The Compass - December E-News from Baltimore Planning

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The Compass is a monthly eNewsletter of the Baltimore City Department of Planning.

December, 2012

A Message from the Director…

In addition to sharing some very exciting news from the Planning Department and our Office of Sustainability, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a joyous and safe holiday season.

This is the time of year when we look back on the past year with gratitude and honest reflection, while looking to the coming year with hope and a renewed sense of optimism. 

In 2013, I hope you will join me and the entire Planning Department in our quest to make Baltimore the most livable, dynamic, sustainable & attractive City it can be, now and in the future.

Happy holidays and all the best for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Stosur, Director

 

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Special TransForm Hearing Added:

Proposed Zoning Changes for Liquor Outlets

On Thursday Jan 10, 2013 the Planning Commission will hear testimony on the proposed handling of liquor stores and Taverns in CCB #12-0152.  This hearing will be held at the War Memorial at 4:30 pm.

The War Memorial Building is located at 101 North Gay Street and the meeting will be in the first floor assembly hall.  Please use the Lexington Street entrance.

The doors will open at 4:30 pm and staff will give a brief 15 to 20 minute presentation, followed by an opportunity for the Planning  Commission to hear public testimony on the issue of liquor outlet zoning.

City’s $52M Award from Public Service Commission to Benefit Baltimore Energy Challenge

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The Department of Planning and the Office of Sustainability are proud to announce the Baltimore Energy Challenge's successful funding proposal to the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Customer Investment Fund.

In June of 2012, the City of Baltimore submitted a comprehensive proposal to the PSC in response to their request for proposals under a newly created Customer Investment Fund. The Customer Investment Fund is a direct result of the approved merger of Constellation Energy and Exelon.

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The Department of Planning, Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Baltimore Community Foundation and Civic Works, created the Baltimore Energy Challenge in 2009. The Baltimore Energy Challenge is a core component of the Office of Sustainability, and uses peer-to-peer networking to motivate residents and businesses to lower their energy use and save money. The program is nationally recognized, and has become Baltimore’s trusted energy efficiency resource center.

The core components of the Baltimore Energy Challenge were woven through the City of Baltimore’s CREATES (Coordinating Resources to Effectively Align & Transform Energy Services) proposal. The proposal effectively detailed a comprehensive streamlined approach to providing energy conservation services to residents and businesses across the City.

Baltimore Office of Sustainability Logo

The PSC awarded the City $52 million in funds to administer the innovative proposal. These funds will bolster efforts of the City’s Weatherization Assistance Program, advance and expand the Baltimore Energy Challenge and Civic Works’ Project Lightbulb program, provide retro-fit funding for non-profit organizations, and fund an advanced co-generation program for City government.

We are excited to announce this award and look forward to expanding the Baltimore Energy Challenge to reach more residents and businesses, and to help residents of Baltimore continue efforts to save money and energy.

TransForm Baltimore Hearings Continue

TransForm Baltimore was introduced by the City Council as City Council Bill 12-0152 -TransForm Baltimore, and is currently being heard by the Planning Commission at a seres of public hearings scheduled throughout the City. 

The legislation includes both the text and maps of the new zoning code.  Electronic copies of the text and maps, and important background information, can be found at the TransForm Baltimore website here

We encourage you to review this bill and/or maps, and invite you to attend one of the planning commission's hearings.

PLEASE NOTE, for one hour prior to the hearing start time, Planning Department staff will be on hand to answer general or specific property based questions.  Staff will also be available to answer questions throughout the hearing.

SCHEDULE OF REMAINING HEARINGS*:

Saturday, January 5, 2013, 11am, Poly/Western High School

Thursday, January 24, 2013, 5pm, Southeast Regional Library

Thursday, February 21, 2013, 6pm, Morgan State University

Thursday, March 7, 2013, TBA, Planning Department

*Hearings are subject to change; please check our website to confirm details.

CITY COUNCIL HEARING

Wednesday, April 3, 2013, 5pm, City Hall - 4th Floor

If you can not attend the hearings, we will also be accepting written testimony at ZoningCode@baltimorecity.gov or by mail to 417 E. Fayette St. 8th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202.  If you have any questions or concerns prior to the hearings, please feel free to contact us at (410) 396-5173.

Please forward this email to friends, colleagues or neighbors and encourage them to sign-up to receive future information.  We will also be updating people on our new Facebook page.