The official newsletter of The Historic Charles Street Association - Issue 37

The HCSA is pleased to present our monthly "E-News" which will provide you with current information on new business openings and exciting projects taking place in the Charles Street district.

January 1, 2008

The Hottest Ticket in Town - On March 1, 2008 the HCSA will hold its second annual fundraising event, Masquerade on Charles. This festive affair will be held at the beautifully renovated Tremont Grand, 225 North Charles Street. Masquerade on Charles will feature dancing to the Mood Swings, an open bar and glorious food from some of Charles Street's finest restaurants. Silent and live auctions will offer historic Baltimore memorabilia, fine gifts, and entertainment packages. For more information call: 410-332-4144 or visit www.masqueradeoncharles.com

My Sister's Place Women's Center - Construction for My Sister's Place Women's Center at 17 West Franklin Street is well underway. The Women's Center with an anticipated July 2008 opening, will provide women and their children with access to a wide range of services. The success of the Women's Center will depend on the involvement of Catholic Charities' many wonderful community partners, some of whom will use space within the Center to serve the women and children who visit. The Center will also depend on community volunteers to assist with services, particularly the preparation and serving of meals to women and children in need. If you are interested in volunteering, call: 410-261-6762.

Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden - Construction on the Prayer Garden is scheduled to begin in March of 2008. The Archdiocese has produced signs which will be posted on the site of the Prayer Garden as soon as the City grants the necessary permit. The signs will have a design of the garden and some text. Targeted completion date for the project is end of 2008.

Winter Restaurant Week - More than 70 area restaurants will participate in this winter's Baltimore Restaurant Week offering specially selected lunch and dinner menus for $20.08 and $30.08, respectively. This event which will take place from January 28, 2007 through February 3, 2008, promises something special for every taste bud and all wallets. Take advantage of parking discounts available at select Baltimore city garages. For more information and a listing of participating restaurants visit www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com

Streetscape Project - In the next few weeks, work on the Charles Street Streetscape Construction project will include the excavation and placement of the new conduit system in the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Charles Street. Construction will also take place on the east side of the 1800 block of Charles Street. For additional information contact Frank Cullotta 443-418-8805 or Kristin Speaker 410-649-2052.

Montessori Charter School in Midtown - Plans by the Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School to open in the Midtown area in September 2008 received approval from the Baltimore City Public School System. The goal of the new school is to serve children through grade 6 by 2010, by bringing together a harmonious community of caring families from diverse backgrounds. Children of families living in Baltimore City will experience a love of learning in a family-like environment through a proven Montessori public school experience. For more information visit www.baltimoremontessoricharter@gmail.com
 
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

The HCSA is committed to being the driving force behind many of the key initiatives to improve our community and ensure that the Charles Street district remains safe and vital. These initiatives include advocating and problem solving for the businesses along Charles Street, addressing issues related to safety and security and filling empty storefronts.

IN THE WORKS

1. In discussions with Verizon to finalize plans to further enhance the red doors on their building located in the 300 block of North Charles Street with graphic designs and color art concepts.
2. In conversations with area restaurants to create a cafe environment in front of the Verizon building in the 300 block of North Charles Street.
3. Coordinating new exterior lighting on the East Pleasant Street side of the Verizon Building.
4. Replacement of dead trees along the Charles Street corridor.
5. Removal of overflowing trash in back alleys.
6. New mulch and/or dirt around tree pits.
7. Working with the United States Post Office to replace the mailbox on the corner of East Pleasant Street.

What can we do for you?

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBER

Sofi's Crepes - 333 N. Charles Street

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, 222 N. Charles Street

Urban Cellars - a new wine shop has opened at Charles Plaza.

The Peanut Shoppe - has officially relocated to Charles Plaza and is open for business.

HAVE YOU HEARD?

Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse reports sales of the 88 residential condominiums at Twelve 09 North Charles at 28%, with settlements starting January 2008.

REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITIES

If you are interested in buying or selling commercial or investments properties, contact Byrnes & Associates: 410-528-1236 or email kempbyrnes@verizon.net

If you have available retail space for lease, email Nan Rohrer, Downtown Partnership’s Retail Development Director: nrohrer@dpob.org

For information on residential properties for sale and residential units for rent, retail and office space for lease, visit:
Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT -
www.cbcnrt.com
Corridor Reznick LLC -
www.corridorllc.com
Tower Hill Properties -
www.thprops.com  

About The HCSA

The mission of The Historic Charles Street Association is to make Charles Street a distinctive destination for visitors to the city and local residents through the support, retention, and promotion of commerce in our district. We are a tax-exempt charitable organization that serves businesses and property owners in the Charles Street district from the Inner Harbor to North Avenue who share our commitment to a unique and vibrant community.

We are a devoted advocate for the betterment of The Historic Charles Street District and depend on the support of our members to continue to make an impact. For membership information please visit our website at www.charlesstreet.net

Our members are always welcome to attend our monthly Executive Board Meetings which are held on the third Wednesday of every month at the Downtown Partnership, 217 N. Charles Street. If you are interested in attending, please email robin@charlesstreet.net

Resources - (Who to call for what)

Broken Glass on the street or sidewalk from Pratt Street to Centre Street - contact the Downtown Partnership (DPOB) at 410-244-1030. Above Centre Street - contact the Midtown Community Benefits District at 410-528-1512

City Services - 311 is Baltimore's new number to call for all city services. All calls to 311 go through a One Call Center, a 75-agent in-bound call and dispatch center manned 24 hours a day every day of the year.

Exterior Building Signs or Banners - to begin the approval process for any exterior building sign or banner, a permit application needs to be filed at the permit counter, 417 E. Fayette Street, room 100. For more information call 410-396-3360

Facade Improvement Program - contact LaToya Staten (DPOB) at 410-244-1030 or lstaten@dpob.org

Liquor Licenses - for assistance with all liquor license issues contact Bob Dengler (DPOB) at 410-605-0451

Malfunctioning Easy Park Meters - contact Robin Budish (HCSA) at 410-332-4144

Safety Escorts - anyone wishing to receive an escort while walking to their car or bus, or waiting for a taxi after dark should contact 410-244-8778 during business hours or 410-802.9631 after hours. Downtown Partnerships Public Safety Guides are available within the DMA District from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM seven days a week.

Safety and Security Issues - for non-emergency situations in the Charles Street district, contact Deputy Major Joseph Conway at 410-396-2410 or email Joe.Conway@baltimorepolice.org

Streetscaping above the monument - contact Kristin Speaker (CSDC) at 410-649-2052

The Homeless - for assistance with all issues regarding the homeless from Pratt Street to Centre Street contact Tom Yeager or Bertina Silver (DPOB) at 410-244-1030. Above Centre Street - contact the Midtown Community Benefits District at 410-528-1512

You are a valuable member of the HCSA and we welcome your input. Please send all comments and suggestions to:

Robin Budish
Executive Director
p: 410-332-4144
fx: 410-332-4433
robin@charlesstreet.net