The November Newsletter.

The November Newsletter.
Notes From The October Meeting


New Friendship Inn Owner Welcomed: Kevin Boale, the new owner of the
Friendship Inn, located at the corner of Barney and Belt, came to
present his business to Riverside residents. Mr. Boale wants his new
bar to be reflective of the spirit of Old South Baltimore and does not
want problems between his business and area residents. He was asked if
he would take responsibility for crowds congregating on the block, as
this had been a problem with the old bar. He explained that he would be
involved with the business “99% of the time” and would personally
oversee closing time almost every night. He reiterated that if any
resident had a problem he/she could come talk to him personally.

Crime: Shannon Sullivan gave the monthly crime report for the last 28
days. There were a total of 450 arrests in the Southern District. Year
-to-date there have been 6,189 arrests. Compared to last year,
aggravated assaults are down by 33% with 47; arson is down by 60%;
burglaries are up by 16% with a total of 94 for the whole Southern
District. There were 12 arrests for breaking and entering and 15
robberies. Shannon noted a trend among those claiming robbery for false
reasons (i.e. cannot pay monthly rent) and said that Police were looking
into these allegations. She noted (as did another resident who
recovered his bicycle earlier reported as stolen) that it is always a
good thing to report problems to the police so that local media can
publicize incidents and make residents aware of problems. 21 guns were
recovered. There were 48 juvenile arrests and 53 juvenile curfew
violations. Authorities would like a put a camera on the corner of
Heath & Elkins Streets (technically located in SBIC, although only one
block from Riverside). Shannon noted that there is a tendency for
problems to move elsewhere after cameras are put up and that residents
should be alert to problems cropping up in other areas. There was one
report of a 12 year old girl knocking at a door in Federal Hill and
asking questions such as “do you have a dog” and then running away.
There is some concern that this child is part of a group who is casing
houses. There were four recent complaints about off-leash dogs in
Riverside Park. The District Police Major is sending out an animal
control officer to the park to issue citations. These citations can be
expensive ($100) so all residents with dogs are advised to obey all
laws. All residents are encouraged to participate in the crime walks.
Please email ragsobo@yahoo.com if you would like to be added to the
crime walk e-mail notification list.

Development: Thor Nelson from the Baltimore City Planning Department
made a slide presentation on the Key Highway Task Force recommendations
for an area extending from Harborview to General Ship. He mentioned
that Main Steel would have to be rezoned R-8. He addressed the current
short-comings of Key Highway as a thoroughfare used on the way to other
destinations and the notable lack of amenities like sidewalks and
gateway features. The Key Highway Task Force draft aims to create open
space, a world-class waterfront, maximize views, promote lively
activities, enhance waterfront access, create neighborhood-friendly
buildings and address transportation problems. Base requirements
(minimums) were to create view corridors and trade extra height for more
open space. In other words, in exchange for higher buildings, developers
would have to allow for more open space. There are plans for a 30 foot
wide promenade the full length of the project and for preserving view
corridors down Webster and Lawrence Streets. Street furniture, benches
and bike racks as well as surface treatments would enhance Key Highway.
The goal of the Building Form and Land Use Committees were to make Key
Highway an area that draws in pedestrian traffic. Store front space on
ground floors was also part of the base requirements. Fulfillment of
these pledges would allow developers to add 20-30 feet height bonuses.
One idea for the Main Steel building would be to allow a six to seven
story building with a 20-30 foot setback on Harvey Street. Certain
waterside buildings also might be six to seven stories high. No building
would be allowed to be more than 290 feet high (the height of the
current Harborview Building). Transportation studies indicated that
there would be a significant increase in traffic with development. There
would be plans to add mass transit and establish a neighborhood shuttle
bus. Plans may also include the establishment of a new commuter rail
station behind the Southside Shopping Center. The addition of left turn
signals where they do not currently exist should also help to alleviate
congestion. A number of other parking initiatives include permit parking
(with permits more expensive for each additional car owned), and newer
projects like the ADM grain silo needing to have their own off-street
parking. Next steps--->The Department of Planning will produce a
Development Draft Plan in November. In December, the Department of
Planning will finalize an Urban Renewal Plan with Task Force review. The
Task Force wants two parking spaces built per residential unit and have
even requested three per unit (as in the case of the T&M Paint project).




NEW BUSINESS


CRIME Shannon Sullivan


Please remember that while we do live in a great neighborhood we still
have to be careful, especially when walking alone at night. Be aware of
your surroundings, do not let your cell phone distract you and do not
fumble for keys when at your car or front door. This information is not
meant to scare anyone but the truth is robberies and burglaries increase
in our neighborhood between now and the New Year’s. If you are
approached by someone who asks for money the police recommend you comply
for your own safety. Also, remember that if you’ve just purchased or
received a holiday gift, break down the box it came in and place it in a
trash – do not leave it on the sidewalk for everyone to see what great
new item you have in your home. Other easy preventative crime measures
include keeping outside lights on at night and reporting any suspicious
activity to 911.

