REQUEST: Street Closing/Portions Of Brady Avenue, Tate Street, Fairfield Road, Remley Street, Weedon Street, Carbon Avenue And Various Alleys

RECOMMENDATION: Approval, subject to comments from the Department of General Services.

STAFF: Kenneth Hranicky

PETITIONER: Baltimore Development Corporation

SITE/GENERAL AREA:
Site Conditions: The right-of-ways to be closed are located within the Fairfield industrial area. They are as follows: (1) Carbon Avenue from Sun Street through the intersection of Carbon Avenue and Tate Street; (2) Brady Avenue from Sun Street going east to the western edge of Fairfield Road; (3) Brady Avenue from the eastern edge of Fairfield Road through Weedon Street; (4) Fairfield Road from Brady Avenue north to Carbon Avenue; (5) Weedon Street from Chesapeake Avenue north to Brady Avenue; (6) Remley Street from Chesapeake Avenue north through the intersection of Remley Street and Brady Avenue and (7) all alleys located within Blocks 7361, 7362, 7363, 7364, 7365, and 7366, .

General Area: The area is characterized by heavy industrial uses. The area is located in M-3 zoning district.

HISTORY

• Ordinance Number 04-810, approved October 6, 2004, established the Fairfield Urban Renewal Plan.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS
The proposal to close various streets and alleys in Fairfield is compatible with EARN Goal 1, Objective 1: Retain and Attract Businesses in all Growth Sectors.

ANALYSIS
The Baltimore Development Corporation has requested condemnation proceedings to close certain streets and alleys bounded by Sun Street, Chesapeake Avenue, Weedon Street and Carbon Street. These ROWs fall within the boundary of the Fairhaven Redevelopment Site. The ROW closings will become part of 5 parcels of land for disposition. Parcel 1, bounded by Street Closing/Portions of Brady Avenue, Tate Street, Fairfield Road, Remley Street, Weedon Street, Carbon Avenue and Various Alleys 2 Sun Street to the west, Carbon Avenue to the North, Fairfield Road to the west and Brady Avenue to the south will be used as a storage area. Parcel 2, bounded by Fairfield Road to the
west, Carbon Road to the north, Remley Street to the east and Brady Avenue to the south, will be sold to an abutting property and a warehouse is proposed for Parcel 3 that is bounded by Sun Street to the west, Brady Avenue to the north, Fairfield Road to the east and Chesapeake Avenue to the south. Parcels 4 & 5 have no development plans at this time.

All streets and roads proposed to be closed are 60 feet wide. Alley widths vary from 10 feet to 20 feet in width. The combined lengths of all street and alley closings are approximately 7,265 feet. Some of the streets and all of the alleys included in the request were identified for acquisition and disposition in the Fairfield Urban Renewal Plan. All remaining abutting properties are either under City control or the consent owners was secured.

It is staff’s finding that these streets and alleys are not needed to provide access to adjacent properties. Thus, the subject streets and alleys are no longer needed for public purposes and can be closed; the right-of-ways declared surplus property and sold.

In advance of today’s hearing on this matter, staff mailed the Brooklyn and Curtis Bay Coalition, Community of Curtis Bay Association, and the Concerned Citizens For A Better Brooklyn notification of this action.

REQUEST: Street Closing/Portions Of Fairfield Road, Tate Street, Carbon Avenue, And Remley Street

RECOMMENDATION: Approval, subject to comments from the Department of General Services.

STAFF: Kenneth Hranicky

PETITIONER: Baltimore Scrap Corporation

SITE/GENERAL AREA:
Site Conditions: The right-of-ways to be closed are located within the Fairfield industrial area. They are as follows: (1) Fairfield Avenue from the north side of Brady Avenue to a 20 foot alley; (2) a 20 foot unnamed alley from the west side of Tate Street to the east side of Fairfield Avenue; (3) Tate Street from the north side of Carbon Avenue to a 20 foot alley; (4) Carbon Avenue from the east side of Tate Street to the east side of Remley Street; (5) Remley Street from Carbon Avenue to Brady Street; (6) a 10 foot wide alley, located in Block 7360, from Fairfield Road east for 150 feet and (7) a 20 foot wide unnamed alley from Carbon Avenue to
Brady Street.

General Area: The area is characterized by heavy industrial uses. The area is located in a M-3 zoning district.

HISTORY

• Ordinance Number 04-810, approved October 6, 2004, established the Fairfield Urban Renewal Plan.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS
The proposal to close various streets and alleys in Fairfield is compatible with EARN Goal 1, Objective 1: Retain and Attract Businesses in all Growth Sectors.

ANALYSIS
The Baltimore Scrap Corporation has requested condemnation proceedings to close certain streets and alleys. Baltimore Scrap Corporation operates a junk and scrap yard at this site. Baltimore Scrap has acquired additional abutting properties in this area and together with the closed street beds, is proposing to expand their business at this location. Street Closing/Portions of Fairfield Road, Tate Street, Carbon Avenue, and Remley Street 2

All streets and roads proposed to be closed are 60 feet wide. The combined lengths of all street and alley closings are approximately 3,238 feet. Some of the streets and all of the alleys included in the request were identified for acquisition and disposition in the Fairfield Urban Renewal Plan. All remaining abutting properties are under Baltimore Scrap Corporation control.

It is the staff’s finding that these streets and alleys are not needed to provide access to adjacent properties. Thus, the subject streets and alleys are no longer needed for public purposes and can be closed, the right-of-ways declared surplus property, and sold.

In advance of today’s hearing on this matter, staff mailed the Brooklyn and Curtis Bay Coalition, Community of Curtis Bay Association, and the Concerned Citizens For A Better Brooklyn notification of this action.

REQUEST: Multiple Structures On A Residential Lot/3200 North Charles Street –
Johns Hopkins University Lacrosse Building

RECOMMENDATION: Approval

STAFF: Robert M. Quilter

PETITIONER: The Johns Hopkins University (JHU)

OWNER: Same

SITE/GENERAL AREA
Site Conditions: This 1.3 acre site is part of the 106 acre Homewood campus of the Johns Hopkins University. It is located adjacent to the North Gate of the Campus, off University Parkway. It also forms the eastern edge of the existing playfield known as Homewood Field. There is currently a small parking area located at this site.

