
December 19, 2023 @ 6:30 pm
Meetings held at the Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) in the Fine Arts Building.
Volunteer to become an Ashburton Area Association Board Member
There are a few Board vacancies for qualified, motivated neighbors!
Simply write to Denise DeLeaer at ddeleaver@gmail.com to throw your hat in the ring! Please send your Email today!
Thank you!
On Sunday, March 26, more than three dozen volunteers gathered to make a noticeable and sustainable difference in Ashburton all while having a great time!
Lead by Tori Burns, volunteers of all ages gathered on the corner of Callaway and Dorchester to plant, weed, prune and beautify the entrance to the Ashburton neighborhood.
Together neighbors planted nine fruit trees - three persimmons and six Asian pears. They also mulched around the new plants and pruned established trees.
This is not the first volunteer planting Tori organized in Ashburton. On November 6, 2022, AAA hosted its first tree planting event. We planted nine trees, seven shrubs, and 20 pollinators. We also pruned and weeded around established trees. After a 20 minute workshop about proper tree planting and pruning led by Josh Rosenstein, Executive Director of Edible Eden, 53 volunteers worked in small groups to plant, and put compost and mulch around the new trees, shrubs, and pollinators.
The goal of the Urban Tree Program reaches beyond just planting trees and shrubs but also to build deeper connections with neighbors in the Callaway-Garrison community that adjoins Ashburton. Also to engage students from two partner schools in service learning and tree stewardship, and to increase the quality of life for the residents of Ashburton, not through a single event but over the long term through advocacy and education.
The purpose of the Ashburton Area Association’s (AAA) Urban Tree Program is to reenergize the next phase of beautifying a nine-block long median that separates the Ashburton and Callaway-Garrison neighborhoods and create community by bringing together multi-generational volunteers to plant, mulch and prune trees. The project also seeks to create learning experiences for students, facilitated by For-Win-Ash Garden Club volunteers and Temple X, at the Nathan A. Pitts Ashburton Elementary/Middle (Ashburton E/M) School, and engage parents who are also neighbors.
Driving through Ashburton these days you’re hard pressed to find a street that ISN’T under construction. Hilton Road, on many days, seems almost undriveable. Though finally completed, Wabash was under construction for months! Ever wonder why?
We wondered why too! So Ashburton Association president, AJ Foster, set up not one but two community meetings with city officials to find out what the heck is going on!
The ‘why’ is simple...the city is replacing the water mains throughout Ashburton as well as the Ashburton Tank Project at Hanlon Park. These projects are the primary culprit for the disruption on our streets according to Yolanda Winkler of the Baltimore Department of Public Works.
However, the problem isn’t why the work is happening but the ‘when.’ As in WHEN will the work be completed and WHEN will our streets be fixed? On that subject Winkler and her coworker ,James Patrick, Chief of Utilities, had no answers! Neither city official supplied a timeframe for completion instead insisting they will find the information and get back to us.
As of the publication date for the newsletter no answers have been provided. The only assurances that were made is our streets, once the projects are completed, will be returned to their original condition. Small comfort.
We’ll keep you posted through this newsletter or via email. If you, or someone who would like to join our mailing list please email me at: dolds@zebradesigns.net
To contact the DPW on their website at https://publicworks.
Our newsletter is designed to keep the Ashburton community members informed, connected and entertained. The content in this edition was generated primarily by committee and board members. But there is a writer inside each of us!
Interested in submitting content for inclusion in future editions? Email your stories or photos to dolds@zebradesigns.net
Clear away dead leaves or any other winter debris from the soil surfaces where you’re planning to plant annual flowers and vegetables. Remove protective winter mulch from around perennials and ornamental grasses and cut back last year’s dried foliage.
If you didn’t prune in winter, now is the time to trim your fruit trees. Prune before the buds begin to break into bloom, or you’ll stress the tree and get a tiny crop. It’s also a good time to prune summer-blooming trees and shrubs, like potentilla and butterfly bush.
Hardy, cool-season vegetables, like potatoes, artichokes, peas, and some lettuces, germinate best in cool soil, so plant them in early spring, once the soil has thawed. They should be ready to harvest by early summer.
A good time to divide many perennials is just before spring growth begins. Dividing perennials is a budget-friendly way to add more plants to your garden, or to share extras with friends. It also aids in keeping your existing perennials healthy. Every few years dividing the clump will encourage new growth.
One of the easiest ways to make your yard look polished is to add a fresh layer of mulch around the garden beds. This also helps the soil retain moisture and keeps down weeds. Spread the mulch evenly with your gloved hands or use a rake, being careful not to layer it on too thickly or too close to your plants, which can cause diseases.
