Federal Hillsider
www.federalhillna.org
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Federal Hill Neighborhood Association
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July 2009
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
A neighborhood divided?
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ow that the Federal Hill Neighborhood Association’s so-called annual “elections” are over, and my second term as FHNA President begins, I am hearing comments on the streets about Federal Hill residents being deeply divided on most issues. This seems to suggest that I owe my re-election less to a broad base of support than I do to the fact that no one else wanted the responsibility that comes with the office. I thoroughly understand. However, it seems worth pointing out at this juncture that despite a 50 percent dues increase this year, the FHNA now has a record 200-plus paid members. Call me self-delusional, but this seems to refute at least somewhat the theory advanced up there in the first paragraph. Granted these 200 members represent a scant 10 percent of the registered voters who voted in November at one of the two neighborhood precincts. But I haven’t been out and about kissing a lot of babies, either. Listening and acting to address your highest priority issues is how I spend the majority of my time. I do admit feeling an obligation to afford FHNA members special consideration in this respect. The consensus among us is that something must be done to quell our collective fear over falling home sale prices in the Continued on page 3
CELEBRATE THE 4TH: Revolutionary War re-enactors muster near the Inner Harbor during a 4th of July celebration. Be sure to muster for the Federal Hill 4th of July parade at 10 a.m. on William Street. (See ad on page 8 for details.)
‘Halcyon days for crooked politicians’ coming
D
id you happen to catch any of the testimony of former Baltimore Sun reporter and HBO’s “The Wire” creator David Simon before the Senate Commerce Committee back in May? Simon had an interesting quote related to local staff cutbacks at The Sun: “The next 10 to 15 years will be halcyon days for local corruption. It’s going to be a great time to be a corrupt politician.” Simon was referring to the fact that The Sun has all but abandoned coverage on the micro-level of city agencies such as the
Board of Municipal Zoning Appeals (the formal name of the city zoning board), whose members are all non-elected political appointees, whom he cited as an example of his concerns. Simon is right — it is precisely at this level at which anonymous bureaucrats are most likely to engage in back-room dealmaking that rarely benefits the greater good. The developers, business interests, the lawyers and the politicians all do quite well though. How rich is it then that on June 23, Continued on page 4
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July 2009
THANK YOU!
The Hillsider staff thanks the good folks at the Lutheran Center at Christ Church for allowing a photographer to take a few pictures from their fifthfloor balcony for last month’s cover. The center at 700 Light Street is the headquarters of Lutheran World Relief, which has been working to solve global problems of poverty and injustice since 1945. At the moment, vital aid is being provided in two dozen countries in Africa, Asia, the Mideast and Latin America. If you or your group would like to help out in some way, contact Brenda Meier, Director of Congregation and Community Engagement, at bmeier@lwr.org.
Federal Hill Neighborhood Association 2009 Board of Directors
Officers
President Paul Robinson 410-332-1928 Vice President Tom Gregory 410-727-2555 Treasurer Meredith Tyler 443-400-8420 Secretary John Rehmert 410-752-5399
Board Members at Large
Scott Pevenstein 443-570-3665 Jason Tyler 443-400-8420 Ryan Hada 443-708-1787 Chris Jones 410-234-0560 Richard Polan 410-727-3549 Daniel Sternklar 443-270-0582
FHNA Committees
Beautification: Chris Jones Block Captains: Meredith Tyler Business Affairs: open Education Liaison: Scott Pevenstein Finance: Meredith Tyler, John Rehmert and Chris Jones Interactive Media: Daniel Sternklar and Meredith Tyler Legislative Affairs: Paul Robinson and Ryan Hada Membership: Paul Robinson Nominations: Tom Gregory Parking: Jason Tyler Preservation: open Safety: John Rehmert Social: open •
The Hillsider is the official publication of the Federal Hill Neighborhood Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit orgnization. Mailing address: Federal Hillsider, P.O. Box 27112, Baltimore 21230. E-mail: federalhillonline@yahoo.com © 2009 Federal Hillsider All Rights Reserved Newsletter design: Steve Purchase (spurchase@comcast.net)
Contact: editor.hillsider@gmail.com
No membership meeting in July or August! Due to an editing error (sorry, everyone!), the calendar in last month’s Federal Hillsider included mention of a monthly membership meeting. This was an error. The FHNA membership does NOT meet in June, July or August (although the FHNA Board continues to hold regular meetings). See you at the September meeting, FHNA members! Look for details in the August edition of The Hillsider.
Next Citizens on Patrol walk is Monday, July 13
Please join your friends and neighbors for a COP walk in the Federal Hill and Federal Hill South neighborhoods on Monday, May 11. All Citizens on Patrol walks start at 7 p.m. Join old friends or make new ones. Meet at Porter’s Pub at Riverside Avenue and East Cross Street. We always walk with a police officer. Other area COP walks include: Monday, July 6, Riverside. Thursday, July 9, Otterbein/ Sharp-Leadenhall. Wednesday, July 15, Locust Point. For more information, go to www.sdpcrc.org.
City beginning new trash, recycling program on July 13
I
t’s coming! It’s almost here! Yes, the city is starting One Plus One on Monday, July 13. That’s the name of the new trash and recycling collection program that means one trash pickup a week and one separate recycling pickup a week. For the entire South Baltimore peninsula, trash will be picked up on Wednesday mornings and recycled items will be picked up on Friday mornings. If a holiday disrupts collections, the following Saturday will be the makeup day. Residents can put out no more than three 32-gallon cans of trash or garbage a week; there is no limit on recycling. (Recyclables should be put in same place that you now put your trash.) Trash should be put out no later than 6 a.m. on collection day or it can be set out the night before — but only if the trash cans have tight-fitting lids. For more information or to find out collection days for other parts of the city, you can go to www.baltimorecity.gov or to www.cleanergreenerbaltimore.org. You also can call 311 for more information.
July 2009
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President’s Letter: Political and market forces are driving down home prices Continued from page 1 existing home market. It was years after I was discharged before I realized how the military system makes long-haired, arrogant, know-it-all, irresponsible punks like me into adult team players. The second my pimply face got off the bus for basic training at Fort Dix, I and the rest of the malcontents assigned to the same unit as I faced a common enemy: The Drill Sergeant. And so it is today, my friends, that we must pull together as neighbors against a common enemy. This time that enemy is not personified by Christopher Walken playing Neil Simon (“Biloxi Blues”). No, this time the enemy is the political and market forces driving the decline in prices buyers are paying for existing housing stock. The National Association of Realtors reports this year that prices dropped almost 17 percent from May 2008. I hope everyone will keep in mind that those with self-serving personal agendas
“We need to come together collaboratively to discover creative strategies designed to protect and ultimately enhance the value of your home.”
often work hard to create a divisive atmosphere. Frankly, there is no time to waste on these trivial pursuits. Forget splitting hairs — it is now time to focus on the real enchilada. While divisions on secondary and tertiary issues (such as one’s personal style) are part of the natural order of things, supporting a concerted strategy designed to protect the value of what is arguably the biggest single investment for most of us
should be a unifying mission that we can all embrace. I am not looking for you to name your first born after me. We just need to communicate to City Hall in a unified voice that speaks in numbers not a whimper. You need to get involved — to join me in getting in their faces. A neighborhood’s existing home values are driven largely by politics, zoning, taxes and quality of life issues. The FHNA is committed to providing you with the information you need to have to effectively plan your financial future whether it is here, or (sadly) elsewhere. This month’s Federal Hillsider features a slew of provocative articles addressing home values. You may not like or agree with all you read. But hopefully these articles will serve as a springboard for us all to come together collaboratively to discover and effectuate creative strategies designed to protect and ultimately enhance the value of your home.