General Area: This is within the northern portion of the Hopkins Homewood campus. The campus is generally located along the western side of North Charles Street between Art Museum Drive and West University Parkway. To the north, across West University Parkway are mid and high rise housing and hotel uses and the Tuscany-Canterbury residential community. To the east is the Charles Village community.

HISTORY

• On November 7, 2002, the Planning Commission approved the construction of the Carnegie Building and Garage on San Martin Drive.
• On March 7, 2002, the Planning Commission approved the construction of a
  Chemistry building and an adjacent parking deck.
• On March 15, 2001, the Planning Commission approved the construction of
  Hodson Hall.
• On January 20, 2000, the Planning Commission approved the construction of
  Clark Hall.
• On June 2, 2005, the Planning Commission approved the South Quadrangle Phase I Development for a Visitor and Admissions Center, Computational Sciences Building and Underground Garage.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS:
There are no formally adopted urban renewal or other plans for this area. The University does have a Campus Master Plan and this project conforms to the general goals of that plan. This proposal also addresses Baltimore City’s Comprehensive Master Plan’s Learn Section, Goal 2: Capitalize on Untapped Potential of Higher Education Institutions, Objective 1: Attract and Retain College Students and Recent Graduates.

ANALYSIS
Under Title 3, Subtitle 3, of the Zoning Code of Baltimore City, the Planning Commission must approve the construction of more than one principled detached
structure on a residential lot. The Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus is generally one lot located off North Charles Street that is zoned R-9. Therefore any additional structures require this approval.

The Johns Hopkins University men’s and women’s lacrosse teams are very important to the culture of the school and the Baltimore area. This project is conceived as a first-class facility that embodies the stature and character of JHU while also serving as a recruiting tool for the lacrosse programs. The location of the site is the east end of Homewood Field, adjacent to the North Gate entrance to the campus. It is currently improved with an asphalt parking lot. The 14,848 square foot building is proposed to be two stories. It will contain men’s and women’s team locker rooms, a training room and team meeting room on the first level. The upper level will feature a two story entrance area, reception, meeting rooms, study space and coaches offices. A broad terrace off this level will face west towards the field, providing space for game day spectators, practice observation and other special activities.

During the review of this project the following issues were addressed:

• Site Plan: The site plan for this Lacrosse Building involves little, if any vehicular circulation and as such was approved by Staff for Site Plan Review requirements.
• Design: The building will feature brick walls at the lower level with pre-cast banding. A bank of windows will face the field. The upper floor will be mainly glazed to afford broad views of the field. A pop-up glazed lantern form
  terminates the entrance area. Broad roof overhangs will provide shading to the
  terrace area on the upper level. The building will be designed and built targeting LEED Silver Certification. Sustainable features include a geothermal heating and cooling system, natural ventilation, a green roof and energy efficient lighting as well as other items. Staff architects have reviewed this proposal and recommend approval.
• Forest Conservation: Johns Hopkins University has an approved Forest
  Conservation Master Plan that provides sufficient easements to sustain its
  development master plan. For this specific site, existing trees and landscaping along the North Gate entrance road is expected to be retained and enhanced. There will be an additional 4,000 square feet of green space on the site upon completion of the project.

Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Tuscany Canterbury Neighborhood
Association, Remington Neighborhood Alliance, Charles Village Civic Association, Charles Village Community Benefits District, Charles Village PUD, Charles Village Merchants, Greenway Community Association, Guilford Association, North Charles Village Business Association, Abell Improvement Association, Oakenshawe Community Association, Peabody Heights RHA, Inc, Old Goucher Community Association and Old Goucher Business Alliance have been notified of this meeting.

REQUEST: City Council Bill 10-0624/ Planned Unit Development – Amendment 1 – Greenmount West – Arts And Entertainment District

For the purpose of approving certain amendments to the Development Plan of the Greenmount West – Arts and Entertainment District Planned Unit Development.

This proposed amendment would extend the eastern boundary of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) and include the property known as 1500 Barclay Street in the PUD, increasing the size of the PUD from 3.92747 acres, more or less, to 5.179 acres, more or less; add schools: elementary and secondary, to the list of uses allowed in the PUD; and grant a variance for the proposed school use to provide a minimum of 33 off-street parking spaces in accordance with Title 15, Section 101 of the Zoning Code.

RECOMMENDATION: Approval

STAFF: Martin French

PETITIONER(S): Popham Properties, LLC c/o Seawall Development

OWNER: East Oliver Street Limited Partnership (contract seller); Seawall Development (contract purchaser)

SITE/ GENERAL AREA

Site Conditions: The subject property, known as 1500 Barclay Street, contains approximately 1.25 acre and is improved by a four-story abandoned manufacturing building that formerly housed the Lebow Clothing factory. The building is U-shaped, with a courtyard facing west, and was constructed in 1914.
General Area: The properties bordering the western and southern sides of the subject property constitute the major part of the Greenmount West Arts and Entertainment District Planned Unit Development (“the PUD”). These properties are predominantly mixed-use commercial – light industrial – office – residential re-uses of former manufacturing sites, and lie on the northern slope of the Jones Falls Valley where it broadens to allow a small rail yard south of and below the PUD. The area to the east and north of 1500 Barclay Street is dominated by a traditional row-house neighborhood dating from the late 19th Century. The street grid originating in City Council Bill 10-0624/ Planned Unit Development – Amendment 1 – Greenmount West – Arts and Entertainment District 2 downtown Baltimore is interrupted here by the Jones Falls Valley to the west and south, except for the bridge at Guilford Avenue, which parallels Barclay Street to the west. The street grid extends uninterrupted to the north to North Avenue, and to the east to Greenmount Avenue.

HISTORY

• The Greenmount West Arts and Entertainment District Planned Unit Development was originally approved by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore by Ordinance 03-533, dated May 9, 2003.
• The Greenmount West Urban Renewal Plan was originally approved by the Mayor and City Council by Ordinance No. 699, dated April 17, 1978, and was last amended by Amendment No. 8, dated April 20, 2009, approved by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore by Ordinance 09-206, dated August 17, 2009.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS

The proposed action is consistent with the City of Baltimore’s Comprehensive Master Plan, LIVE EARN PLAY LEARN, LIVE Goal 1, Objective 2: Strategically Redevelop Vacant Properties Throughout the City; Goal 1, Objective 3: Maintain and Create Safe, Clean, & Healthy Neighborhoods; LEARN Goal 1: Improve Public Schools and Library Facilities; and two strategies under that Goal’s Objective 1: namely, Strategy 2: Create school facilities that effectively support learning, teaching, and community activities; and Strategy 3: Develop and implement [a] menu of options for greening at least 3 school facilities per year. The existing building at 1500 Barclay Street, which is now vacant, will be redeveloped using a basement-toroof rehabilitation and conversion of the former garment factory spaces into lobbies and other public spaces, classrooms, design studios, offices, and support spaces like a cafeteria and health suite, thereby creating a new public school within the walls of a century-old structure. Current plans also call for a roof-top garden.