Check stonework for frost heaves, particularly in paths and edging. Check the general condition of your deck or patio and make any needed repairs. Clean off outdoor furniture so it’s ready when you are for relaxing after a busy day in the garden.
We’ve all been stuck inside for months...so it goes without saying that now more than ever it’s important to stay on top of your health and make sure you’re engaging in activities that encourage you to get up and move. Here are a few ways to “spring” into action!
Go for a run or...a walk!
Ashburton is a great place to get out for a run or walk. With our beautiful suburban setting there are plenty of interesting routes to take. Not to mention the hills for a little extra umph! Also, there are plenty of less traveled roads in the neighborhood to keep your routes new and inspiring. Oh, and don’t forget to track your steps!
From weeding to mowing to planting, your garden can be great exercise. Not only can it be aerobic but even for getting some muscle workout too. Nothing like a
day in the garden working out your body and the spectacular feeling when you survey your results at the end of a satisfying day.
Biking is a fun activity people enjoy doing as it warms up outside! Our neighborhood is the perfect landscape to get in a real workout. Riding up Sequoia Ave can be a challenge but the thought of coasting back down Dorchester makes the hard work worth it! Great for family time too!
Yoga
A healthy way to increase your heart rate and improve your levels of flexibility is yoga. It also strengthens your muscles and can improve balance! If the weather is cooperating you can even workout in your backyard!
Dues are $30 per household and can be paid electronically using Paypal: Ashburton21215 or CashApp: $Ashburton21215.
Additionally, we accept cash and checks using our PO Box address: 67132, Balitmore, MD 21215, Attn: Mr. Robert Rucks
What is CHAP?
In 1964, the City of Baltimore established the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP). The Commission was established to protect communities and historic structures within the City of Baltimore. The appointed CHAP Commissioners and the preservation staff carefully reviews more than 500 permit applications each year to assure that Baltimore City’s CHAP’s “Historic Preservation Guidelines” are applied to each case to assure that historic character is preserved. It is then given to local communities to hear residents’ inquiries about work to be completed at their homes. Find out more at: https://chap. baltimorecity.gov
When was Ashburton established as a CHAP District?
Ashburton became a Historic CHAP District on December 22, 2011.
What are the benefits to the community?
1 - To protect the integrity and beauty of the homes in Ashburton
2 - Baltimore City Rehabilitation Tax Credits Property owners have welcomed historic designation in Baltimore City because it provides City, State and Federal rehabilitation tax credits to support reinvestment. Since,1996, Baltimore City has offered generous local rehabilitation benefits, administered by CHAP.
Ashburton CHAP Process
The Ashburton Housing & Zoning Committee has oversight of the process to assist with compliance to the rules and regulations set forth within the Ashburton CHAP district.
To complete work on the following, you must have approval with the Committee for the following on the exterior of your home:
Superstructure, Roof Deck, Paint, Windows Doors, Siding, Driveway, Fence
The process is as follows PRIOR to starting your work:
Step 1 – Send an email to AshburtonCHAPreview1920@gmail.com to request a hearing date. Meeting dates are the first Wednesday of each month.
Step 2 – Along with your email to request a hearing, attach a copy of your existing photos and plan or rendering and your Application to Proceed, (this document can be found at: https://chap.baltimorecity.gov/applications-procedures-guidelines - filled out in its entirety) to the email for the meeting. The Application to Proceed package can also be picked up at the Baltimore City Planning offices located at 417 E. Fayette Street. Failure to complete the application and attach your images will result in a delay to your application approval.
Step 3 – Within three days you will receive notification of receipt of your request for a meeting and the meeting date for your hearing.
Step 4 – Written approval will be given within three-five days of the hearing date or earlier Meetings will be held the first Wednesday of each month. You cannot proceed until you are given approval from Committee and CHAP offices.
Step 5 – If your request does not adhere to the guidelines then you can request a hearing to the CHAP Commission for approval.
*Failure to receive approval from the Committee/CHAP may result in a fine and stop work order from Baltimore City. It may also delay your permit from the Permit office of Baltimore City to proceed with your renovation.
June 17, 2023
11 AM
3502 Hilton Road
September 16, 2023
2 PM
Dorchester Road/ White Chapel Road
Award & Holiday Caroling
December 24, 2023
October 31, 2023
5 PM
3319 Sequoia Avenue (Alley)
June 24, 2023 / 4 PM
3319 Sequoia Avenue
4 PM
3319 Sequoia Avenue
JUNE 24, 2023 / 3506 SEQUOIA AVE
SEPT. 30, 2023 / 3406 ROSEDALE RD
DEC. 9, 2023 / 3506 SEQUOIA AVE
Dumpster drop offs: 7am to 1 pm
Dumpster pickups: 4 hours later
