Dear Leaders,
Recently, I was selected as Goucher College's 2014-15 Hughes Center Politician-in-Residence. Each year, a local or state representative is selected to give Goucher Students a hands on inside look into the world of public service. This past week, I was joined by my good friends Bobby Marvin Holmes and John Bullock for a screening of the film Live Young Blood at Goucher. This event provided the students a inside look into the unfortunate violence that impacts too many young people in our city. In the remainder of the school year, the students will join me for a tour of Baltimore neighborhoods, attend Council Hearings and I will also provide classroom lectures on various topics. Connecting Baltimore's College Students with our community is vital to the future growth of our city and I am truly honored to have been selected as this year's 2014-15 Hughes Center Politician-in-Residence.
Sincerely
Councilman Brandon M. Scott
2nd District - Baltimore City Council
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Recently, Councilman Scott was able to play in the Staff Vs. Student basketball game at Maritime Industries Academy High School. It was a great time for the students and staff to come together to play a friendly yet competitive game of basketball. We look forward to this event next year. |
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Recently, the Family Tree held their annual Family Walk and Family Fair. It was a great event event that was able to offer families across Baltimore resources and opportunities to help strengthen their families. We would like to give a special thank you to students in the 2nd Saturday's Leadership Academy who came out to support this great event and learn about the Family Tree. |
The College Bound Foundations recently held there "What College Means to Me?" essay, poetry, and art contest. The event was held at the National Aquarium. Councilman Scott had the opportunity to attend to help congratulate the winners of this contest. Introducing our students to College at a early age is one of many ways that we can increase their desire to attend college. Moreover, it's always great for us to recognize and congratulate young people who are excelling and doing great things.
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Dear Citizens,
I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the nice weather over the past few days. The cold is coming this weekend. I love hot weather and I am not a big fan of the cold. The only good thing about the cooler weather is that crime usually declines for the first few weeks as less people are on the street. Unfortunately, it will increase again around the Holidays as the foot traffic in the business areas increases and people start adjusting to the weather change.
As we enter the final 7 weeks of the year, we have a chance to make some real gains in both property and violent crime stats. TEAMWORK has paid off thus far in 2014. Let’s continue to work together and extend that success as we enter the Holiday Season.
ROBBERIES: After a tough few weeks, we have bounced back nicely. I think the message is getting out and people are taking precautions. Thank you for spreading the word!!! Please continue because this is the time of year Robbers prey on Victims who are distracted for any reason. As always, the main items stolen are small electronic devices. If you are approached and a Suspect claims he is armed, please do not resist. We have had several people shot this year as the result of a robbery attempt. Comply with the demands but try to get a good description of the Suspect. If something stands out, such as teeth, facial hair, tattoos please make a mental note and let the officer know. If he has unique clothing please let the officer know. Start from the feet and move up describing what they are wearing. The suspects can usually change coats and shirts but rarely do they change their shoes. Every few seconds, scan your environment. Make eye contact with people. The Suspect doesn’t want to be recognized and if you make eye contact, they may think twice about committing a crime. Try not to use your electronic device in public, especially on bus stops. Most of all, look out for each other and if you think you see something suspicious, call 911 and let us investigate.
BURGLARIES: We have seen an increase in this crime over the past several weeks. In most cases, the crimes are occurring during the day or early evening while the Victims are at work. The Suspects are usually entering the house via a rear door or window. In most cases, they are using force by kicking in a door or breaking a window. The Suspects are taking small electronic devices. In a few cases, they are removing large items, such as big screen TVs or appliances. They are also targeting vacant properties for copper pipes. If you have a vacant property on your block, please keep an eye on it and call 911 if you see anyone inside. Over the past 3 weeks, we have seen several cases where the Suspects have pushed the AC Units in and entered the home. Please remove your window AC if possible. If not possible to remove, please secure it as tightly as possible so it takes the suspects time to get it out of the window. The Belair/Edison Community had been hit hard but with the deployment strategy that pattern has slowed. Unfortunately, the burglars have moved up Belair Road and hit the communities on each side of Belair Road from Erdman to White Avenue. They have also targeted the top end of 424 post which encompasses the Dutch Village Community. We believe that JUVENILES may be involved during the day when they are supposed to be in school. If you see JUVENILES in the area during school hours, please call 911. We can take them back to school and inquire as to why they are not in school. The past few weeks, we have seen sheds and garages entered by damaging the locks. Please check your shed and garage regularly, especially if it is a detached garage or shed.
STOLEN AUTOS: I sent an email a few days ago about leaving vehicles unattended with the keys in the ignition. Thus far this week, 50% of the vehicles stolen have had the keys in the ignition and the car was idling unattended. Each of those citizens had their vehicle stolen and each received a citation. In two of the cases from last week, the vehicles were crashed a short distance after being taken. I know this is convenient but it is a problem for all City residents. One of the reasons insurance rates are high in the City is because of the amount of vehicles being stolen. Making it easy for the Suspects, by leaving the car unattended with the keys in the ignition affects all City residents, especially those in your neighborhood. HONDA products seem to be the #1 make stolen with DODGE following close behind.