The proposed action is also supportive of the Comprehensive Master Plan’s LEARN Goal 4, Objective 2: Encourage the use of public transit to travel to schools, because both Guilford Avenue one block to the west of the property and Greenmount Avenue two blocks east of the property are served by MTA bus routes, as is North Avenue three blocks to the north of the property. This public transit service is important because the proposed public school which would occupy the renovated building would be an academy for fashion, architecture and design, with City-wide enrollment.

ANALYSIS
PUD Legislation
City Council Bill 10-0624 would extend the boundaries of the existing Greenmount West Arts and Entertainment PUD across Latrobe Street, a two-lane street which separates 1500 Barclay Street from the properties within the PUD currently and which dead-ends at the southwest corner of the property, to include the now-vacant factory building. Because the zoning of the vacant building has remained M-1 since 1971, there have not been proposals to re-use the building since it was vacated by the Lebow Clothing business over 25 years ago. As the
building is made of reinforced concrete with a brick façade and large windows, it is not readily convertible to many modern uses. However, the same physical constraints which have delayed its re-use are positive factors when seen in the context of a public school devoted to fashion, architecture, and design: the large and flexible interior spaces, the fire-proof concrete original City Council Bill 10-0624/ Planned Unit Development – Amendment 1 – Greenmount West –
Arts and Entertainment District 3 construction, and the large window openings.

The developer intends to minimize interior alterations of the original construction, even proposing to create new stairways on what is now the exterior of the building, in its west-facing courtyard, rather than punch holes in the floors. The developer, Seawall Development, has recently and successfully completed two renovations and conversions of former industrial buildings in Baltimore, one known as Miller’s
Court (the former “can factory”) and the other as Union Mill (a former textile factory), using architectural methods which preserve the best salvageable aspects of an existing building while adapting it to modern uses and modern conveniences. The developer intends to use the same principles at the 1500 Barclay Street location.

Passage of City Council Bill 10-0624 would enable the developer to renovate the former industrial building at 1500 Barclay Street for use as a public school facility. As a for-profit entity, the developer would utilize historic tax credits and other incentives that are not available to a public agency to reduce the final cost of renovating the building. The developer would then lease the building to the Baltimore City Public Schools or an operator designated by the Public School System, and after a fixed period of time would sell the property to the Public
School System for a cost well below the cost of bond-financed new construction of a replacement school building.

Off-Street Parking and Parking Variance
The Zoning Code, in Section 10-405 (27), requires one off-street parking space per 2 teachers and employees, plus 1 per 12 public facility seats in an elementary or middle school, and/or 1 per 12 students (based on the greatest number of students on the premises at any one time) in a high school, in a M-1 District. The proposed school for fashion, architecture and design would be a City-wide magnet school, possibly operated as a charter school, without an auditorium,
with an eventual maximum enrollment of approximately 550 students and a maximum staff of approximately 37 teachers and others, yielding a potential parking requirement of approximately 19 staff spaces + 27 student spaces = 46 spaces. The Zoning Board is authorized by the Zoning Code to grant variances of up to 75% of off-street parking requirements, an authority which if used to its fullest extent could reduce the off-street parking required of the proposed school to 12 spaces. City Council Bill 10-0624 would establish a minimum of 33 off-street parking spaces in lieu of this maximum discretionary authority.

NOTIFICATIONS
Staff notified these 7 existing PUD property owners: Charles A. Lankford; Industrial Roll Company; Lewis Industries, Inc.; A & G, LLC; 3 Square Feet, LLC; Venture Vending, Inc.; Venture Amusement Co., Inc; and also East Oliver Street Limited Partnership, Seawall Development Company, Greenmount West Community Development Association, The New Greenmount West Community Association, Central Baltimore Partnership, and Councilman Carl Stokes of this action.

REQUEST: City Council Bill #10-0625/ Sale Of Property – 1600 Guilford Av

For the purpose of authorizing the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to sell, at either public or private sale, all its interest in certain property known as 1600 Guilford Avenue (Block 0429, Lot 023) and no longer needed for public use; and providing for a special effective date.

RECOMMENDATION: Approval

STAFF: Kenneth Hranicky

PETITIONER: The Administration (Department of Housing and Community Development)

OWNER: Mayor and City Council

SITE/GENERAL AREA
Site Conditions: The property 1600 Guilford Avenue is located at the northwest corner of Guilford Avenue and Federal Street. The site is occupied by a school building complex. The parcel measures approximately 233’ x 320’. The parcel is approximately 1,712 acres in size and is zoned R-8.

General Area: The subject property is located in the Greenmount West Neighborhood. The area is predominantly residential with some commercial and light industrial.

HISTORY

• Ordinance Number 78-669, approved April 17, 1978, established the Sandtown- Winchester Urban Renewal Plan.
• Amendment No. 7, dated February 24, 2003, approved by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore by Ordinance No. 03-538, dated May 9, 2003.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS

This proposal to sell the subject property is consistent with the Baltimore City Comprehensive Master Plan LEARN Goal 1, Objective 2: Enhance Schools and Libraries as Neighborhood Assets - Ensure reuse of surplus school facilities is timely and compatible with surrounding neighborhoods.

ANALYSIS

1600 Guilford Avenue is a vacated public school that is now leased by Baltimore Montessori School that is a public charter school. The property will be sold to Baltimore Montessori School. The subject property is currently an active school serving K-4 grades. Part of the structure is also leased to the local community group Greenmount West for community meetings.

It is staff’s finding that the subject property is surplus and is not needed for public purpose and can be sold.

Staff has notified the New Greenmount West Community Association, Inc. Central Baltimore Partnership and Greenmount West Community Development of this action.

