Ashburton Association Newsletter Winter 2024

WINTER 2024 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ASHBURTON COMMUNITY

ASHBURTONNEWS ASHBURTON NEWS W W W. A S H B U R TO N 1 9 2 0 . O R G

Financing Your Renovation!

2024 DUES ARE DUE!

@ASHBURTON_BALTIMORE

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ASHBURTON ASSOCIATION 2024 GENERAL MEETING: FEBRUARY 20, 2024 / DETAILS ON PAGE 7!

Greetings

...FROM THE EDITOR

Happy New Year to all!

We are so grateful for each one of you and all that you do to make our community vibrant and beautiful As we embark on the official start of winter, we want you to be ready for your Spring renovation in your home by providing you with readiness tools, resources and grants! Yes! Free money for your next renovation if you are eligible.

This year is an especially important one because your Ashburton Area Associaiton Board Officers are on the ballot . Elections for President, VP, Secretary and Treasurer are up for your vote. Notable also is that you, yourself can be on the ballot as well.

Ashburton is you, me and everyone who lives here. We can’t do what we do without assistance from our Executive Board, Board Members and residents.

Let’s all remember that leadership in these positions are on a voluntary basis and we look for each one of you to assist in that part by donating your time each year.

COMMITTEES

NEIGHBORS, WE NEED YOUR HELP! 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: dolds@zebradesigns.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

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We are also preparing for our Calendar of Events which include our wildly successful “Ashburton Garden & Home Tour.” If you are interested in sponsorship go to our website or send an email to our Events Chairperson, Kendra Abaidoo, at kendra.abaidoo@verizon.net for sponsorship levels. More details to come!

Inside this edition, we are focusing on resources to get you ready for “Financing your Renovation”. The Maryland Historical Trust may qualify you for up to $50,000 of dollars in tax credits from the State. Go Northwest is launching its Senior Legacy Home Repair Program!

As always, if you’d like to be on our mailing list or have any ideas about our quarterly newsletter you can email me at dolds@zebradesigns.net

Public Relations: Phylliseva@msn.com

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Elections will be held in February and we will send out an email to notify you when you can cast your ballot. You will be notified by email, so sign up for our email list by sending an email to dolds@zebradesigns.net.

Happy reading and stay warm! /

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Maryland Historic Revitalization Tax Credit WHAT IT IS

A 20% fully refundable credit on personal income taxes based on eligible rehabilitation expenses.

Three tax credit types: • Competitive Commercial • Small Commercial • Homeowner

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for the homeowner tax credit program: • Located in a National Register or Baltimore City Historic District and dating to the period of significance • For Ashburton: ca. 1924 - 1952 • Have at least $5000.00 of eligible rehabilitation expenses in a continuous 24 month period • Owner-occupied, not income producing

There are no income limits or restrictions to utilize the homeowner tax credit program.

Eligibility is based on location, ownership, and the proposed rehabilitation work.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Part 1: • Description of the property and the district significance • Current photographs of the exterior and interior of all buildings, overall site, and landscape features Part 2: • Detailed description of all proposed work items, regardless if eligible for the credit or not • Plans, specifications, etc.

• Detailed photographs of the work areas • $10 review fee for homeowner, can be paid electronically

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Part 3: • Invoices and proof of payments for all expenses • Same photographs as the Part 1 and Part 2 applications showing post rehabilitation condition • Review fee based on eligible rehabilitation expenses

NEW THIS YEAR: ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS

MHT is using a Microsoft Teams interface to accept digital applications. More information is available here: https://mht.maryland.gov/Documents/taxcredits/ Electronic-Application-Submission-Instructions.pdf

SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR’S STANDARDS

Three Main Principles: • The historic character of a building must be preserved. Distinctive features that characterize a property must be retained and repaired.

• When deteriorated beyond repair or missing, features must be replaced to match the historic.

• Interior or exterior alterations must maintain the historic look and feel of a property including the interior layout https://www.nps.gov/subjects/taxincentives/ secretarys-standards-rehabilitation.htm

EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE EXPENSES Capital expenses that return or maintain a building to a state of utility including: • Roof replacement/repair & chimney repair/lining • Window/door restoration • New storm doors/windows • Scraping/painting (interior/exterior) • Repointing & structural work • Floor refinishing • HVAC, plumbing & electrical work • Architectural/engineering fees

EXAMPLES OF INELIGIBLE EXPENSES

In general, this includes any non-capital expenses for items considered remodeling.