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July 2009
Live entertainment bill Continued from page 1 a scant few weeks after Simon raised eyebrows with his Capitol Hill testimony that a joint City Council committee voted to move Bill No. 08-0163 on to a full Council vote at second reader on Monday, July 13. If it becomes law, this proposed amendment to the zoning code vests in the BMZA the unilateral power to grant a permanent conditional use permitting any bar or restaurant operating in a B2 zoned building to offer customers live entertainment and dancing. The zoning code contains no provision for repeal of a conditional use even if the property owner or a tenant is convicted of engaging in willfully unlawful behavior. At last count there were 24 bars and restaurants licensed to sell and serve alcohol operating in B2 zoned locations within about a three-block radius of the Cross Street Market. Few, if any of them cater to the acoustic guitar crowd. Why would the City Council risk voting into law a bill that certainly will raise the ire of those of us who believe that Federal Hill
David Simon, who lives in Federal Hill, testified before a Senate Commerce Committee hearing in May. residents already are faced with unmanageable problems associated with the out-of-control behavior of many of the customers of these neighborhood watering holes? The numbers tell the story. There are 1,381 commercial properties zoned B2 in the city’s 10th District (our district) — a number that represents the highest B2 count in the city at nearly 21 percent of the total. Regrettably, our City Council represen-
tative, Ed Reisinger, who is also the Council vice president and chairman of the extremely powerful Land Use and Transportation Committee, is unable to represent our interests in the debate over this crucial regulation. His family owns a tavern and he was advised to recuse himself to avoid a potential conflict of interest. But the real story boils down to the fact that the highest number of B2 zoned Continued on page 12
How the Council is likely to vote on the live entertainment bill District Council member Likely vote B2 props % of total 1 James Kraft No 1,282 19.3% 2 Nick D’Adamo ? 285 4.3% 3 Robert Curran Yes 193 2.9% 4 Bill Henry ? 72 1.1% 5 Rikki Spector Yes 132 2.0% 6 Sharon Middleton Yes 89 1.3% 7 Belinda Conaway ? 604 9.1% 8 Helen Holton Yes 46 0.7% 9 Agnes Welch Yes 606 9.1% 10 Ed Reisinger *** 1,381 20.8% 11 Bill Cole No 594 8.9% 12 Jack Young Yes 527 7.9% 13 Warren Branch ? 635 9.5% 14 Mary Pat Clarke No 209 3.1% Total 6,655 B2 properties *** Ed Reisinger recused himself because his family owns a tavern.
July 2009
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Summer sidewalk sale something to savor on Saturday, July 11 Saturday, July 4
Parade in Federal Hill Summer Live! concerts
Red, white and blue for everyone, pets, too! (See ad on page 8) Every Saturday in summer, Harborplace Amphitheater, 8-11 p.m., free
Thursday, July 9
Flicks on the Hill
Outdoor movies at AVAM through Aug. 13. (“Dr. Strangelove” at 9 p.m.)
Friday, July 10
Caribbean Festival Last old trash pickup
Weekend of island festivity in Patterson Park (www. bmorecarnival.com) Put out trash and recycling as always (and prepare for a big change)
Saturday, July 11
Summer sidewalk sale
Visit shops on Cross, Light and Charles streets (www.historicfederalhill.org)
Wednesday, July 15 Friday, July 17
First new trash pickup
City begins new trash and recycling system (See page 2)
Recyling pickup
First pickup of recyclables in new program
Monday, July 13
Citizens on Patrol Walk
Join the Federal Hill group, 7 p.m. at Porter’s Pub (Details, page 2)
Friday, July 17
Artscape 2009
The city’s huge art celebration in Mount Royal Corridor; all weekend
Sunday, July 19
Vocal competition
20th Billie Holliday & Cab Calloway event; Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
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July calendar: Art beyond Artscape
July 2009
• American Visionary Art Museum. 800 Key Highway. 410-244-1900. Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. “The Marriage of Art, Science and Philosophy.” Through Sept. 6. Flicks on the Hill continue until Aug. 13; on Thursdays at 9 p.m. • Artists & Framers. 1014 South Charles Street. 410-837-4477. Ongoing exhibit of plein-air paintings of Baltimore rowhouses and street scenes by Crystal Moll. • Baltimore Museum of Industry. 1415 Key Highway. 410-727-4808. Baltimore’s industrial past is featured in many and various exhibits. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special exhibit featuring the hit HBO drama, “The Wire,” has been extended through the summer because of popular demand. See original props, wardrobe and set pieces in this exclusive multimedia exhibit. “70 Years of GM in Baltimore, 1935-2005” just opened June 27. • Gallery Imperato. 921 East Fort Avenue, Suite 120. 443-257-4166. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The works of nine international filmmakers are featured in the Imperato Film Fest from July 10 through August 8. • Gallery 211. 211 East Fort Avenue. 410-244-1340. Open Thursday and Friday, 4-8 p.m., Saturday, 2 to 7 p.m. • Intercultural Museum Art Gallery, 1118 Light Street, Suite 202. 410-448-2276. • Light Street Gallery. 1448 Light Street. 410-234-0047. Open Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. and by appointment. An ongoing exhibit featuring prints by Rob Gonsalves, Gallery Imperato, at 921 East Fort Avenue, is presenting a festival of very short films from July 10 Stephen James Harlan, Robert Jackson, Mark Lovett and others. through August 8. A reception (free and open to public) will be held on Friday, July 10, 7-10 p.m. • Lucinda Gallery & Boutique. 929 South Charles Street. 410-727-2782. “Miracle on the Deck: Mourning Doves Hatch Twins,” a whimsical spring series of original art by Kenlynn K. Schroeder. Through October 31. • School 33 Art Center. 1427 Light Street. 410-396-4641. Open Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, 10-7, and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. • Maryland State Arts Council. 175 West Ostend Street. 410-767-6555. Open weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Maryland Science Center. 601 Light St. 410-685-2370. IMAX schedule at www.mdsci.org. “Chinasaurs: Dinosaur Dynasty” continues through Sept. 27. See authentic, full-scale Chinese dinosaurs. IMAX movie, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” now showing through July 28. Go to www.mdsci.org for screening times and ticket information. • Sports Legends at Camden Yards, 301 West Camden Street. 410-727-1539. Exhibits spotlight local heroes, like the Babe, Johnny U., Brooks, Eddie and Cal. • Walters Museum. 600 North Charles St. 410-547-9000. “Herman Maril: An American Modernist” continues through August 30. The exhibit celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Baltimore painter’s birth. “Rembrandt Peale’s Portrait of John Meer: A New Addition to the American Art Collection,” continues through August 23.