REQUEST: City Council Bill #10-0626/ Sale Of Property - 3906 Old York Road

For the purpose of authorizing the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to sell, at either public or private sale, all its interest in certain property that is located at 3906 Old York Road and is no longer needed for public use; and providing for a special effective date.

RECOMMENDATION: Approval

STAFF: Melvin Hicks

PETITIONER: The Comptroller (Department of Housing)

OWNER: Mayor and City Council

SITE/GENERAL AREA

Site Conditions: The subject site is located in northern Baltimore City. Currently the site is an unimproved with maintained grass cover. This property is approximately 9,640 square feet in size and it is zoned R-6.

General Area: The subject area is located in the Pen Lucy neighborhood of Baltimore City. The property is adjacent to the Saint James Free Baptist Church. The property is surrounded by residential uses.

HISTORY
There have been no previous Planning Commission actions pertaining to the subject site.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS
This project is not within an Urban Renewal Plan area. This proposal is consistent with the Baltimore City Comprehensive Master Plan LIVE Goal 1, Objective 2: Strategically Redevelop Vacant Properties throughout the City.

ANALYSIS
City Council Bill #10-0626 authorizes the sale of 3906 Old York Road. This property is unimproved and has been maintained by the adjacent property owner, Saint James Free Baptist Church. This parcel was listed on Department of Housing and Community Development’s “Vacant to Value” list and is considered surplus by the Mayor & City Council of Baltimore.

Therefore, it is staff’s findings that the aforementioned property is no longer needed for public purposes and can be sold.

Staff has notified Govans Economic Management Senate, Incorporation-(GEMS), Pen Lucy Community Association, Inc., York Road Partnership, Govans Ecumenical Development Corportation-(GECO), Pen Lucy Action Network, Department of Real Estate, and the City Council representative of this action.

REQUEST: City Council Bill #10-0627/ Sale Of Property - 607 Wyanoke Avenue

For the purpose of authorizing the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to sell, at either public or private sale, all its interest in certain property that is located at 607 Wyanoke Avenue and is no longer needed for public use; and providing for a special effective date.

RECOMMENDATION: Approval

STAFF: Melvin Hicks

PETITIONER: The Comptroller (Department of Housing)

OWNER: Mayor and City Council

SITE/GENERAL AREA

Site Conditions: The subject site is located in northern Baltimore City. Currently the site is an unimproved with overgrown grass cover. This property is approximately 5,250 square feet in size and it is zoned R-6.

General Area: The subject area is located in the Pen Lucy neighborhood of Baltimore City. The property is adjacent to Let Me Do It assisted living building located at 524 East 39th Street. The property is surrounded by residential uses.

HISTORY

There have been no previous Planning Commission actions pertaining to the subject site.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS

This project is not within an Urban Renewal Plan area. This proposal is consistent with the Baltimore City Comprehensive Master Plan LIVE Goal 1, Objective 2: Strategically Redevelop Vacant Properties throughout the City.

ANALYSIS

City Council Bill #10-0627 authorizes the sale of 607 Wyanoke Avenue. This property is unimproved and has not been maintained. This parcel was listed on Department of Housing and Community Development’s “Vacant to Value” list and is considered surplus by the Mayor & City Council of Baltimore. The community has expressed interest in possibly converting this vacant lot into a community garden.

Therefore, it is staff’s findings that the aforementioned property is no longer needed for public purposes and can be sold. Staff has notified Govans Economic Management Senate, Incorporation-(GEMS), Pen Lucy Community Association, Inc., York Road Partnership, Govans Ecumenical Development Corportation-(GECO), Pen Lucy Action Network, Department of Real Estate, and the City Council representative of this action.

REQUEST: City Council Bill #10-0486/Fells Point Historic District

For the purpose of modifying the area designated as the Fells Point Historic District to exclude Block 1830, Lots 30, 31, and 32/33 and Block 1832, Lots 1/4, 5/12, and 13 through 24; and restating the boundaries of the District.

RECOMMENDATION: Disapproval

STAFF: Robert Quilter

PETITIONER: Councilman Kraft on behalf of the Homeowners Association of the Washington Square townhouses.

OWNERS: Various

SITE/GENERAL AREA

Site Conditions: The properties under consideration for exclusion from the Fells Point Historic District generally include two story rowhouses that were built as a complete development ca. 1988.

There are three such rowhouses located at the northwest corner of Aliceanna and Washington Streets and twenty-three located in the block bounded by Aliceanna, Washington, Fountain and Castle Streets. Additionally, the property located between Aliceanna, Castle, Fountain and Chester Streets and known as 2030 Aliceanna Street is also under consideration for exclusion. It is improved with a one story warehouse building and its associated paved surface lot. All of the lots
have R-8 zoning.

General Area: The Fells Point area includes primarily two to four-story attached structures with larger buildings along the waterfront. The structures are mostly of brick and vary in architectural styles. To the east of Chester Street is the Canton community.

HISTORY

• Ordinance #07-555, approved November 26, 2007, established Fells Point as a Baltimore City Local Historic District

CONFORMITY TO PLANS

The proposed legislation is contrary to the City Comprehensive Master Plan with respect to LIVE, Goal 2, Objective 4: “Protect and Enhance the preservation of Baltimore’s Historical Building and Neighborhoods.

ANALYSIS

City Council Bill #10-0486 proposes to remove sixteen properties from the bounds of the existing Fells Point local historic district. Fifteen of those properties are part of a late 1980’s infill townhouse development known as Washington Square. The introduction of this Bill is at the request of the Washington Square Homeowners Association.

The historical and architectural significance of the Fells Point local historic district is clear. One of the three original settlements from which Baltimore City arose, the neighborhood exhibits a variety of architectural styles, from pre-Revolutionary War to post-Civil War, including a house dating from the 1760’s. These buildings are of archaeological as well as aesthetic importance. In addition to its architectural features, Fells Point occupies a central role in the history of Baltimore. It was
connected to the maritime trade in the early 19th century, participating in the shipbuilding industry that made Baltimore famous. Up to the present day, it has been populated by successive waves of immigrant communities, each of which has left its mark on the district.

In 2007, Planning lead the effort to update the original Fells Point urban renewal overlay district that had been established in1975. In having the urban renewal plan repealed, it was agreed that the community would become a local historic district. The repeal of the plan and establishment of the Fells Point local historic district was concurrent on November 26, 2007. This ensured that certain rehabilitation standards would more or less seamlessly transfer from urban renewal review and approval to CHAP review and approval.

