April 2024 Community Meeting Recap
Note: Any changes to the minutes should be directed to secretary@upperfellspoint.org.
Hybrid Meeting
Welcome/Introductions
Guest Speaker
Jennifer Robinson, Friends of Patterson Park (FPP) Executive Director, stated that the boat lake is to be dredged sometime late summer/fall and a new playground is being installed by the City at a cost of $380K. Improvements are to be made to the casino building but the Virginia Baker Center needs HVAC repairs and the Observatory will remain closed until major repairs can be made. Several untreated ash trees have been marked for removal due to safety concerns while some dead trees will remain for wildlife habitats and new trees will be planted too. The FPP headquarters (the old park superintendent’s house or also known as the “white house”) will have a new community-programming building, volunteer support center and courtyard. More information is on their website at https://pattersonpark.com.
Discussion/Votes
The Board presented the options/last steps for three new grants.
Motion: To endorse the grant application priorities presented by the Board; motion passed (Y-19; N-1; A-0).
Officer Reports
The Treasurer’s report was given.
Committee Reports
Beautification
Mallory Kuehn - beautification@upperfellspoint.org
Sip & Plant Swap and Cycle Tour on April 28th.
Planters for sale at a discount of $35 or available for sale/pickup at the Sip & Plant Swap on April 28th; contact upperfellsplanter@gmail.com
Community Garden
Jan Mooney - communitygarden@upperfellspoint.org
Sip & Plant Swap and Cycle Tour on April 28th.
Spring planting has begun.
Education
Latonya Watson - education@upperfellspoint.org
The Career Fair at Commodore John Rodgers was a success and we plan to be more involved with CJR in the future.
Wolfest is coming on May 4th.
FUND-RAISING
Lisa Knickmeyer - fundraising@upperfellspoint.org
Work on the new Billie Holiday mural on 224 S Durham is to begin in April.
Land-Use
Mark Hoffmann - landuse@upperfellspoint.org
The LU Committee meets monthly at the Julie Community Center and incorporates the Safety and Traffic & Parking Committees.
Sweet Carolina Liquors is not in compliance with their MOU.
Safety (sub-committee)
Dan Harrison - safety@upperfellspoint.org
Lighting installations are ongoing. Extra funds will be used for spare light bulbs. Some of the limitations for installation are due to building structures and internet connections.
Eight of the ten safety cameras have been installed but five more locations are needed.
MEDIA
Jan Mooney - newsletter@upperfellspoint.org
The Canton Kayak Club is a new sponsor and they are offering a discount on membership.
Brent has created an Instagram page (@ufpia_baltimore) so contact him with your comments.
Deadline for June is the 2nd at 5pm.
Traffic & Parking
Parker Bratton - trafficparking@upperfellspoint.org
No news.
New Business
Ethan Hasiuk, rep from Dist. 1 Councilman Cohen’s office, stated that St. Patrick’s will be closing due to the archdiocese decision to close it but the Councilman’s office will be working with the Church on their homeless/social services. Work will continue with the UFPIA and the City on illegal dumping. Funding has been applied for the Wolfe/Washington Bikeway project and if all goes well, it could begin in the summer of 2025.
Daryl Thorpe, rep from Dist. 13 Councilman Glover’s office, noted that 13 is a diverse district. A newsletter and other info can be found on his website at https://www.antonioglover.com/.
Meeting adjourned
To vote on issues at a meeting, you must have paid your current dues (based on calendar year beginning in January), attended 2 of the preceding 11 meetings, live in our boundaries and be age 18 and/or attended UFPIA sponsored events/activities per our Meeting & Voting Regulations.