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Crime, art and Edgar Allan Poe to make interesting program at the library
P
lan to visit the Light Street branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library on Monday, July 13, at 6:45 p.m. for a special program that will combine, in a way, an art exhibit, modern-day crime fighting concerns, and Edgar Allan Poe. The program is called “Neighborhood Safety” and will feature a discussion about crime in Federal Hill led by Sgt. Eric Kowalczyk of the Neighborhood Services Unit and Jack Baker, president of the Southern District Police and Community Relations Council. The artwork, with themes derived from the works of Poe, was created by youths and adults during spring workshops at several Pratt branches, including Light Street. (Other art exhibit or events with different Poerelated themes will be held at the Waverly and Pennsylvania Avenue branches and at the Southeast Anchor in Highlandtown. Later this year, some of the artwork will be displayed at the Baltimore Museum of Art.) The workshops were facilitated by artists
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is at 301 Stockholm Street, near the Ravens Stadium. Call 410-396-4695 or go to www.baltimoreanimal shelter.org. Open: Monday—Friday from 12:30 to 6 p.m. and on Saturday& Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
An example of the Poe-inspired artwork, this painting includes the text: “Dear John, My [Broken] Heart Is No More.”
Andy Cook and Peter Bruun from Art on Purpose. Refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend. July events at the library include: • Mother Goose on the Loose on Wednesdays, 10 a.m.,
T
he Friends of Fort McHenry are dedicated to preserving the historical legacy of the Fort and inspiring all who visit the “Birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner” through living history, educational programs and the development of facilities which interpret and increase access to this rich history for everyone. The organization is also committed to involving the community in the preservation and interpretation so that Fort McHenry is not only a source of national pride but local pride as well.
Contact: Morgan Bailey, chairperson of the Friends of Fort McHenry, 802 South Caroline Street, Baltimore 21231 or call 410-396-3453. E-mail: heather@baltomaritimemuseum.org. Website: www.
for children up to the age of 3 with their caregivers. This is an extremely popular program featuring nursery rhymes, music and movement. • Preschool Storytime on Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Stories, songs and fun for preschoolers ages 3 to 5. • The Friends of the Light Street Branch will meet on Monday, July 7, at 6:15 p.m. Please attend and become a member! • Career Moves on Monday, July 13, 20 and 27, at 1 p.m., is all about learning how to conduct a job search, networking, resumes and interviews. Presented by Rebecca Sullivan, manager of the Enoch Pratt Job & Career Information Center. • “Ice Cream: From Cow to Cone” is for all ages on Monday, July 20, at 6:30 p.m. Test your knowledge of ice cream and make some in a bag. • Reading, Writing & Rhythm on Tuesday, July 21, at 10:a.m. is for ages 6-12. Dan Crow performs interactive stories and songs. • Aquarium on Wheels presents “The Coral Reef” on Thursday, July 30, at 1 p.m., for ages 6 to 12. “Claw and Order” will be seen on August 18, at 10:30 a.m. For more information about library programs or services, call 410-396-1096.
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July 2009
Renovating? Not so fast. Look at what a rewritten zoning code will bring
You say you’re bound and determined to increase the value of you home by launching a renovation project? Many architects, most contractors and very few real estate agents are familiar with the intricacies of the city zoning code, which was drafted under the assumption that the old rowhouse communities where people like us live would be demolished and rebuilt with yards, parking pads and front setbacks. Instead of acknowledging Baltimore’s existing built-up condition, the code made everything illegal. Just about every property from Locust Point to Butchers Hill is noncomplying, either due to the narrowness of the building or the absence of a 25-foot back yard. This creates a situation in which most residents need “variances” (exemptions from zoning restrictions) for renovations designed to meet the needs of our “contemporary” lifestyles. Most Federal Hill homeowners who wish to renovate are actually subject to an even stricter set of preservation/renovation standards delineated in the Montgomery Urban Renewal Ordinance (often referred to as MURO). F e d e r a l
H i l l
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t h
A consensus has been building for some time focused on a need to “update” the zoning code to accommodate today’s standards of living. Since late last year, the city Department of Planning has been working on the “Transform Baltimore Initiative,” a comprehensive rewrite of the zoning code. You can see a copy of an annotated outline at www.ci.baltimore. md.us/government/planning/index.php. Scroll down to the Transform Baltimore logo. Just beneath the logo left click on the “Baltimore Annotated” PDF icon. This is a huge deal. The impact on future home values promises to be significant. However, like many of you, my antenna shoot up (a la “Uncle Martin”) when I hear: “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” Mark Adams (pictured at right) is a resident of Butchers Hill who recently shared his thoughts via e-mail on the Transform Baltimore project with Councilman Ed Reisinger and the rest of the City Council. His comments are reprinted here with his permission. (— Paul Robinson)
Dear Ed: Although you don’t represent my district, I am writing to you in your capacity as chair of the City Council’s Land Use Committee. I just received a copy of the preliminary outline of the planning department’s effort to revise the city zoning code. As outlined, the proposed re-draft is a major power grab by planning and housing bureaucrats. The victims of the power grab are you — the City Council — as well as the zoning board and ultimately, the communities. The plan would essentially remove much of the present variance process and replace it with administrative review conducted by bureaucrats in the Office of the Zoning Administrator or by Site Plan Review committees. Instead of having objective written standards limiting the scope of variances, applications would be reviewed on an ad hoc Continued on page 10
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Exterior and Interior Painting / Drywall / Carpentry Decks / Gutters / Power Wash / Floors / Bathrooms Tiles / Kitchens / Clubrooms Residential or Commercial Work
For all your home or business repairs, call Del Lair at 410-467-2000 Maryland Home Improvement Commission License No. 66090
4 th of July Parade! Saturday, July 4 th 10:30 a.m. Gather at the 800 block of William Street at 10:00 a.m. Design an original float or transform your vehicle, bike, stroller or wagon into an expression of star-spangled spirit! Fun activities and prizes for participating kids! Contributions of light refreshments welcome
July 2009
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Letter to Ed Reisinger Continued from page 8 basis by the bureaucrats. Instead of having written standards that apply to all comers, we would have a system where the unelected planners would be free to pursue their agendas on a case-by-case basis. The Council’s authority to approve or disapprove of certain conditional uses would be stripped away by the proposed re-draft. Similarly, under the proposed new law PUDs (Planned Unit Development ordinances) would no longer originate in the Council. Instead, PUDs would be kept in the hands of the bureaucracy until they are ready for final approval. There are numerous things wrong with this draft. Here are just a few of them: First, there is the minor consideration of the U.S. Constitution’s due process and equal protection provisions. The general concept, which is not completely accepted by urban planners, is that every person has a right to know what the rules are before he/she applies for a zoning approval and that the rules should be evenly applied to all applicants who fit within certain guidelines. The proposed outline throws objective legal standards and
“The proposed outline throws objective legal standards and processes out the window.” processes out the window. It replaces them with individualized subjective decisions by unelected and bureaucrats who can be appointed and manipulated without approval of the City Council. Secondly, matters that are fully aired at public hearings under the present system, such as PUDs, variances and conditional uses, would be decided behind the closed doors of the bureaucracy. This is an open invitation to petty corruption of the $100 bill variety. Finally, it looks like the draft outline was prepared planners and not by lawyers. I know people like to beat up on the legal profession, but when one is writing laws it usually helps to have a lawyer somewhere in the mix. Moreover, the draft that I received apparently was prepared with the assistance of some out-of-town consulting firm that is not registered to do business in Maryland by the state Department of Assessments and
July 2009 Taxation. The city Department of Planning never has been good with minor technicalities of that nature. (After all, it took them 35 years to update the city’s master plan. Until the present plan was adopted in 2006, the planning department was operating under a plan that called for the demolition of Canton, Fells Point and Federal Hill for construction of Interstate 95.) Pardon my blunt candor, but you really can’t trust our planning department with anything of importance. The basic problem with the re-draft of the zoning code is one of laziness on the part of the bureaucracy. Drafting a zoning code with district maps and specific requirements for each district is hard work. They would rather draft a non-specific code and respond to things as they are presented to them. It is ridiculous to think that they need to bring in out-of-town consultants to redraw a code that is an inherently local matter. I strongly urge you and the [other] members of the City Council to nip this process in the bud and take control of it before you lose what little control you have over the development of our distressed and chaotic city.