Recently this year, the Homeowners Association of the Washington Square Townhouses approached CHAP with a request to remove their development from the bounds of the Fells Point local historic district. They cited the adopted CHAP requirements for modifications and replacements of exterior elements as a burden to and not particularly relevant for their morerecently constructed infill development. The resulting request, City Council Bill #10-0486 was written and introduced by First District Councilman James Kraft and included the adjacent
industrial lot to the east, 2030 Aliceanna Street (bounded by Aliceanna/Castle/Fountain and Chester Streets) so that the aggregate removal would not create a “donut” within the district but modify its eastern boundary. 2030 Aliceanna Street is improved by a non-contributing low warehouse structure and surface parking.

Planning staff has reviewed the intent of this Bill and finds the following:

• Removing properties from the Fells Point historic district would create a precedent and be contrary to a previous well-thought out strategy to continue rehabilitation controls that have well-served the area since 1971.
• Although the townhouses are of more recent construction, they were originally designed in a traditional manner to complement their historic setting.
• Certain modifications and additions to these original Washington Square townhouses in the past 20 years (many done without proper review) have produced results that are not compatible with their surroundings.
• The actual lots listed in the Bill are not consistent with the entire Washington Square development. As written, it would allow eleven of the townhouses to remain in the district.

Furthermore, in response to the Washington Square HOA request, the CHAP staff has offered to utilize or employ Guidelines for New Construction to include recent infill development in all of its historic districts. This move would allow more flexibility to owners of such properties with regards to exterior renovations and replacement materials and methods. In short it would allow the use of vinyl replacement windows and other contemporary building materials when renovating non historic structures within the district. This resolution appears to be reasonable and a responsible approach to non historic structures in an historic district.

Thus, taking in the aforementioned findings, staff recommends disapproval of City Council Bill #10-0486 and recommend that the HOA pursue the recent CHAP staff offer to expand theirexisting Guidelines for New Construction to include recent in-fill development in the Fells Point Local Historic District.

The following community organizations were notified of this action: Fells Point Task Force, Douglass Place Community Association, Perkins Homes Resident Advisory Council, Fells Point Community Organization, Fells Point Residents Association, Fells Point Main Street, The Preservation Society, Waterfront Coalition, Fells Prospect, Inc. and Upper Fells Point Improvement Association. Additionally, all of the owners of the Washington Square townhouses, as well as the owner of 2030 Aliceanna Street were notified of this action.

REQUEST: GREENMOUNT WEST MASTER PLAN (Twelfth District)

RECOMMENDATION: Approval and Adoption

STAFF: Alexandra Hoffman

PETITIONERS: Department of Planning

OWNER: Mayor and City Council – Department of Planning.

SITE/ GENERAL AREA
Site Conditions: The boundaries of the Greenmount West Master Plan study area are Calvert Street to the west, Greenmount Avenue to the east, North Avenue to the north, and the JFX/the railroad tracks to the south. The Greenmount West neighborhood is located adjacent to Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Station, just east of the Charles Street corridor and directly west of the Green Mount Cemetery.

General Area: The Greenmount West neighborhood has the potential to link Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood with neighborhoods to the north, including Barclay and Charles North. The plan area is predominately developed with a range of Baltimore row houses, some of which remain intact or have been converted to multi-family dwelling units while others were demolished in blight clearance programs of the 1980s. The neighborhood comprises one half of
the Station North Arts and Entertainment District and features many industrial loft buildings along the southern edge of the neighborhood, some of which house artist live/work space while others continue light industrial usage. Many of these structures are included in the existing Greenmount West Arts and Entertainment District Planned Unit Development, which allows for light industrial and commercial uses typically associated with the arts and residential, which is currently prohibited in the underlying industrial zoning. Greenmount West is also home to several important institutions and organizations including Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School, the Department of Social Services, and the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, with the Baltimore City Public School System headquarters, the Maryland Institute/College of Art and University of Baltimore in the immediate vicinity. Planning efforts have also been undertaken in the adjacent Charles North and Barclay communities (the Charles North Vision Plan and the Barclay- Midway-Old Goucher Small Area Plan, respectively) that reinforce the recommendations of this plan.

HISTORY

Historically, Greenmount West was a residential neighborhood which housed many of the employees of the industry at the south of the neighborhood. When the industry that supported the community relocated in the 1960s, the loft buildings were left vacant and easy access this employment opportunity disappeared. Through blight clearance programs in the 1980s, both residential and industrial buildings were demolished, predominately on the east side of the neighborhood, which abuts the Green Mount Cemetery.

The impetus for this plan was twofold: the significant amount of vacant land within the neighborhood resulting from the blight clearance programs of the 1980s left the remaining urban fabric fragmented; and the neighborhood’s proximity to Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Station make it a target for speculative investment as well as ripe for redevelopment.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS

The request conforms to the goals and objectives of the Baltimore City Comprehensive Master Plan, specifically:

• LIVE Goal 1: Build human and social capital by strengthening neighborhoods. 
  Objective 1: Expand Housing Choices for all Residents Strategy 6: Create and preserve mixed-income neighborhoods in Competitive, Emerging and
  Stable neighborhoods with targeted disposition of City properties.
  Objective 2: Strategically Redevelop Vacant Properties throughout the City
  Objective 3: Maintain and create safe, clean and healthy neighborhoods.
  Strategy 1: Implement Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) Standards.
• LIVE Goal 2: Elevate the design and quality of the City’s built environment.
  Objective 1: Improve design quality of Baltimore’s built environment.
  Objective 3: Promote transit oriented development and mixed-use development to reinforce neighborhood centers and Main Streets.
  Objective 4: Protect and enhance the preservation of Baltimore’s historic buildings and neighborhoods.
• LIVE Goal 3: Improve transportation access, accessibility and choice for City residents. Objective 1: Create a comprehensive transportation plan to improve mobility, accessibility and choice. Strategy 4: Create traffic calming policies and procedures. Objective 2: Facilitate Movement throughout the Region.
  Strategy 4: Create intermodal transit hubs in areas of low automobile ownership. Strategy 5: Establish a development mitigation program to reduce congestion effects of new development.
• EARN Goal 3: Improve access to jobs and transportation linkages between businesses. Objective 2: Promote economic development throughout the City by improving business-to-business connectivity via transportation linkages.
• PLAY Goal 2: Improve nightlife, entertainment, and recreation experiences for residents and visitors. Objective 1: Expand Access to Nightlife
  Strategy 1: Create mixed-use zoning categories that allow nightlife and extended closing hours where appropriate. Objective 2: Promote unique retail venues as shopping and tourist destinations. Strategy 2: Designate Main Street areas as local and/or national historic districts in order to
  access tax credits. Strategy 4: Designate and support Arts and Entertainment Districts.

