Robin Godwin: October 2019

Federal Hill Main Street is hosting its annual trick-or-treating event at its various businesses from 3pm to 6pm. From the Federal Hill Main Street Facebook page:

Cross Street Market is also hosting its own event from 3pm to 7pm with 16 different trick-or-treat stops. From its Facebook page:

South Point in Port Covington is hosting trunk-or-treating from 5pm to 8pm. From its Facebook page:

Pigtown Main Street is hosting trick-or-treating at its businesses from 3pm to 6pm. From Pigtown Main Street’s Facebook page:

Neighborhood trick-or-treating in South Baltimore is expected to take place from approximately 530pm to 8pm. In previous years, busy corridors for trick-or-treaters on the South Baltimore Peninsula have included along Fort Ave.; Randall St. along Riverside Park; blocks east of Riverside Park on Covington St., Belt St., and Jackson St.; along Riverside Ave. and Battery Ave.; and on William St. in Federal Hill, as well as throughout Locust Point.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/30/where-to-trick-or-treat-in-south-baltimore/

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 10/19/19 – 10/25/19

Ridgely’s Delight

NONE

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

NONE

Otterbein

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2019 02:47 4XX LIGHT ST STREET

Sharp-Leadenhall

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019 14:00 9XX LEADENHALL ST APT/CONDOMINIUM

Federal Hill

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 01:00 10XX S CHARLES ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2019 17:20 10XX S CHARLES ST CONVENIENCE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 00:15 12XX S CHARLES ST RETAIL/SMALL BUSINESS

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 04:43 XX E WHEELING ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019 16:56 10XX S CHARLES ST DRUGSTORE/MEDICAL BLDG

STOLEN AUTO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2019 18:00 10XX S CHARLES ST STREET

Federal Hill South/Riverside

ROBBERY – FIREARM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2019 02:00 12XX RIVERSIDE AVE STREET

ROBBERY – KNIFE MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 21:20 2XX E FORT AVE STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2019 17:30 14XX RIVERSIDE AVE STREET

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 23:50 8XX E FORT AVE RESTAURANT/BAR

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019 11:25 2XX E GITTINGS ST STREET

South Baltimore Neighborhood

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 15:00 19XX S CHARLES ST OTHER-OUTSIDE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

ROBBERY – FIREARM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019 19:40 1XX LIGHT ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2019 08:58 3XX S CHARLES ST PARKING LOT – INSIDE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 06:00 4XX W PRATT ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 13:20 4XX LIGHT ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019 16:40 3XX LIGHT ST RESTAURANT/BAR

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019 10:25 16XX WHETSTONE WAY RETAIL/SMALL BUSINESS

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019 11:50 8XX E FORT AVE RETAIL/SMALL BUSINESS

LARCENY- FROM AUTO FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019 06:30 10XX HULL ST STREET

Pigtown

BURGLARY (NO FORCE) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019 14:00 12XX SARGEANT ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019 17:00 8XX S CAREY ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 00:00 13XX NANTICOKE ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2019 10:00 9XX RAMSAY ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 13:45 7XX W HAMBURG ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2019 15:30 12XX W PRATT ST STREET

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2019 01:30 17XX WASHINGTON BLVD CONVENIENCE

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 19:26 15XX RUSSELL ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 11:39 15XX RUSSELL ST CONVENIENCE

Hollins Market

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 15:23 9XX W PRATT ST BUS/AUTO

Union Square

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019 04:30 14XX W PRATT ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019 16:00 13XX LEMMON ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/29/south-baltimore-crime-updates-158/

Monday, October 28, 2019

Marketing Agency Vitamin Relocating its Headquarters to Federal Hill

Digital-first, integrated marketing agency Vitamin is moving its headquarters from Highlandtown to 720 Light St. in Federal Hill. The three-story, approximately 6,000 sq. ft. building serves as a gateway to Federal Hill as it sits at the corner of Light St. and Key Hwy.

720 Light St. was the former home of The Joseph E. Shaner Company which was acquired in 2017. Vitamin co-owners and wife and husband Amanda Karfakis and Mike Karfakis purchased the building in January and have begun renovations. Amanda Karfakis and Mike Karfakis were looking all over Baltimore City for a new headquarters as they were outgrowing their 2,000 sq. ft. space in Highlandtown.

“Federal Hill really spoke to us for a lot reasons,” said Amanda Karfakis. “We are in a neighborhood now and wanted that again.”

She noted that the location, which is also across the street from the Inner Harbor, will allow the team to walk to many places for lunch, walk to the harbor, have a walking meeting, and attend stadium events without moving their cars.