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July 2009
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1111 Light Street update: Appeals filed to stop variances for project This update on the proposed development of the old Epstein’s department store at 1111 Light Street was prepared by members of the FHNA Board of Directors. FHNA Board members, along with a group of neighbors who live next to the proposed development at 1111 Light Street — who were represented by the Community Law Center — appealed the city zoning board’s decision to grant “conditional” variances for this project. The basis of the appeal by the residents and the FHNA was that it was impossible for the city zoning board to unequivocally conclude (under the required findings of Article 15-219 of the city zoning code) that the development would not increase congestion on the streets, create hazardous traffic conditions, or adversely affect transportation absent the completion of a Traffic Impact Study (TIS), which is clearly mandated by city ordinance 06-0360. Unfortunately, Judge Lynn Stewart upheld the city zoning board’s decision to grant the variances sought by the developer. Judge Stewart opined that “expert
This is the developer’s rendering of the project at 1111 Light Street, the former Epstein’s department store.
witness” testimony, in this case from Jamie Kendrick, deputy director of the Department of Transportation, satisfied the required findings of Article 15-219. Moreover, Judge Stewart highlighted the
fact that, while a TIS might be legally required for projects of certain scope, the zoning code does not contain language that specifically requires the city zoning Continued on page 14
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Page 12
Live entertainment bill Continued from page 4 properties are conveniently located in some of the city’s “best” neighborhoods. Coincidentally these neighborhoods are mostly adjacent to the waterfront like Canton, Fells Point, Little Italy and Federal Hill. These so-called “eligible properties” are “concentrated” in at most maybe five Council districts (1, 10, 11, 14 and 9). So why would any Council member outside these districts risk alienating Bill 080163’s primary sponsor — Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake? She certainly could extract a heavy price for disloyalty, particularly if she winds up (as many predict) becoming our next mayor. This vote is a no-brainer for politicians like co-sponsor and Third District Councilman Robert Curran with just 2.9 percent of the city’s total B2 zoned properties in his district. Curran proudly proclaimed that the bill will usher Baltimore out of the Stone Age. Curran is Maryland First Lady Katie O’Malley’s uncle. Council President Rawlings-Blake convinced her father, the
www.federalhillna.org
July 2009
late Delegate Howard “Pete” Rawlings, to support Martin O’Malley’s first run for mayor. His band, O’Malley’s March, played in a lot of bars and developed a huge base of campaign support funding in the process. Like Obama last November, O’Malley captured the lion’s share of the “youth vote” in the last gubernatorial election. Stephanie Rawlings-Blake wants to be the next mayor. Got it? But the City Council president is not alone among her colleagues who are considering a run for citywide office — mayor, Council president or comptroller — in 2011. Council members Bill Cole and James Kraft (District 1), Ed Reisinger and Jack Young (District 12) are all mentioned widely as potential candidates. Runs by Council members Mary Pat Clarke (District 14) and Belinda Conaway (District 9) cannot be dismissed, and certainly Helen Holton has achieved some name recognition of late. Fourth District Council member Bill Henry has been extraordinarily visible in his first term. Then, of course, we must presume that Mayor Dixon is interested in reelection. Face it: we are the minority, yet we
contribute disproportionately to funding the programs that benefit residents beyond the 10th and 11th Council districts. We are among the minority of property owners (only 61,000 out of a total of 200,000) who are contributing to the city’s tax base. And our tax rates are some of the highest in the city. Yet if it becomes law, Bill 08-0163 will eliminate our neighborhood’s right to selfdetermination and deny residents any legal recourse in demanding action against convicted lawbreakers who earn countless millions annually at our expense. The best way to defeat this disastrous legislation is for each of us to personally contact the mayor and those Council members mentioned above. No candidate can win any citywide office if all of the voters residing in Districts 1, 10, 11 and 14 refuse to cast a ballot for any candidate who votes “yes” on Bill 08-0163 on July 13. Attend the voting session at 5 p.m. and send a heartfelt plea to Mayor Dixon and let her know that if Bill 08-0163 becomes law you will be forced to seriously consider becoming part the city’s already shrinking residential property tax base by relocating as soon as possible.