The request conforms to the goals and objectives of the Baltimore Sustainability Plan, specifically:

• CLEANLINESS GOALS: Towards Our Vision of a CLEAN Baltimore
  Goal 3: Transform vacant lots from liabilities to assets that provide social and environmental benefits.
• POLLUTION PREVENTION GOALS: Towards Our Vision of a HEALTHY Baltimore Goal 5: Improve the health of indoor environments.
• GREENING GOALS: Towards Our Vision of a GREEN Baltimore
  Goal 3: Provide safe, well-maintained recreational space within ¼ mile of all residents.
• TRANSPORTATION GOALS: Towards Our Vision of a MOBLIE Baltimore
  Goal 2: Make Baltimore bicycle and pedestrian friendly.
• GREEN ECONOMY GOALS: Towards Our Vision of an INVESTED Baltimore
  Goal 1: Create green jobs and prepare City residents for these jobs.
  Goal 3: Support local Baltimore businesses.

ANALYSIS

Process The New Greenmount West Community Association made a request for a master plan for their community while adjacent planning processes was underway in Charles North and Barclay to both link these plan areas and create a common vision in response to new development pressures because of the neighborhood’s proximity to Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Station and the Transit
Oriented Development that was proposed for this area in the Charles North Vision Plan.

The planning process began in earnest in 2008, with a community wide meeting to identify the direction of the plan through a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Assets Analysis exercise. The community also independently developed “Community Planning Principles” and “Community Vision Statement,” which are also included in the plan. Maps illustrating initial concepts for recommendations on development, open space, land use and zoning were presented at another community-wide meeting for additional feedback. Based on the input received at these broader community meetings, a draft plan was presented to the board of the New Greenmount West Community Association, from which there was addition discussion of the recommendations pertaining to development, open space and transportation. The final plan has been vetted and approved by the board of the New Greenmount West Community Association.

Recommendations

This plan seeks to balance the desire for redevelopment while retaining housing opportunities for existing residents, many of whom are low-income renters, through the renovation of existing row houses with the opportunity for new multi-family infill development on vacant lots. The plan supports the activation of North and Greenmount Avenues through opportunities for commercial uses and the retention of the artist live/work and industrial users on the south of the neighborhood, who are uniquely suited to these loft buildings, through the implementation of the proposed new industrial mixed-use zoning district.

Development

The plan supports a variety of housing types to ensure housing opportunities for a population diverse in age and income level, including single-family row houses, apartments, and live/work space, to accommodate both existing and new residents Although the preservation of singlefamily row houses are proposed to retain the neighborhood’s existing residential character, homeownership is encouraged across housing types and income levels, with condominiums providing a homeownership alterative to the traditional single-family home.

Ongoing community participation in the implementation of the development recommendations of the plan through the disposition of City-owned property is provided for through the Greenmount West Disposition Advisory Committee, convened by Baltimore’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) with the inclusion of community stakeholders such as the New Greenmount West Community Association, the Greenmount West Community
Development Corporation, the Central Baltimore Partnership, Jubilee Baltimore, and the Department of Planning.

Open Space

Although the plan generally recommends infill development for the vacant lots, the plan also recommends interim strategies for vacant land and long term opportunities for community managed open space on undevelopable lots, with site specific recommendations made for each open space within the plan area.

Transportation

The plan identifies opportunities for transportation improvements that should be studied further, including the conversion of streets with sufficient right-of-way to two-way traffic patterns and the installation of additional signalized intersections on Greenmount Avenue and pedestrian cross walk improvements.

Employment

Recommendations include supporting access to employment opportunities through the disposition of City-owned land and through proposed commercial and artist live/work land uses and supporting existing employment readiness programs in the area.

Land Use and Zoning

Recognizing that the Department of Planning is rewriting the Zoning Code through the TransForm Baltimore process, the land use recommendations of the plan are intended to be implemented through the Comprehensive Rezoning because not all of the necessary zoning tools exist within the current zoning code, such as the proposed Industrial Mixed Use and Rowhouse Mixed-Use Overlay tools.

The plan recommends solidifying the neighborhood’s residential core, with opportunities for non-residential uses concentrated on the edges of the neighborhood. Industrial mixed-use, which is comparable to the uses permitted under the existing Greenmount West Arts and Entertainment Planned Unit Development, is proposed for the loft buildings in the southern portion of the
neighborhood, accommodating artist live/work as well as light industrial uses. The plan supports mixed-use residential infill development along the Greenmount Avenue corridor and additional opportunities for ground level retail establishments within existing row houses along the North Avenue corridor. While the residential density along the east side of Calvert Street is proposed to be reduced to match that throughout the rest of the neighborhood, the office-residential on the west side of Calvert Street is proposed to be retained to provide a transition to the higher density Transit Oriented Development at Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Station.

NOTIFICATIONS

Staff has notified by mail The New Greenmount West Community Association, the Greenmount West Community Development Corporation, City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young, and the 12th District City Councilman Carl Stokes.

We have also notified the New Greenmount West Community Association and other active participants in the planning process, including the Central Baltimore Partnership and Jubilee Baltimore, by email. Other City Agencies impacted by this planning process were also notified by email of this action, including the Departments of Housing and Community Development, Transportation and Recreation and Parks.

Copies of the Greenmount West Master Plan will be available on the Department of Planning website with limited paper copies available in the Department.

REQUEST: GREATER ROLAND PARK MASTER PLAN (Sixth, Seventh, And Fourteenth Districts)

RECOMMENDATION: Approval and Adoption, subject to all limitations of federal, State, and local fair housing and other laws and limits on City resources.