• Landscaping • Sidewalks, patios, driveways • Non-historic outbuildings • Appliances • New construction • Carpeting over historic flooring • Curtains, blinds, rugs, and other décor • Remodeling expenses • Permit fees • Acquisition costs

Questions?

carey.jones@maryland.gov / 410.697.9560 https://mht.maryland.gov/taxcredits.shtml PAGE 4

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Senior Legacy Home Repair Program Administered by Go-Northwest Housing Resource Center Partners Benefits - $10,000 GRANT Eligibility • Must be 65 or older • Owned your home for 20 years or more • Resident of Ashburton, Hanlon, Callaway-Garrison, Garwyn Oaks • Repairs to be completed by a licensed Maryland Contractor

Renovation Loans

Administered by Go-Northwest Housing Resource Center Partners / Loans range Eligibility • Residents of Ashburton, Hanlon, Callaway-Garrison, Garwyn Oaks • All Repairs to be completed by a licensed Maryland Contractor

HUBS Program The Housing Upgrades to Benefit Seniors (HUBS) program is a collaborative effort of several organizations in Baltimore, including Civic Works, The Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI), Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Baltimore, and Rebuilding Together Baltimore. The free program serves residents of Baltimore who are aged 65 and older, and earn 80% or below the Baltimore Metro Area Median Income. The program provides application assistance to older adults to determine home improvements that will make their houses healthier and more secure.

Eligible: 65 or older Income: check for availability

Rehab/Refinance Loan Allows you to make home improvements renovations to your home at a low market interest rate with up to $10,000 grant based on your income eligibility.

Purchase/Rehab Loan Buying a home in one of Baltimore’s Healthy Neighborhoods? Healthy Neighborhoods offers a loan to help you purchase and renovate your new house on Healthy Neighborhoods target blocks. What’s in it for you? A below-market interest rate, design advice, no private mortgage insurance requirement and more.

Eligible Assistance for: • Energy Efficiency modifications with LED and CFL light bulbs • Weatherization • Caulking the foundation • Roof • Insulation • Plumbing repair • Home repairs Contact: 410.366.8533

Home Improvement Loan If you live within the boundaries of a Healthy Neighborhood but not on a target block, we offer this loan to help you complete some renovation to your home. You can borrow between $5,000 and $20,000.

Accepting applications NOW To apply for any of these loans: Contact: Call Kira at 267.240.8493 email: Kgardenermarshall@go-northwesthrc.org For more details: www.go-northwesthrc.org @ASHBURTON_BALTIMORE

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Ashburton Board Elections...

RECENT HOME SALES $396,000 / Sold August 10, 2023

In order to vote: Your dues must be paid for 2024.

Payments can be made on the webiste or in person on Election Day. You can nominate yourself or a leader of your choice the day of the election.

Elections will be held in February and we will send out an email to notify you when you can cast your ballot. $210,000 / Sold Sept 27, 2023

Questions: send an email to the Nominating Committee Chairwoman Denise Deleaver at: ddeleaver@gmail.com

Ashburton Area Association upcoming election for Board Officers Here is a list of the officer positions Ashburton residents will be voting on:

$370,000 / Sold July 31, 2022

• • • • •

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!

Board President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Treasurer Secretary

To receive or contirbute to the newsletter just email Dan Olds at: dolds@zebradesigns.net

Thank you!

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Six Hacks for a Warmer House this Winter 1. ADD A WINDOW FILM

Adding a window film will make your home more energy-efficient, as it will prevent cold air from coming in and warm air from leaking out.

2. BLOCK DRAFTY WINDS

The gap underneath your door is the perfect place for cold air to sneak around your space. Dressing those doors with draft stoppers will halt the circulation of air and keep the warmth in your mostused areas.

3. REVERSE YOUR CEILING FAN

Your ceiling fan is not just there to provide a cool breeze in the summer. During the colder months, it helps circulate warm air when operated in reverse.

If possible, making the appliance turn in a clockwise rotation on the low setting will send the warm air that naturally travels up back down and toward the center of the room.

4. DECORATE WITH RUGS

Rugs add to the warmth in your home, both literally by trapping in heat and aesthetically by making it look and feel cozier. The decor provides a layer over tiles, hardwood, concrete, and other non-carpeted flooring that traps warm air.

5. LET THERE BE LIGHT

While you don’t want to actually open the window, it’s typically a good idea to part the curtains, at least on sunny days. Sunlight is a natural and ener-

gy-efficient way to heat your home. Sit by the window in the sunshine and let the winter sun toast you — especially during peak hours of the morning and early afternoon. However, once the sun sets, you don’t want to keep those curtains open.

6. TRY A DOOR CURTAIN

Just like heavy drapes block window drafts, they can do the same for your doors. Thermal curtains provide insulation, reduce noise, and increase privacy. Hang the fabric on the inside of your front, side, and back doors.

Choose fabrics that are large enough to cover the door framing and pool on the floor so they block the crevices that air normally passes through.

ASHBURTON ASSOCIATION 2024 GENERAL MEETING: Ashburton general meetings are open to all residents of our community.

Next Meeting Date: February 20, 2024 @ 6:30 pm Meetings held at the Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) in the Fine Arts Building. @ASHBURTON_BALTIMORE

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DID YOU KNOW ASHBURTON IS A

Historic CHAP District?

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.

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