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Federal Hill 410.727.0606 Baltimore Metro 410.583.0400 Phoenix 410.667.0801 Bel Air 410.420.6778 Canton 410.732.3030
RE D
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SO 1212 Riverside Ave. Charm abounds in this 2 BR 2 BA house on tree-lined Riverside Ave. Features include original wood floors, gas fireplace, exposed brick, new kitchen with granite countertops and updated bathrooms. Spend your summer relaxing in the rear yard and enjoy the convenience of off street parking. $324,900 SHARON FRIEDMAN & STACEY FRIEDMAN
New Listing
1248 William St. Classically renovated 4 BR, 2 1/2 BA offers large, light-filled rooms, tall ceilings, hardwood floors, winding central staircase and private deck- great space for living & entertaining! Roomy eat-in kitchen w/granite, stainless steel and center island. Private 3rd floor Master (25x13) w/en suite bath and sitting room. $485,000 ANGELA VAVASORI & HEATHER PERKINS
Washington Village
1414 Belt St. Airy & bright 2BR, 2.5BA home w/parking pad. Gourmet kitchen w/ breakfast bar, granite & SS appl. Warm wood flrs thruout, vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, open tread stairs. Spa BA w/double vanity, soaking tub, sep shower. Spiral staircase to sun-drenched 3rd flr office or studio. Roof deck w/ panoramic water & city views. $339,900 H. PERKINS & A.VAVASORI
1211 Durst St. Adorable 2 BR townhouse in a great Federal Hill location. Move right in - new carpet on second floor, fresh paint throughout, new stainless steel refrigerator and stove. Master bedroom opens to rear deck. $159,000
Ridgely’s Delight
Otterbein
657 Washington Blvd. #F Modern living in a private, gated community. Spacious THSE w/garage & parking pad. Amazing vaulted ceiling w/floor to sky glass curtain walls. Gourmet kitchen w/granite, huge island. 2 master suites w/granite showers. 2ND floor balcony. Tax abatement until 2015. Reduced to $349,000 BOB MERBLER & SUSANNAH BARNUM
109 W. Hill St. Designer renovated 1820's townhome. 2 or 3 BR/office, 1.5 BA, gourmet kitchen/granite counters. Master bath/bedroom suite with decadent shower, tub & dressing room. Original hardwood floors, exposed brick, dramatic staircase, many skylights, 2 FPs, private rear patio. Reduced to $479,900 SHARON MICHAELS
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688 Washington Blvd. Loaded with charm and character and updated throughout, this large 3 BR, 2 ½ BA home features exposed brick walls, lots of windows, a dramatic 2 story atrium with 2nd floor catwalk, and a deck off 3rd floor bedroom. $269,000
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Butcher’s Hill
217 E. Fort Ave. Beautiful 2 BR, 2 BA home w/ lots of historic charm. Original hardwood flrs, wood burning fireplace in living room. Updated kitchen w/ granite counters, stainless steel appliances & travertine tile. Great outdoor space: private patio off kitchen & private deck off 2nd bedroom. $259,000
1211 Light St. #402 Contempo designed and furnished top level unit w/spectacular city vista from spacious private deck. Granite and stainless kitchen, wall/wall, flat screen TV and breakfast bar. Building includes fitness center, half basketball court, resident lounge. $325,000
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The Towns at Pratt & Chester • 2103 E. Pratt St. Contemporary elegance with the highest quality construction. Gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors throughout, 2 car garage, master suite w/balcony, fourth level offers spacious BR, BA, and large deck off party room. 5 year tax freeze. Major Price Reduction•Now From $599,000 KIMBERLY HUSKINS
Come visit us at 1113 Light Street or on the web at ywgcrealty.com
Page 14
1111 Light Street Continued from page 11 board to review the legally mandated TIS as part of its deliberative process. So in Judge Stewart’s opinion the politically appointed members of the city zoning board have the unilateral power to grant variances requested by a developer with no obligation to consider the results and recommendations of a legally mandated TIS that was designed to mitigate concerns over the project’s potential adverse impact on the community. In voting ordinance 06-0360 it stands to reason that the City Council intended to assure that a full independent analysis of the potential impact a development would have on the traffic and parking in a given neighborhood was completed and considered before the city zoning board could approve any variance requests. Otherwise, why would the City Council (consistent with recommendations from both the planning and transportation departments) have passed this ordinance in the first place? Clearly, ordinance 06-0360 needs to be amended to close this loophole and provide
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www.federalhillna.org more protection for the neighborhood and residents. FHNA has consulted with both Council members Ed Reisinger and Bill Cole. Both have agreed to work to amend the ordinance to ensure it fulfills its original mandate. But was does this mean for the residents of Federal Hill today? With respect to the proposed 1111 Light Street development it would appear that it is too late. The variances have been granted conditionally, and while the TIS is still required and a traffic mitigation agreement may still need to be reached, the city zoning board is/was not required to consider the results of the traffic study in rendering its decision. However, it is worth considering that both the proposed architectural designs for a boutique hotel at 1201 South Charles Street and the “video lottery terminals” (slots) projects both also trigger a requirement for traffic studies. It should be noted that Kendrick has already submitted a letter on behalf of the Department of Transportation to the zoning board. In the letter, viewable on the community website at www.southcharlesstreet.com, Kendrick states that even before completion
July 2009 of the TIS, which he labels as redundant, in his “expert” opinion, the 1201 South Charles hotel project will not have a significant impact on traffic or traffic patterns once it is open for business. In the case of 1201 South Charles Street, the zoning board has not been inclined to rush as quickly to judgment as it did with 1111 Light Street. In fact, on June 23, the zoning board for a third time requested more information from the developer with respect to parking and density issues. Once again, the city zoning board has opted for a continuance as opposed to proffering a decision. In a recent e-mail blast from the Federal Hill South Neighborhood Association, developer Arsh Mirmiran characterized the appeal that FHNA and nearby residents brought against the 1111 Light Street variance grants as “frivolous.” While FHSNA and Arsh Mirmiran are entitled to their opinion, it would be difficult to find anyone else living, doing business or visiting Federal Hill who does not consider existing parking and traffic problems here as top priority issues that continue to require solutions. The FHNA continues to work toward this goal.
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July 2009
A new program of city ambassadors
C
ity government can often seem too big and too complicated to navigate. The Mayor’s new Neighborhood Ambassador Program groups several city agencies into the four categories on which the program is focused — Cleaner, greener, healthier and safer. The goal of the program is to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods by equipping residents with information about city resources, initiatives, programs and services. An orientation meeting is scheduled on July 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Poly. Up to four ambassadors can be appointed. Please contact Board members Ryan Hada or Paul Robinson if you would like to be part of this important program. For details, go online to www.baltimorecity. gov/ambassador.
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Page 15
Ryan Hada, new Board member, outlines goals
M
y name is Ryan Hada and I am very grateful to serve you as a newly elected member of the FHNA Board of Directors. I am honored and I am looking forward to building some wonderful new relationships, and getting some work done. The primary purpose of this article is to let you know that I am here to serve you regardless of your political and social affiliations. While I do not have a magic wand and willfully admit that I can not single handedly solve all of the problems facing our community, I do want to hear from you. I welcome your ideas and suggestions. In fact, I encourage you to become actively involved in the future of Federal Hill. My ambitions to join the Board were fueled by my previous experiences in local government and a desire to propel change for the betterment of our precious neighborhood and future livelihood of our residents. My wife, Viola, and I moved here from Connecticut just two years ago. I can honestly say that I have never felt more at home … and I want to keep it that way!
As a newly appointed member of Mayor Sheila Dixon’s Neighborhood Ambassador Program, I pledge to actively address the key issues plaguing our community, such as crime, parking and rising property taxes, to name a few. I cannot accomplish this without your help, guidance and support. I encourage you to get involved and you can begin by volunteering to serve on one of the FHNA committees. Please feel free to contact me at anytime. Call me at 443-708-1787 (home) or 202280-0321 (cell) or send a message to ryanhada@gmail.com or ryan.hada@oba.co.uk. Your voice is important to me and the Board of Directors. I look forward to meeting and hearing from you soon.
