The official newsletter of The Historic Charles Street Association - Issue 41

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

May 1, 2008

Streetscape Project - Construction progress continues with the installation of the first bricks and pavers in the 800 block of Charles Street. Additional work includes sidewalk excavation in the 1000 block and granite curb installation in the 1100 block. Please contact Kristin Speaker at 410-659-7767 or Frank Culotta at 443-418-8805 for additional information.

1st Thursdays - Beginning on Thursday, May 1st, the HCSA, WTMD and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will kick off another season of First Thursdays, the popular, long-running series of concerts and special events held on the first Thursday of every month from May through October 2008. Concerts in the Park will begin at 5:30 PM in Mount Vernon Place and will feature a mix of national and regional entertainment. For more information visit http://www.wtmd.org/.

Flower Mart - Baltimore's annual rite of spring celebrates its 91st anniversary in 2008. This two-day event will take place on May 2-3 from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM in the parks of historic Mount Vernon. A full array of activities for people of all ages will take place throughout both days including traditional Flower Mart favorites such as performances by bands and choirs from local schools, ugly tie and hat contests for kids and adults, arts, crafts, exotic flowers and lemons with peppermint sticks. For more information visit http://www.flowermart.org/.

Cultural Heritage Tours - From Charles Center to Mount Vernon Place, from the B&O Railroad building to the Peabody Institute, Baltimore's rich cultural landscape rises from the Chesapeake and is unmistakable on Cultural Walk. This walking trail takes visitors though one of America's premier cultural districts, connecting 24 historic sites and museums, as well as restaurants and shops. Free tours are led daily by trained and uniformed Urban Park Rangers from May 1 through November 2, 2008. For more information call 443-984-3089 or visit http://www.starspangledtrails.org/.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

The HCSA is committed to being the driving force behind many of the key initiatives to improve our community and ensure 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. One of the primary responsibilities of The Historic Charles Street Association is advocacy and problem solving on behalf of its members. We are pleased to report the following:

The project to enhance the Verizon red doors in the 300 block of Charles Street with colorful graphic designs is anticipated to begin in the next few months.

IN THE WORKS

1. In conversations with area restaurants to create a cafe environment in front of the Verizon building in the 300 block of North Charles Street.

2. On-going removal of overflowing trash in back alleys.

3. In discussions with the Parking Authority of Baltimore City to offer reduced parking rates at the Franklin Street Garage.

4. Meeting with local restaurants to bring a valet program to Charles Street.

What can we do for you?

COMING SOON TO CHARLES STREET...

311 North Charles Street - Nursing & Health Services Training Consultants, Inc. will be moving into the building during the months of May and June 2008.

DID YOU KNOW?

Beadazzled, 501 N. Charles located on the corner of Charles Street and Franklin Street, invites you to Ignite your creativity, Embrace your style and Discover your love for beads. Beadazzled offers classes for the bead lover ranging from novice to advance techniques. For more information call: 410-837-2323 or visit www.beadazzled.net.

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:

MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, LLC - http://www.mackenziecommercial.com/
Corridor Reznick LLC - http://www.corridorllc.com/
Tower Hill Properties - http://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 second 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: