 My eyes are set on growing Baltimore City by 10,000 families over the next decade. In order to accomplish that goal, we must focus on projects that will encourage new residents to choose Baltimore as their home, and give current residents reasons to fall back in love with our unique and charming city.
For residents, both new and old, a world-class transit system is a necessity. When we say “transit,” many often think about mass transportation options, rail projects or road infrastructure, but a twenty-first century transit system is, above all else, well-rounded.
This week, we celebrated the groundbreaking of yet another new transit option in Baltimore—a new Greyhound Intermodal Terminal. This 9,516 square foot facility will replace the existing temporary bus terminal on Haines Street. The modern, energy-efficient transit center will improve transit options for the citizens of Baltimore and beyond. I am so excited about the terminal’s potential to help us grow a more vibrant city.
Our eclectic neighborhoods and the people within them have always been our strength. But for decades, we have watched as thousands of properties were abandoned and thousands more fell into disrepair. To grow our city, we have to do more to strengthen our neighborhoods, and free them of blight.
When I first became mayor, I was determined to redevelop Baltimore’s vacant properties more quickly, efficiently, and economically. Through programs like Vacants to Value and the Growing Green Initiative, we are working to make our city safer, stronger, and cleaner. This week, we took another step toward realizing those objectives.
For far too long, the sight of vacant houses along the Amtrak corridor in East Baltimore has been an eyesore for residents and travelers alike. So on Wednesday, I was thrilled to launch Green Tracks—a collaborative project that will eliminate blight and create new green spaces along Amtrak's East Baltimore train tracks.
Green Tracks will take advantage of strategically demolished vacant housing, connecting green space to ongoing revitalization projects throughout the surrounding neighborhoods such as the new Henderson-Hopkins School and homes that have been rehabilitated by the Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition (HEBCAC). By turning these community challenges into community resources, we will continue to cultivate neighborhoods that are free of blight and primed for future growth.
You cannot grow a city by thinking small. We will continue to innovate and push the boundaries. I remain committed to investing in programs and projects that will create a stronger, more vibrant, and growing city.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at my website or by email at mayor@baltimorecity.gov. You can also follow the Mayor’s Office and be a part of the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.
 Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Business Journal
These bricks, signed by a Details Deconstruction crew, represent the deconstruction of vacant houses like those in the background.
Through a partnership with Humanim, Baltimore City's Vacants to Value program is deconstructing, rather than demolishing, vacant and blighted buildings. Deconstruction creates jobs, allows for the recycling of construction materials, and decreases the environmental impact of blight removal.
Photo by Mark Dennis.
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Veterans Day Service Changes
City offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 due to Veterans Day. Please note the following changes to City services:
- There will be no curbside trash or recycling collection in Baltimore City. For those whose collections are on Tuesday, the make-up day will be Saturday, November 15.
- No bulk trash collections will be scheduled.
- Citizen drop-off centers will be closed, including the Quarantine Road Landfill.
- Mechanical street sweeping will not take place.
- Parking meters WILL be in effect.
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Citizens will be unable to access city offices for bill payments or permits. Some bills can be paid online at www.baltimorecity.gov.
Baltimore Movers Research
Have you moved in the past three years? The Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance (BNIA) is conducting some important research about where and why people move within Baltimore City. Participate in a 5-minute survey to help officials learn how to better attract and retain Baltimore City residents. The survey will continue through November 10. To participate, visit www.bniajfi.org/currentproject/grow-baltimore.
Façade Improvement Grant Money
If you own a small business in Baltimore, you may be eligible for funds to improve your façade. These programs aim to aesthetically improve the look of Baltimore's business districts while making revitalization efforts affordable for small business owners. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, exterior paint, new windows, siding, awnings, transoms, landscape improvements, and sidewalk repairs. For more information contact Baltimore Development Corporation at 410-837-9305 or mklipa@baltimoredevelopment.com.
CNN Hero of the Year
Baltimore's own Annette March-Grier, co-founder and president of Roberta’s House, has been chosen as one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2014. Her work to help grieving children, families, and adults in underserved areas of Baltimore is currently being featured on CNN world-wide. As a top 10 Hero, Annette is in the running to become CNN's Hero of the Year. You can vote for Annette once per day at heroes.cnn.com. And don't forget to share your vote on Facebook and Twitter to rally as many votes as it takes. Voting ends on Sunday, November 16.
Maurice Sendak: The Memorial Exhibition
Through January 4, 2015
Enoch Pratt Free Library, Central Library, 400 Cathedral Street
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak: The Memorial Exhibition is a retrospective of original works by the late, great Maurice Sendak. The artwork is presented with heartfelt words from 50 extraordinary people whose lives were all touched by this beloved author and illustrator. The exhibition will appeal to all ages. For more information, visit calendar.prattlibrary.org.
Financial Planning Day
Saturday, November 8, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Open Church, 5010 Briarclift Road
Don't miss this opportunity for a free, private consultation on financial issues that matter to you. Meet one-on-one with a highly qualified Certified Financial Planner and participate in free financial workshops throughout the day. Drop in and stay as long as you'd like! For more information or to register, visit www.financialplanningdays.org/baltimore or call 877-861-7826.
Cultivating Body Respect for EveryBODY
Saturday, November 8, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt, 6501 N. Charles Street
Internationally-recognized authority and best-selling author Dr. Linda Bacon will expose popular weight myths and ease concerns that dieting is necessary or valuable to attain a healthy or desirable body. Translating the latest science into practical, everyday advice, she will give attendees the confidence needed to combat unhealthy cultural ideas and regain a trusting relationship with their body. This event is free to the public. Pre-registration is required. To register, or for more information, call 410-427-3886 or visit www.eatingdisorder.org/events.
Plants & People Sunday: Exploration Station
Sunday, November 9, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Rawlings Conservatory, Druid Hill Park
Join Baltimore City Recreation and Parks for an afternoon of educational fun! Elementary-aged children and youth will enjoy hands-on gardening as they create a project to take home. This month's theme is Chrysanthemums, in combination with the conservatory's annual Mum Show. For more information, visit www.rawlingsconservatory.org.
Date Night at the National Aquarium
Thursday, November 13, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
National Aquarium Baltimore, 501 E. Pratt Street
This week, let the National Aquarium host your date night. Couples 21 and older can wander leisurely through crowd-free exhibits, catch a film at the 4-D Immersion Theater, listen to live music from local guitarist Rich Barry, and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and desserts. Admission is $75 per couple for members, $130 per couple for non-members. For more information, visit www.aqua.org.
City Living Starts Here
November 15, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Family Center Y, 900 E. 33rd Street
Take a narrated walking tour of a Baltimore City neighborhood, speak with trusted real estate professionals and community organizations, and get local perspectives from potential neighbors to help with your homebuying decisions. Participation in this event also qualifies homebuyers for one of ten $5,000 City Living Starts Here incentives. For more information, or to register for the event, visit livebaltimore.com/events.
Plants & People Sunday: Sprouts
Sunday, November 16, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Rawlings Conservatory, Druid Hill Park
Join Baltimore City Recreation and Parks and introduce your youngsters to the world of plants! Pre-K and early elementary children will enjoy a craft activity and story time. Story hour begins at 2:30 pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This month's theme is Chrysanthemums, in combination with the conservatory's annual Mum Show. For more information, visit www.rawlingsconservatory.org.
Mayor Rawlings-Blake’s Thanksgiving Fresh Harvest
Saturday, November 22, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Site of the Baltimore Farmers’ Market, Under the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday & Saratoga Streets
Don’t let your family go hungry during the season of bounty! Take home fresh produce provided by the Maryland Food Bank. On-site registration is required, one registrant per family. One bag of food will be distributed per registrant, while supplies last. Don’t forget to bring your shopping bag! For more information, contact Marva Williams at marva.williams@baltimorecity.gov or 410-545-7983.
Fur a Good Cause
Saturday, November 22, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The League for People with Disabilities, 1111 E. Cold Spring Lane
This 14th annual fundraiser will support programs that help improve the quality of life for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities. Purchase a gently-worn fur coat or jacket; clothing and accessories in leather and fabrics, as well as holiday gift items, will also be available. For more information, visit www.leagueforpeople.org or call 410-323-0500.
Plants & People Sunday: Science Demonstration
Sunday, November 23, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Rawlings Conservatory, Druid Hill Park
Explore the science behind the plants with Dr. Stone! Bring your curiosity to the conservatory, and discover the interconnection between plants and people in our everyday world. This month's theme is Chrysanthemums, in combination with the conservatory's annual Mum Show. For more information, visit www.rawlingsconservatory.org.
Y Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 27, 8:30 am
Druid Hill Park
Join the Y of Central Maryland on Thanksgiving morning for its largest annual fundraiser. This 5k walk/run will start at the Stieff Silver Building at the entrance to Druid Hill Park, running through the park and looping around the lake. For more information, visit ymaryland.org and click "Baltimore City."
Gobble Cobble Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 27, 8:30 am
MAC Harbor East, 655 President Street
On Thanksgiving morning, join Falls Road Running for the 5th annual Gobble Cobble Turkey Trot, hosted by the Maryland Athletic Club & Wellness Center (MAC). The course begins at MAC Harbor East and proceeds to the cobblestone streets of the Fells Point Waterfront. Registration is open until November 25. Get more information or register online.
Festival of Trees
November 28 – 30, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium
The largest seasonal festival on the East Coast, Kennedy Krieger’s annual fundraiser will feature more than 700 decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses, as well as family-friendly activities and entertainment. General admission is $13 for adults and $7 for children ages 5-12 and seniors. Children 4 and under are free. To purchase discounted tickets in advance or learn how to earn free tickets, visit festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org or call 443-923-7300.
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