LARCENIES FROM AUTO: I know I should not be happy that thieves have to break windows in order to steal items left in plain view inside a vehicle but this is the first week I can remember where the amount of UNLOCKED vehicles is less than 25% of the crimes. This is also the first week in a long time where the amount of incidents is down significantly half way through the week. I am hoping we have turned the corner and people are getting the message to lock their vehicles. I know it is as frustrating for you to read these warnings every week as it is for me to write them but I think OUR message is getting out. I am encouraged about this category for the first time in a long time. Unfortunately, this is the time of year where the pace picks up due to Holiday shopping and packages being left in vehicles. Please place items in your trunk and don’t leave anything in plain view on the seat or floor. Make it difficult and the thieves will probably move on to an easier target. Keep an eye out for suspects scanning parking lots of business areas. Call 911 if you see suspects looking into vehicles or trying door handles. Most of all, lock your doors and take everything out of the vehicle.
I usually don’t like to give arrest numbers because I don’t think it is a true indicator of how well the District is doing. I’d rather see the crime reduction numbers because it is very difficult to determine how much crime was prevented by making quality arrests of Suspects who are wreaking havoc in the community. The officers are working hard every day to make the NED a safer place to live, work and play. Over 400 Suspects were arrested in the past 28 days. The 28 day arrest numbers for a few categories are listed below.
· 8 Suspects were arrested for handgun violations
· 88 Suspects were arrested for having illegal drugs
· 10 Burglary Suspects were arrested
· 17 Robbery Suspects were arrested
· 6 Stolen Auto Suspects were arrested
Most of these arrests would not be possible if it was not for theTEAMWORK between the Community and the BPD. Officers are making quality arrests by responding to 911 calls and following up on email tips. Please keep the information coming!!! We can’t do it without the Community.
Thank you for your continued support. Please look out for your neighbors and call 911 at the first sign of anything suspicious.
Rich
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Monday, November 17, 2014
Worksession: Housing and Community Development Committee
3:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
14-0361 Late-Night Commercial Operations - Multiple Businesses
Monday, November 17, 2014
Voting Session: Housing and Community Development Committee
3:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
14-0361 Late-Night Commercial Operations - Multiple Businesses
Monday, November 17, 2014
City Council Meeting
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Hearing: Judiciary and Legislative Investigations
9:30 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
14-0436 Official City Slogan - "Baltimore - Birthplace of The Star‑Spangled Banner"
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Hearing: Health Committee
1:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
14-0442 Animal Control and Protection - Impoundment Reform
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Worksession: Land Use and Transportation Committee
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
LO14-0109 12-0152 TransForm Baltimore - Zoning
Cancelled until further notice
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Legislative Oversight: Education and Youth Committee
4:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
LO14-0116 Informational Hearing – Baltimore Opportunity Schools Report
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Worksession: Health Committee
1:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
12-0121 Food Service Facilities - Public Notice of Inspection Grades
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, visitwww.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.
The Maryland Home Energy Loan Program
Through the Maryland Home Energy Loan Program you can apply for loans that will help improve your home’s energy efficiency. There are two interest rates available for eligible 6 consumers. A rate of 6.99% APR is available for consumers completing an energy audit and installing insulation and duct sealing measures. A rate of 9.99% APR is available for consumers completing equipment upgrades only, such as a furnace or HVAC unit that meet MCEC and ENERGY STAR standards. The program features 100% unsecured financing, loan amounts ranging from $1,500-$30,000, and up to a 10 year amortization. For more information go to:
http://www.mcecloans.com/ or call 1-866-562-6764.
BGE Launches 2014 Emergency Response and Safety Grant Program
The grant program focuses on Supporting organizations that are comitted to emergency preparedness, disaster relief, emergency response and recovery, and safety. Now through October 31, 2014, eligible 501c3 organizations that provide critical emergency services support throughout BGE's service area are encouraged to apply for a single grant of up to $10,000. For more information visit bge.com
Saturday, November 15 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Belair-Edison Homebuying Workshop
3801 Erdman Avenue, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Herring Run Branch
Workshops are a great place to start your homebuying process. Join Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc. for an overview, of the entire process, from credit review to closing. Our FREE workshops are open to any first time homebuyers who are planning to purchase a home in Baltimore City. Call 410-485-8422 to register today or log onto http://www.belair-edison.org/live-here/homeownership-workshops/.
Saturday, November 22, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fur a Good Cause
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.
Sunday, November 23, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Plants & People Sunday: Science Demonstration
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.
Thursday, November 27, 8:30 am
Gobble Cobble Turkey Trot
Saturday, November 29
Small Business Saturday
Nationwide and here in Baltimore City
Support small businesses by doing your holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday at your favorite local shops! For more information visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/.
Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium
Thursday, November 27, 8:30 am
Turkey Trot
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."
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.
November 28 – 30, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Festival of Trees
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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