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Page 16
www.federalhillna.org
July 2009
Sadly saying goodbye to Mary Louise Franz
S
ad to report the recent passing of Mary Louise Franz, until recently our neighbor from the 400 block of Hamburg Street. Mary Louise was a vocal presence and an active member of the Federal Hill Neighborhood Association. She was an early supporter of the (alas, unsuccessful) effort to stop the wall of construction along Key Highway that was being proposed by the developers of both the Ritz-Carlton and Harborview. Her dedication to preserving the Inner Harbor views for all to enjoy from the east face of Federal Hill Park was inspirational. In 1972, after raising her family Mary Louise went back to college and earned a master’s in social work from the University of Maryland. In 1975 she moved to Federal Hill and active in preservationist circles here and in Fells Point. The same year Mary Louise earned her masters in liberal arts from Johns Hopkins. From 1980 until she retired in 2000,
Mary Louise also worked at the Huntington's Disease Center at the Johns Hopkins Hospital as a clinical social worker. In recognition of her work, Mary Louise was awarded the Marjorie Guthrie Award for Outstanding Service to the Huntington Disease Community in 1992. While working for Children’s Aid and Family Services in Towson, Mary Louise helped establish a Head Start program. Mary Louise also was a member of the Handel Choir and helped establish the Baltimore Choral Arts Society. Mary Louise was also a huge theater and movie fan and became a fixture at the Rotunda Cinemas after she moved a few years ago to Roland Park Place. Condolences to the family including her sons (former FHNA Board member) Doug and Gordon. Those of us who were blessed to know Mary Louise will miss this great, great neighbor.
Federal Hill resident Al Freihofer is a man on a mission.
Rowing for good causes
The Washington Beltway can make any trip to D.C. a real adventure, but Federal Hill resident Al Freihofer recently took another, even longer, route. On Sunday, June 21, Al completed an eight-day, 240-mile row from the Rusty Scupper to D.C.’s Tidal Basin. While he didn’t have to contend with the notorious Washington traffic, he and his Adirondack guideboat were tested by contrary winds, occasional heavy weather on the Bay, and the relentless current of the rain-swollen Potomac. Al, a teacher at the Boys’ Latin School, has used lengthy journeys to raise money — more than $30,000 so far — for financial aid for his students. He also helped raise more than $10,000 for Recycled Love as well. For the full story, go to www. mrfreirowstowashington.blogspot.com.
Concert to aid Iraqi students
A
concert with performances by local folk, rock,and bluegrass bands will be held at the Windup Space to benefit the Iraqui Student Project. The Baltimore chapter of the Iraqi Student Project, a not-for-profit organization that raises funds for refugee students from Iraq who are attending universities in the U.S. Participating schools in the city such as Goucher College and Loyola College may
The Iraqi Student Project waive tuition for these students, but ISP support chapters have to raise all the other funds to cover room, board, transportation, and other living expenses. For details, go to www.ispbaltimore.org. The Windup Space, at 12 West North Avenue and at www.thewindupspace.com, is a nightclub and art gallery in the Station North Arts District. The band lineup includes Caleb Stine, the Middle East, Good Guise and the MacGregor Burns Band. Tickets are $10. Doors are set to open at 7 p.m., with music beginning at 8 p.m. — Submitted by Mika Smith of Federal Hill
July 2009
www.federalhillna.org
Page 17
Detective scheduled to speak at Southern District meeting on July 16
F
ederal Hill Neighborhood Association members — and members of the public as well — are invited to the next Southern District Police and Community Relations Council meeting on The Third Thursday, July 16. The evening begins with a buffet at 6:30 p.m. and a meeting at 7 p.m. at the Southern District police station at 10 Cherry Hill Road (just south of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge on Hanover Street). The agenda includes a welcome from Sgt. Eric Kowalczyk and Jack Baker, an update of events in the Southern District by Major Scott Bloodsworth and Lieutenant Steve Nalewajko. Deputy Major Margaret Barillaro and Jack Baker will present awards for the officer and citizen of the month. The guest speaker is scheduled to be Detective Ryan Deiner. The FHNA’s own John Rehmert will conduct a 50/50 drawing and give a buffet update and Jack Baker will talk about
•
From left: Sgt. Eric Kowalczyk, Officer Dena Roney, Deputy Major Margaret Barillaro and Officer Timika Tates. Officers Roney and Tates were recent Officers of the Month for the Southern District. (Photograph from the SDPCRC website)
neighborhood and council issues. The buffet will be donated by Connie Fowler. For information about the Citizens on
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Page 18
www.federalhillna.org
July 2009
Coldplay’s ‘LeftRightLeftRightLeft’ is remarkable … it ‘radiates humanity’
By Paul Robinson
G
enerally, Coldplay leaves me … well, cold! On the other hand, my wife is a real fan. So like most Gwyneth Paltrow movies (except “View from the Top”), I consider any Coldplay music a barely bearable compromise worth making out of my deep-felt love and devotion to arguably the most important person in my life. Lou Reed’s “Metal Machine Music” aside, the first rule of “hit” music is that it be ear-pleasing. Coldplay serves up an abundance of female friendly ear candy. This is (perhaps soon to be ex-Mr. Paltrow) Chris Martin’s brand of special sauce, which sets his work apart from so many of his indie rock contemporaries. The second Coldplay collection, “A Rush of Blood to the Head,” is the only one of their four CD’s that I instinctively grab when the group comes up as a listening option. The tune “Yellow” (at least for me) represents the band’s artistic high mark to date.