“The visibility is what tipped us over the top,” said Amanda Karfakis. She talked about the northern facade that is visible for several blocks up Light St. and the high traffic volume at the intersection. Vitamin plans on adding signage to the roof or facade. That same visibility gives the office building views of Downtown and the Inner Harbor that she calls “absolutely ridiculous.”

Vitamin had an office inside the Broom Factory in Canton before moving to a rowhouse office space at 3237 Eastern Ave. Amanda Karfakis said the street-level visibility has been successful for the company.

Amanda and Mike Karfakis have experience renovating Baltimore properties and said buying was a “strategic and economic decision.”

“We are able to eliminate some of the threats renters face and it allows us to remain nimble,” said Amanda Karfakis. “We don’t have to report to a landlord, we can make our own decisions.”

All three floors, plus the basement, will be renovated at 720 Light St. The basement will have a kitchen and entertainment area with a pool table and arcade games; workspaces will occupy the three floors; and a rooftop deck will be added. There will be interior bike racks, a shower for employee use after lunchtime workouts, and a water filtration system to help eliminate single-use plastics. The interior design layout was crafted to “spur greater employee collaboration and creativity and accommodate a range of simultaneous meetings and events.”

Mike Karfakis started Vitamin in 2002 and Amanda Karfakis joined the company a few years later.

Vitamin currently has 15 employees and envisions growing to 25 employees in the next five years. Vitamin’s employees include developers, account executives, project managers, copyrighters, art directors, and executive positions. Vitamin is currently hiring for several different positions.

Amanda Karfakis said the majority of the team lives in Baltimore City and can bike or walk to work at the new location. Vitamin does not have any of its own parking at 720 Light St., but is in conversations to partner with local parking lots or garages in the area.

Amanda Karfakis says they want to keep the company independent and small. She grew up in the diner business and Mike Karfakis grew up in the food service business and both describe themselves as people who want to interact with clients and team members every day.

Vitamin is a full-service marketing company with services including branding, logo development, public relations, and website development. It helps companies with marketing, communications, and business growth. It also helps companies market themselves to get acquired.

Vitamin has many clients in commercial real estate, architecture, engineering, and construction, as well as works with companies in finance, health and human services, manufacturing, and nonprofit industries. Amanda Karfakis said the new location will put them very close to many of their clients and closer to the Washington, D.C. area where they also have contracts.

Vitamin worked with Joe Nolan of KLNB to acquire the building and RMF Engineering as the engineer on the project. Gaudreau, Inc. is the architect of record and Jensen Hughes is a consultant.

Photos and renderings courtesy of Vitamin

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/28/marketing-agency-vitamin-relocating-its-headquarters-to-federal-hill/

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Weekend Events Around Baltimore

This Weekend Events Around Baltimore is brought to you by the Federal Hill Jazz & Blues Festival:

18th Annual Jazz & Blues Festival

October 27 @ 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Rain or Shine!)
Free Admission – FREE PARKING at Stadium Square (160 W Ostend Street)

We’ll have two stages of live music, featuring the following bands and more:

Jazz is Phish

Kelly Bell Band

The Nighthawks

Lower Case Blues

Naptown Brass Band

Contact Cathy@FedHill.org or 410.727.4500 if you have questions!

Federal Hill Main Street, Inc. (FHMS) is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant Federal Hill Business District that meets the needs of residents and visitors.

Proceeds from the Jazz & Blues festivals will be used to support Federal Hill year-round cleaning and greening initiatives, festivals and events, and operations.

Maryland Food Truck Week: October 18th – October 27th

Bingo for a Cure at Captain Larry’s: Thursday from 7pm-9pm

Haunted Gingerbread House Contest at Hair of the Dog Baltimore: Thursday from 7pm-9pm

PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” at Hippodrome: Friday and Saturday

Friday Ryeday at Suspended Brewing Company: Friday from 4pm-9pm

ArBOOretum – A Halloween-themed family event at Cylburn Arboretum: Friday from 5pm-8pm

Halloween Party // 2019 at Diamondback Brewing Company: Friday from 6pm-11pm

Bike Party: Halloween Ride at St. Mary’s Park and Monument City Brewing Company: Friday form 630pm-1130pm

Bert Kreischer | Body Shots World Tour at The Lyric: Friday at 7pm and 930pm

Love the City You’re With Southwest Baltimore Bike Tour at Union Square Park: Saturday from 730am-1pm

BARCStoberfest: Festival, 5K/Walk, Beer Garden and More at Patterson Park: Saturday from 730am-3pm

Pigtown Clean Up: Saturday at 9am

Mayor’s Fall Cleanup: Saturday from 9am-1pm

Oyster and Plant Gardening at Lighthouse Point Marina: Saturday from 10am-1pm

Boone Street Commons October Volunteer Day: Saturday from 10am-12pm

ZooBOOO at The Maryland Zoo: Saturday from 10am-4pm

Lemony Snicket’s The Composer Is Dead at Meyerhoff: Saturday at 11am

Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower Open House: Saturday from 11am-4pm