The police are also increasing their effort to stop crime in the area.
Officers are being pulled from other patrols to cover our neighborhood
and are stopping anyone who looks suspicious. Again, if you notice
someone who does not belong, get a good look at their face, height,
clothing, etc. and then call 911.

Other ways the police and residents can work together to stop crime is
attend an upcoming Citizens on Patrol walk. In fact, during a walk last
month a robbery occured about ½ block from our patrol with Deputy Major
Bevilacqua. Because we were so close to the incident the Deputy Major
was able to call in the helicopter and both suspects were arrested. The
women’s purse and money were found and returned to her. Our next walk
is Monday, December 5th at 7pm. Meet at the Riverside Park gazebo.
Also, by joining the walks you have access to either the Deputy Major or
Major Eric Jordan who are more than willing to answer your crime
questions. Please take advantage of this opportunity to speak with
them. No other police district in Baltimore City offers this much
direct access to the police. Other upcoming district walks include:

* Tuesday, November 29th at 7pm – CHERRY HILL

Meet at the Cherry Hill Town Center, 600 Cherry Hill Road

* Friday, November 25th – BROOKLYN

Meet at the Park & Ride on Hanover

* Thursday, December 1st at 8pm – FEDERAL HILL SOUTH

Meet at the corner of Cross St. & Riverside Ave outside Porter’s Pub

* Wednesday, December 7th at 7pm – WASHINGTON VILLAGE/ PIGTOWN.
Meet at 904 Washington Blvd.
* Thursday, December 8th at 7pm – SHARP-LEADENHALL/ OTTERBEIN.
Meet at the corner of Sharp St. & Henrietta
* Monday, December 12th at 7pm – CHERRY HILL

Meet at the Cherry Hill Shopping Center.

* Tuesday, December 27th at 7pm – CHERRY HILL

Meet at the Cherry Hill Senior Manor, 901 Cherry Hill Rd. (park on
street)

* Thursday, December 29th at 7pm - BROOKLYN

Thanks and if you have any questions about crime in our area please
contact me at sullivansox@yahoo.com




ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT Ann Fiocco


The Key highway urban renewal plan is moving into the next phase. After
presenting a draft presentation to all of the neighborhood associations,
the Planning Department has created the first draft of language for the
URP that will go before the City Council. The Task Force is reviewing
the draft and giving input to the city. I will have a detailed update
for everyone at our meeting. As for other projects in the neighborhood,
they are all moving along almost as expected. The condo project in the
church at 301 Fort was approved for the 14 parking spaces within the
building. The next step will be a zoning hearing. The JED project
should have home designs for us to review by the end of the year. Work
on NESCO continues at a brisk pace on the inside of the building and on
the roof structures. The T&M Paint home project is in the R8 rezoning
phase. As always, I will continue to update everyone on these projects
at each meeting. See you there. Ann






My Two Cents Ivars Balodis


Since the change of seasons has arrived I just wanted to remind you of a
few things:

* change the batteries in your smoke detectors
* trash pick up is Wednesday and Saturday
* paper recycling is the second and fourth Friday of every month
* bottle and can recycling is the second and fourth Monday of
every month
* leave exterior lights on during the night
* our monthly meeting is the last Monday of every month



Lastly if you’ve been an hour late to all of your appointments the last
couple of weeks, turn your clocks back an hour. Daylight saving time is
over for the year. Until next month be safe. Ivars




FRIENDS OF RIVERSIDE PARK


Friends of Riverside Park would like to thank all those who participated
in the Fall Flea Market. The weather was good, however there were a few
logistical problems relating to the Marathon held on the same day. The
Flea Market raised $1,500! Some of the proceeds will be used for new
trash cans and picnic tables for the playground. Please take note of
the new landscaping at the corner of Covington and Randall; and look for
a new sign in the next couple of months.



WINTER WONDERLAND

Winter Wonderland is here in our own back yard. Members of Salem
Lutheran Church on Randall St. and Battery Ave. present a spectacular
Christmas tree display every year in the church hall. This year’s
Winter Wonderland will be held on Friday, December 2 through Sunday,
December 4. There are more than fifteen decorated trees each with a
different theme. This year is extra exciting because Friends of
Riverside Park and SOBER will each be decorating a tree. In addition
to the trees, food will be sold every day during the festivities, a
raffle will be held, small crafts will be sold, and Santa Claus usually
makes an appearance. A bake sale will be held on Saturday. So get into
the spirit of the holidays and meet friends and neighbors by visiting
Salem Lutheran Church during the 1st weekend of December. Admission is
FREE!!

Friday , Dec. 2: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Spaghetti Dinner (Sauce prepared
by SOBO Café)

Saturday, Dec. 3: 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Menu to be announced

Sunday, Dec. 4: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. - Menu to be announced





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