STAFF: Laurie Feinberg

PETITIONERS: Roland Park Civic League and the Department of Planning

GENERAL AREA
The Greater Roland Park Master Plan area encompasses several neighborhoods including Roland Park, Evergreen, Wyndhurst, Keswick, the Village of Cross Keys, Hoes Heights and Tuscany – Canterbury. The area is home to several educational institutions (both public and private), several business areas, including Falls Road, Wyndhurst Village and Roland Avenue. The area also has several community amenities, including several parks such as the Stony Run, playfields and the newly renovated Roland Park Enoch Pratt Branch Library.

Most of the area is comprised of National Register Historic Districts. The plan area is primarily characterized by single-family houses along narrow, winding roads that conform to the natural topography and large trees that allow the area to retain a park-like character. Read More(PDF File)

REQUEST: City Council Bill #10-628/Rezoning – 511 South Clinton Street:

For the purpose of changing the zoning for the property known as 511 South Clinton Street, as outlined in red on the accompanying plat, from the R-8 Zoning District to the O-R-2 Zoning District.

RECOMMENDATION: Approval

STAFF: Eric Tiso

PETITIONER(S): Schultz Development, LLC, c/o Alfred W. Barry, III

OWNER: Schultz Development, LLC

SITE/GENERAL AREA

Site Conditions: This property is located on the east side of the street, approximately 82’ north of the intersection with Fleet Street. The property is improved with a three-story building that covers the entire parcel. The building was most recently used as a Boys and Girls Club, operated by the Salvation Army.
General Area: This property is located in the Canton neighborhood, two blocks east of the southeastern corner of Patterson Park. It is located a half-block south of the Eastern Avenue commercial corridor. The immediately surrounding properties are zoned R-8 residential, with the exception of the corner properties at the intersection of South Clinton and Fleet Streets, which are zoned B-2-2 commercial.

HISTORY

There are no previous Planning Commission actions concerning this property.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS

This action supports the goals of the adjacent Highlandtown Business Urban Renewal Plan area.

ANALYSIS

Request for Rezoning:
The developer, Schultz Development, LLC would like to use this building as an incubator for emerging technology start-ups, and is intended to build momentum towards making Highlandtown a leading arts and technology center. The tenant, Innovate Baltimore, is an organization with over 1,000 members that assisted the City in its Google Fiber application last year. The developers propose to create a Center for Creative Technology as a networking center and opportunity for start up companies to rent office space.

History: The building was built in 1930, and was initially used by the Y.W.C.A.. At the time of its construction, the rules governing development in Baltimore were somewhat different than today. Following the first attempts at zoning the City in 1928, the first comprehensive Zoning Code that withstood challenge was established in 1931, after the development of this site. At that time, the City was divided into use and height districts. The building was located in a residential use area, in a height district allowing for a 40’ building. At that time, the use districts
were written such that if a use was not prohibited in a given district, then it was allowed. The Police Survey of 1931 indicated that the building was listed as a “vacant Y.W.C.A. home.” However, it is unclear whether the Y.W.C.A. use did not last for very long, or if the building had not yet been occupied.

In any case, in 1934 the building was brought to the Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals (BMZA) to authorize the use of the building by Baltimore Relief Services, and in the BMZA’s minutes the building was listed as vacant. The BMZA at that time felt that this change would be desirable, as the noise from the bowling alley in the building at that time would create more noise than the proposed use. In 1955, the building again returned to the BMZA for a lot coverage variance to allow an addition along the rear and side, in order to accommodate the Salvation Army’s Boys Club.

In 1971, with the enactment of the modern Zoning Code, the building was designated R-8 residential. At that point, it would have been considered a noncomplying building as the existing height and bulk of the building exceeded that permitted in the R-8 District. Unless a property had a change, there was no attempt in 1971 to make determinations of uses of every property in the City. Such use determinations would be made upon application as they were made. In June
of 1999, a new use and occupancy permit was issued for the building to “continue to use the premises k/a 511 South Clinton Street as a Boys’ and Girls’ Club (Multipurpose Center).” That use was deemed by Zoning Enforcement at that time to be a Multi-Purpose Neighborhood Center use, which is a conditional use allowed in the R-8 District with BMZA approval.

Rationale:

This building was initially constructed as a non-residential building, and has been in continuous use as such. With the last authorized use of the building a Multi-Purpose Neighborhood Center, the only options for the building would be conversion into a multifamily building, with up to twelve dwelling units. At the maximum allowable residential density, the average unit size within the building would be in excess of 2,300 square feet each. That unit size is perhaps
unreasonable in its context, especially so given current market conditions. The proposed rezoning would provide this building with a reasonable alternative use that will ensure its continued use and maintenance; which are desirable for both the immediate residential area, as well as supportive of the adjacent commercial district along Eastern Avenue. Should there be a future desire to use this building for an all-residential use, the density permitted under O-R-2 would allow up to 17 dwelling units. That density would reduce the average unit size to a potentially more manageable and marketable scale. With this proposed rezoning, and the option for office uses, a noncomplying building will most likely be spared from vacancy, which is in the public interest.

There has also been a fairly recent change in the surrounding area, where the Highlandtown portion of Eastern Avenue has developed into an Arts and Entertainment District. This rezoning will support that evolution, in that it will allow for a blending of Arts and Entertainment with the development of related Information Technology businesses. Considering its proximity to the Eastern Avenue corridor, the proposed uses of the building are both compatible with the nearby commercial district and at the same time should not negatively impact the immediately surrounding residential properties.

Conclusion:

This property will also be examined as a part of the TransForm Baltimore rezoning process. It could also be an ideal candidate for a Neighborhood Commercial Establishment use within a residential district. The Neighborhood Commercial Establishment use would allow for the flexible re-use of the existing building, and would discourage additions or the demolition and reconstruction of a larger building. That option would also provide a reasonable option that would serve the owner’s needs, as balanced with the need to preserve an existing building that is
a candidate for landmarking. Regardless, staff encourages the owners to speak with our Historic and Architectural Preservation Division to inquire about designation and the potential for tax credits for renovations. Staff would also note that any uses established in the building following rezoning will need to comply with any parking requirements of the Zoning Code, as appropriate, for each use.
Community Input: The following community organizations have been notified of this action: Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation, Canton Community Association, Canton Maritime Association, Canton-Highlandtown Community Association (CHICA), Friends of Patterson Park, Highlandtown Arts & Entertainment District, Highlandtown Community Association (HIGH-C), Highlandtown Merchants Association, and the Southeast Community Development Corporation (SCDC).

REQUEST: City Council Bill 10-0600 – Inclusionary Housing Requirements – Repeal Of “Sunset”

For the purpose of abrogating the automatic termination of Ordinance 07-474 {“Inclusionary Housing”}; providing for a special effective date; and generally relating to the promotion of affordable residential units.

RECOMMENDATION: Amendment and Approval

Amendments: in Section 3 of Ordinance 07-474: strike “42 months” and replace with “96 months” and strike “first 3 years of operation” and replace with “first 8 years of operation”; and, in Section 9 of Ordinance 07-474: strike “5 years” and replace with “10 years”.

The text of Council Bill 10-0600 would then read in part:

Section 3. And be it further ordained, That within 96 months of the effective date of this Ordinance, the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development and the Planning
Director shall:

1. present to the Mayor and City Council an evaluation of the effectiveness of this Ordinance during its first 8 years of operation; and
2. recommend its continuance, modification, or termination.

Section 9. And be it further ordained, That, except as provided in Section 5 through 8 of this Ordinance, this Ordinance takes effect on the 30th day after the date it is enacted. It will remain effective for 10 years, and at the end of that period, with no further action by the Mayor and City Council, this Ordinance will be abrogated and of no further effect.

STAFF: Martin French

PETITIONER(S): City Council President Young, Councilmembers Clarke, Henry,
D’Adamo, Curran, Branch, Cole, Holton, Middleton, Welch, Spector, Reisinger, Stokes, Conaway, and Kraft

SITE/ GENERAL AREA: City-wide

HISTORY

On June 19, 2007 the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore enacted Ordinance 07-474, titled “Inclusionary Housing Requirements”. This ordinance was the legislative end-product of an extensive and intensive process initiated with the City Council’s adoption of Council Bill 05- 0066R, “A Resolution Concerning Task Force on Inclusionary Zoning” which established the Task Force on Inclusionary Zoning on October 31, 2005. In July 2006, the Task Force presented its report to the City Council and City at large, titled At Home in Baltimore: A Plan for an Inclusive City of Neighborhoods. In response to that report, City Council Bill 06-0558 was introduced on December 4, 2006. Following well-attended hearings by both the Planning Commission and the City Council, the bill as amended was enacted on June 19, 2007 and took effect 30 days later on July 19, 2007.

Among the requirements of Ordinance 07-474 was publication by the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development for Baltimore City (“the Commissioner”) of regulations to implement the ordinance’s requirements. While a few requirements such as additions to the Zoning Code of Baltimore City had been incorporated immediately in the City’s laws, development of the Inclusionary Housing regulations took an additional year due to the level of detail needed to make satisfying the ordinance’s requirements practical and feasible. Following extensive public comment on two versions of the draft regulations, the Interim Inclusionary Housing Regulations were issued by the Commissioner on August 20, 2008.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS

The Inclusionary Housing ordinance is responsive to the Baltimore City Comprehensive Master Plan with respect to LIVE Goal 1, Objective 1: Expand housing choices for all residents. The first two strategies for achieving this first objective in the entire CMP were to develop and implement a City-wide inclusionary housing plan, and to ensure that at least 300 more housing units per year are affordable to seniors, people with disabilities, and low- and fixed-income households.

The Inclusionary Housing ordinance is also generally in conformance with various Urban Renewal Plans containing objectives or development area controls relating to providing housing for low- and moderate-income families, or to developing mixed-income neighborhoods, or to attracting a variety of income groups to certain areas of Baltimore. As some Urban Renewal Plans reach their expiration dates and some of those may not be extended or renewed, for as long as the Inclusionary Housing ordinance remains in effect it can serve to continue the effort to provide a wide range of housing choices in those areas, as well as other
parts of Baltimore.

ANALYSIS

Inclusionary Housing Triggers
The Inclusionary Housing ordinance contains three triggering factors that apply to residential developments with 30 or more housing units. These factors are:

• Major Public Subsidy: Includes sale of land substantially below appraised value, or grants or loans for 15% or more of project costs, or PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) or TIF (Tax Increment Financing) agreements
• Significant Land Use Authorization: Means a PUD or PUD amendment that increases housing units allowable, or a rezoning from Manufacturing (“M” or industrial zone) to any other zone that allows housing; and
• All other Projects: When ¾ of home sales in Baltimore exceed affordability for
  households at 80% of Area Median Income.

Evaluating Baltimore’s Inclusionary Housing

The Inclusionary Housing ordinance contains a provision for an evaluative report to be provided by the Housing Commissioner and the Planning Director to the Mayor and City Council. Unfortunately, due to the changing economic situation in the United States after 2007, there has been a drastic reduction in capital investment in new housing or substantial rehabilitation of buildings for housing.

A direct local consequence of this reduced residential real estate activity has been that there have only been a few housing projects that fall within the purview of the Inclusionary Housing ordinance. To date, only one developer has used the provisions of that ordinance and its implementing regulations in developing substantial rehabilitation projects which delivered a total of 20 affordable housing units. An additional agreement between the Department of Housing and Community Development and a private developer has resulted in a contribution to
the Inclusionary Housing Offset Fund established by the ordinance, although in an amount insufficient to make up the Fund’s outflow in support of those 20 affordable units.

Thus, because of the downturn in the economy there has been so little activity that it is very difficult to properly evaluate and fairly assess the City’s Inclusionary Housing program.

Therefore, it is the staff’s position that more time is needed to properly assess this very important program. Staff is recommending that the program be extended an additional five years, until 2017. Hopefully, by then the economy will turn around and decent numbers of residential projects will be developed. Also, staff feels that the evaluation report on Inclusionary Housing to be prepared by the Housing Commissioner and the Planning Director to the Mayor and City Council should occur two years prior to the newly proposed sunset date of 2017. We feel that this would allow sufficient time for all interested parties, stakeholders, and City officials to evaluate and fairly assess the City’s Inclusionary Housing ordinance’s
effectiveness. The above recommendations by staff are formally stated in the “RECOMMENDATION” section on the first page of this staff report.
Staff notified 64 umbrella and housing advocacy organizations concerned with development of the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, and the City Council President and all 14 members of the Baltimore City Council, a total of 79 notifications of this hearing on this matter.