March 2022 Community Meeting Recap
Note: Any changes to the minutes should be directed to Lynnie at secretary@upperfellspoint.org.
Hybrid Meeting
Over 50 people attended in-person and virtually.
Thanks to the Ministry of Brewing for hosting our hybrid format and to Tom Koerber for his technological help. And thanks to everyone for their patience with sound issues.
Volunteers are needed to help with computer & projector setup and microphone connections at our meetings. Contact Tom
Guest Speaker
Mark Gaither, Principal of Wolfe St. Academy
Low instances of COVID positive test results but are still testing once/week.
The parallel/angled parking changes have improved student drop-offs.
The Baltimore Curriculum Project bought the property at 243 S Wolfe (house next to the playground).
The façade and floor plan of the house will stay the same but will upgrade the security and fire systems, will cut through the back wall to add steps at the back of the yard to the playground, etc.
The space will be used for parent/teacher conferences, meetings, etc.
Mr. Gaither discussed his “dream school” plans which would include two designated rooms for each grade level and once kids can move closer, will add the library back to the building (it was removed during covid due to lack of space for the required social distancing and need of more classroom space).
WSA will be hiring a technological media specialist next year for computer classes. If construction for “dream school” happens students would be moved to a “swing space” for about one year.
Mr. Gaither asked that everyone spread the word; private donations are always welcome too.
Committee Reports
Beautification
Mallory Kuehn—beautification@upperfellspoint.org
Cleanup on April 30th in conjunction with the Mayor’s spring cleanup. More details coming soon.
City will be issuing citations for recycle or trash cans left on the sidewalk/front of your house during non-pickup days soon.
Maggie (Washington Hill President) stated that DPW told her they would not be picking up any more group collections of unwanted recycle cans. Mallory to check into this.
Next tree planting will be in the fall but orders will be taken around July; more details coming soon.
Dumpster Days for 2022: May 21, August 27, November 5.
Education
George Croom — education@upperfellspoint.org
Volunteers are needed for tutoring at Wolfe Street Academy.
Committee meeting on 3/25 at 7pm
Land-Use
Mark Hoffmann - landuse@upperfellspoint.org
Monthly meeting 3/9
Land use guidelines survey - respond by April 30th at 5pm - https://www.upperfellspoint.org/featured-events/2022-land-use-survey
501 to 507 S Broadway - The developer is working on an MOU regarding the operation of an expansion of Bristol Liquors.
Holding off on zoning request
407 S Broadway
The proposal is to convert the vacant retail space to a hookah lounge.
Proposed hours of operation are Thursday through Sunday 4pm to 4am.
Occupancy is listed as 440 people with live and DJ music, and dancing.
Limited information about parking, noise control and security were submitted.
It was noted on their application that there are no residential properties within 2 miles.
VOTE: Motion to oppose the project and no letter of support; motion passed (Y-22; N-2; A-0)
200 S Broadway project (old church)
Wants to purchase lot behind in order to use for parking
Developer mentioned that lot is not associated with Perkins, conversion of church will not affect affordable housing issue
VOTE: Motion for letter of support to acquire lot for parking (building development was already approved by the City previously) or do nothing. Motion was unclear and may be redone at the next meeting due to technical issues with sound at our meeting
322 S Ann project
Proposal to convert from 2 units to 3 units (has had separate meters for many years)
VOTE: Motion to support the project from 2 to 3 units; motion passed
Media
Jan Mooney - newsletter@upperfellspoint.org
Deadline for the April newsletter is the 4th.
Safety (sub-committee)
Chris Moad
Working on cafe lighting
New energy into block captain program
National Night Out (8/2)
Need volunteers - esp. people who have volunteered on this in the past
Traffic & Parking
Kurt Schiller - trafficparking@upperfellspoint.org
Bike Way Meetings originally scheduled for 3/23 & 24 were postponed until later (no date yet)
Events
Wendy Bozel
Billie Holiday Progressive Dinner (June 4th)
Looking for several volunteers and hosts for appetizers and mains, and desserts at a central location.
Tickets $45 each or $15 for just desserts; both include beverages
Contact Wendy at 443-791-8089 if interested in helping
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.