Bob Dylan’s current voice — ravaged by years of misuse — can be painful to listen to. The DVD “Live 2003” did it in for me. It captures what truly must be one of the most listless, boring concert performances ever recorded. A totally wasted Dionne Warwick held that honor in my personal Pantheon of Poor Performances before Coldplay, but she ultimately tumbled off the stool she was precariously perched upon and was
carried off stage. While not even approaching the fictitious spontaneous combustion spectacle of Spinal Tap’s drummer, Ms. Warwick provided a “live” moment of high drama to be sure. But “Live 2003” just sits there in all its low-lit glory waiting for the viewer to nod off. And then out of nowhere comes this new, live Coldplay collection, “LeftRightLeftRightLeft.” A lot of folks raved about the Brian Eno-produced “Viva La Vida” CD, but I thought Coldplay just sounded like a wimpy U2 imitation (that is until U2 released “No Line on the Horizon”). Anyway, I got in the car and my wife has WTMD cranked to the max and I hear this killer live version of the “Viva La Vida” track “Strawberry Swing.” Don’t misunderstand; to suggest that this material deserves to be defined as “rock” is highly debatable. The sonics are still a bit thin, not enough bottom, too much top. Actually, it’s a rather chaste, low-fidelity experience overall, especially heard through anything other than a good pair of earbuds. But you don’t have to be a senContinued on page 20
July 2009
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Coldplay’s new CD Continued from page 18 sitive guy (a “girly man”) to enjoy “LeftRightLeftRightLeft.” You don’t have to leave your sexuality at the door (vague “Shakespeare in Love” reference), because unlike Coldplay’s last live outing, this album radiates humanity! Chris Martin and his bandmates actually sound as if touring has liberated them from imprisonment in their own formulaic catalog of female friendly tunes. And who could blame them. “Viva La Vida” was the band’s bestselling (some say most accessible) collection to date. You know you are successful when so many fellow musicians start lobbing lawsuits accusing you of plagiarism. Yusuf Islam, the artist previously known as Cat Stevens, claims “Viva La Vida,” sounds like his 1973 song “Foreigner Suite.” Asked recently if he would pursue the issue legally, Islam, now 60, said “it depends on how well Satriani does.” Guitarist Joe Satriani (who is touring Europe with Sammy Hagar in a new band
www.federalhillna.org called Chickenfoot) has filed suit accusing Coldplay of copyright infringement. He claims substantial original portions of his song “If I Could Fly” are recycled in “Viva La Vida” and is seeking damages. Maybe he should be suing Eno for sampling without a license instead. Whatever Coldplay’s creative muse was, this performance cannot be described as being nihilist; it’s not a Britney Spears or Pink or Lady Gaga-like extravaganza. No, this is real live evocative music! And here’s the best news of all. You can download this whole performance for free from Coldplay’s website. Even better, while you are required to enter a valid e-mail address (mine was mahatmajeeves@xanadu.com) on the very next line you can opt out of any future mailings from the band. Over a typical DSL or cable connection, it takes about eight minutes for the download (or four minutes on a T-1 line). I’m guessing if you are only vaguely familiar with Coldplay you have probably at least heard the tune “Clocks.” Believe it or not, the audio presence of the audience actually adds another dimension of appeal
July 2009 to this track. The first time I heard the studio version of “Fix You” I laughed at its preposterously manipulative, sort of weepy premise. However, when the audience sings along this go-round, I actually got goosebumps, at least the first time I heard it. The next couple of times, I envisioned a largely female crowd waiving both arms above their heads in the same type of swoon reserved for Journey concerts. Then I came to the realization that this is really a musical tome about survival and how much easier life is with someone worth caring about. Or better yet, with a bunch of people who share this thought. This is an artifact, a document of an honest moment in time. Some in-studio tweaking for artistic reasons seems evident, but really … who cares? After all, it’s free! Interesting how Coldplay blows up the business model here. They didn’t wait until the tour was over, like so many other established acts. They’re not selling every night’s performance, a rough approximation of the experience. They’re giving away a Continued on page 23
2009 FHNA Membership Application — Please Join Today! Member No. 1 Last name__________________________First name______________________ Member No. 2 Last name__________________________First name______________________ Street address_____________________________Apartment/unit No._________ Phone number (please include area code)_______________________________ E-mail address_____________________________________________________
Amount paid $15 ___ (Over 65___) Amount paid $15 ___ (Over 65___)
Total paid
$_____
(Please make your check out to: Federal Hill Neighborhood Association and give it to a FHNA Board member or mail it to FHNA, P.O. Box 27112, Baltimore 21230. Your new membership card will be sent to you promptly.) All information will be kept confidential. E-mail address will be used only to communicate FHNA issues and events of importance to residents. No information will be shared with a third party.
Annual dues are only $15 per person; Federal Hill residents over 65 can join free!
July 2009
www.federalhillna.org
NOW OPEN!
Join us for Lunch, Brunch, Dinner and Dessert!! Check our website for daily specials including Monday $5 Martini Night, the Ultimate All You Can Eat Sunday Brunch, and Late Night Happy Hours! • www.dineatthehill.com
443-708-5653
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Page 21
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www.federalhillna.org
July 2009
Double or nothing? Some of us pay twice as much in property taxes
W
hy buy a 19th century rowhouse when you can buy a brand new replica with a parking garage and pay half the property taxes? On June 11 the developers of Harborview staged a fund-raiser for Mayor Sheila Dixon. On the 22nd of June, the National Association of Realtors reported that sale prices nationwide for existing homes plummeted almost 17 percent from a year ago. That same day, Mayor Dixon signed into law legislation extending the city’s property tax credit for newly constructed dwellings for another five years. Council President Stephanie RawlingsBlake wrote: “This credit is a vitally important incentive that encourages people to build and rebuild homes in Baltimore by allowing significant property tax rate relief for homeowners that invest in newly constructed or rehabilitated houses. “In addition to providing rate relief — more than $26 million over nine years — my legislation will allow qualifying homeowners who missed the application deadline
ESSEX $121,500
going back to 2005 to apply for this credit.” But before you send Madame President a thank you note and go rushing out to find a contractor to renovate your current digs, you should realize that Bill No. 09-0331 only provides a tax credit for rehab work (under state law Article-Tax-Property No. 9-304) on a property that: (1) has been cited as vacant and abandoned on a housing or building violation notice for one year, or (2) has been owned by the mayor and the City Council of Baltimore City for one year and [is] in need of substantial repair to comply with applicable city codes.” Does this sound like most of the homes in Federal Hill? You can read the bill at http://legistar/baltimorecitycouncil.com/ attachments/4738.pdf. On Friday, June 26, the following post appeared on The Sun’s real estate blog that was written by a real estate agent: “It makes a real bottom-line difference for buyers who get their property tax bills phased in. First year, half off. The amount due rises to 60 percent the second year, 70 percent the third,
FEDERAL HILL $589,000
and so forth, which means it’s not until year six that someone with the credit is paying the full amount.” That’s nice … especially for developers of projects like Harborview and the RitzCarlton condos that effectively severed the centuries old bond between Federal Hill and the Inner Harbor waterfront with a wall of construction along Key Highway. Both failed to pay their 2009 property taxes on time (they are more than $500,000 in arrears). Probably because the current housing market is not conducive to selling million dollar condos to upscale buyers. And why would anyone consider it fair for common folk like us to be burdened with higher taxes to off set the cost of a tax credit for privileged class buyers of newly constructed (never occupied) waterfront homes? A June 19 article in The Sun (“Lien filed against Inner Harbor Ritz project”) reported that the developer owes the project’s lead contractor, Bovis Lend Lease, Inc., $1.73 million. Maybe extending the newly constructed Continued on page 23
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July 2009
Double or nothing? Continued from page 22
dwelling tax credit for five years will serve to clear off the market some of the housing stock that’s depressing existing home sale prices? On the other hand, as the current five-year property tax credit period sunsets on some newly constructed homes purchased back in 2005 (the height of the housing bubble), how many Harborview residents faced with paying full-boat tax rates ($20,000 a year) do you think are putting their places on the market? Here’s a tip on the eve of your 2010 tax bill coming due on July 30. Your taxes most likely increased a minimum of 4 percent this year. Make sure that you contact your mortgage holder and deposit enough into your mortgage escrow account to cover the tax increase. Otherwise come the new year, you will likely face a pretty big bump in your monthly payment to cover the shortfall (which might be automatically added to your mortgage principal). With that said, how about some property tax relief for the rest of us who pay double
Coldplay’s new CD Continued from page 20 of the experience. They’re giving away a fantasy and it leaves you with the desire of actually catch the band live. (They played Nissan Pavilion and then Hershey Park over Memorial Day weekend) And isn’t that what it’s all about today? Isn’t the performance where all the money is made? Isn’t this where the shared experience of taking part in the live music event with like-minded people should take us all? Releasing a relatively well-mixed set that almost replicates the live experience during the touring cycle? Not only is it brilliant, it scales! It can be repeated ad infinitum, losing little of its effect. Because not every fan can get inside the concert hall, but after hearing this you might think seriously about seeing Coldplay the next time they play a date near Baltimore. You can get a free download of “LeftRightLeftRightLeft” at http://lrlrl. coldplay.com/leftright/html.
www.federalhillna.org the amount of property taxes for the privilege of underwriting these new construction tax breaks that serve merely as sales incentives for rapacious waterfront property developers? Oh, yeah — slots. That’s the ticket! On a more optimistic note, despite my clear differences with some of our elected officials zoning, development and tax policies, I was honored to be nominated by Mayor Dixon to a voting seat on the “South Baltimore Video Lottery Terminal Facility Local Development Council.” Despite being personally opposed to the
Page 23 concept of a slots parlor in our neighborhood, I gladly accepted in the hopes that I can effectively fight for your interests as a Federal Hill homeowner in securing a fair share of the “gross gaming revenue” (2.99 percent) currently required under terms of an agreement with the casino operator, which City Hall has earmarked for property tax relief. Current forecasts will permit an 8-cent drop in the current mil rate (27 cents). But this relief won’t come our way until 2012 at the earliest. Stay tuned.
July Jan 2008 Page 24 Hillsider 2009:Urbanite
6/24/2009 5:01 PM Page 1 www.federalhillna.org
New strategies for extraordinary times.
507 Harborview Drive
New Listings
Federal Hill 410.727.0606 Baltimore Metro 410.583.0400 Phoenix 410.667.0801 Bel Air 410.420.6778 Canton 410.732.3030 509 Harborview Drive Spacious, tastefully upgraded and beautifully decorated Harborview home. This wide home backs to the canal and has harbor views. Features include wood floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, Two car garage plus two car parking pad and great storage throughout. Wonderful location within the community! $829,500 MARY LAPIDES
2 Perfectly situated across from the marina, this 24' wide home offers front & back decks on the main living level, a two car garage, upgraded kitchen with Sub-Zero refrigerator & six burner cook top, and a rooftop deck overlooking the water feature. Many custom features including wood floors, blinds, central vac and whirlpool tub. $850,000 KIMBERLY HUSKINS CINDY CONKLIN
Reisterstown
July 2009
Otterbein
Washington Village
Cindy Conklin 443.629.0152 cconklin@ywgcrealty.com Bob Merbler 443.629.0162 bmerbler@ywgcrealty.com
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Randee Askin 410.615.5313 raskin@mris.com
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James Baldwin 443.255.2502 jbaldwin@ywgcrealty.com Eloise Barnum 443.326.3088 eloisebarnum@yahoo.com Susannah Barnum 410.570.5161 susannahbarnum@gmail.com Andrew Colletta 410.419.5710 ajc@mris.com Sharon Friedman 410.303.1664 svfriedman@verizon.net Stacey Friedman 410.303.5747 sf21230@aol.com Andrea Griffin 410.591.9183 agriffin@ywgcrealty.com Kimberly Huskins 410.627.2852 khuskins@ywgcrealty.com
1807 Billy Barton Cir. Excellent location in desirable Falls Road corridor. 1.75 acres of plush landscaped grounds. Well-maintained, light-filled 4 BR, 2 ½ BA home offers country kitchen opening into family room with fireplace and Atrium doors leading to deck. Hardwood flrs, crown moldings, cathedral entrance to formal LR and DR. $569,900 MARY LAPIDES
131 W. Hill St. 2-3BR, 2FB stylish Otterbein townhouse offers renovated kitchen with Caesar stone, SS appliances, cherry cabinets and radiant floors with doors onto patio and Hill Street Park. Hdwds throughout. Master BA w dual vanity, marble floors/counters & cherry cab. Deck w/ park views! $469,000 JAMES BALDWIN & ANDREA GRIFFIN
773 Carroll St. •New Listing Old World charm with modern renovations. Tall ceilings, 2 fireplaces, new central AC, new Hunter ceiling fans, maple cabinets, SS appliances and quality fixtures throughout. Private fenced stone patio. Tons of closet space, security storm doors, washer, dryer & microwave. $165,000 ANDREA GRIFFIN & JAMES BALDWIN
Prices Reduced on these Historic District Homes!
Mary Lapides 410.804.6379 mlapides@ywgcrealty.com Peg McCarty 443.414.7798 pmccarty@ywgcrealty.com Sharon Michaels 443.722.0221 smichaels@ywgcrealty.com Heather Perkins 443.928.9613 hcperkins@gmail.com Alex Padussis 410.404.7397 apadussis@ywgcrealty.com Timmie Taff 443.226.3223 ttaff@ywgcrealty.com Angela Vavasori 443.865.1278 avavasori@gmail.com
218 E. Montgomery St. •Reduced Perfectly located & rebuilt from the top level of unparalleled Inner Harbor views & spacious family room to the LL of beautifully finished office/den & ensuite guest room. In between, discover a dramatic 3 story glass tiled waterfall, gleaming hardwoods, meticulous bathroom tilework, slate kitchen counters & flooring and lovely cabinetry. Possible off st. parking. $750,000 CINDY CONKLIN & RANDEE ASKIN
117 E. Montgomery St. •Reduced One of the most gracious homes ever offered on this desirable cobblestone street. Exposed beams, mantels, columns & exquisite inlaid hardwood and original pine floors, convey the historic integrity of this home while the spacious fully equipped kitchen and baths provide modern convenience. $575,000 RANDEE ASKIN & CINDY CONKLIN
337 Warren Ave •Reduced Beautiful and bright 4BR, 3.5BA home across from Federal Hill park. Enjoy direct views of the park, city skyline and Inner Harbor. The combination of a versatile floor plan, the perfect blend of updates, amenities and original detail, a two-tiered rooftop deck, floor to ceiling windows, built-ins and a large landscaped patio make this a fabulous home! $949,000 ANDREA GRIFFIN & CINDY CONKLIN
Mary Widomski 443.858.5228 mwidomski@ywgcrealty.com Brigitte Williams 443.250.1841 brigitterealtor@yahoo.com Shana Witman 443.226.6038 switman@ywgcrealty.com Dennis Woytowich 410.428.3675 dwoytowich@ywgcrealty.com
Come visit us at 1113 Light Street or on the web at ywgcrealty.com