Park N’ Pumpkin Festival at Rawlings Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: Saturday from 11am-4pm

Fall Festival at Rye Street Tavern: Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-5pm

Triple Can Release at Charm City Meadworks: Saturday from 12pm-10pm

8th Annual SOBO Halloween Bash: Saturday from 1pm-5pm

Riverside Fall Festival at Riverside Park: Saturday from 1pm-5pm

Fright Night – A Weekend on Zombie Island at South Point: Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-12am

NCAA Football – Florida A&M at Morgan State: Saturday at 3pm

20th Great Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival at Patterson Park: Saturday from 330pm-930pm

The Temptations and The Four Tops at The Lyric: Saturday at 730pm

Federal Hill’s 18th Annual Jazz & Blues Festival: Sunday from 12pm-7pm

Trick-or-Treat at Belvedere Square: Sunday from 1pm-4pm

Pack 577 Haunted House at 1401 Towson Street: Sunday from 2pm-7pm

Mozart Violin Concerto at Meyerhoff: Sunday at 3pm

Everhart’s 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat: Sunday from 4pm-6pm

Sunday Sounds in Union Square Park: Sunday from 4pm-7pm

Weekly Outdoor Fitness

November Project at Rash Field: Wednesday at 530am and 630am

Locust Point Thursday Night Pub Runs at Charm City Run: Thursday at 630pm

November Project at Patterson Park: Friday at 630am

Free Play at Baltimore Beach: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm

Inner Harbor Kayak Tours: Sunday from 9am-4pm

Weekly Farmers’ Markets

Harbor Market at McKeldin Square: Wednesday and Friday from 11am-2pm

Pratt Street Market: Thursday from 11am-2pm

Fells Point Farmers Market at Broadway Square: Saturday from 730am-1230pm

32nd Street Farmers’ Market in Waverly: Saturday from 7am-12pm

Cross Street Farmers’ Market in Federal Hill: Saturday from 8am-12pm

Baltimore Museum of Industry Farmers’ Market: Saturday from 9am-1pm

Whitelock Community Farm Market Stand: Saturday from 10am-1pm

Baltimore Farmer’ Market & Bazaar Beneath the JFX: Sunday from 7am-12pm

Have a GREAT weekend!

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/24/weekend-events-around-baltimore-82/

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Southside Diner Team Opens ‘Southside Burger Bar’ at Cross Street Market

Brothers Nick and Steve Karvounis opened their second restaurant in South Baltimore in recent weeks with the launch of Southside Burger Bar at the newly-renovated Cross Street Market. Nick and Steve Karvounis have owned Southside Diner at Southside Marketplace, which started out as Big Matty’s Diner before relocating, since 2012.

Southside Burger Bar is located on the western side of the block-long market. It is adjacent to a common seating area, Taco Love Grill, Phubs, Pizza di Joey, the soon-to-open Old Line Cocktail bar, and the Atlas Restaurant Group’s seafood restaurant and fish market that will open next year.

Southside Burger Bar’s approximately 600 sq. ft. stall has 16 bar seats and a standing bar that fits another 15 to 20 people. Similar to Southside Diner, the stall design has white subway tile, black granite countertops, wood accents, and seven televisions playing sports. Nick Karvounis said they initially were going to open in a 280 sq. ft. stall, but they asked for a bigger stall after drawing up their current vision.

The Karvounis brothers said they only considered opening at Cross Street Market because of their love for South Baltimore. Nick Karvounis said it is the best neighborhood and it has exceeded all their expectations. He talked about all the loyal customers who keep Southside Diner constantly busy, as well as about all the great friends they have made in the neighborhood.

The Karvounis family is returning to its roots in Baltimore markets as their father owned stalls at the Belair and Lexington Markets where the brothers grew up working.

Southside Burger Bar is a big change of pace for the Karvounis’ when it comes to menu size. Southside Diner has a very large menu of breakfast, lunch, dinners, and dessert items, while Southside Burger Bar only sells build-your-own burgers, hot dogs, and french fries.

“A big menu is good, but it comes with a lot of headaches,” said Nick Karvounis. “This is much simpler.”

Cross Street Market’s management team of Caves Valley Partners, CANAdev, and MacKenzie makes sure there is not a lot of overlap in the products vendors sells, so the Karvounis’ were excited to focus just on burgers, hot dogs, and fries.

Nick and Steve Karvounis worked with local vendors to find their favorite blend of beef for their hamburgers. The hot dogs are not local, but Nick Karvounis said they are thrilled with the quality of them.

Burgers and hot dogs come on Martin’s potato rolls. Customers can order a single, double, or triple beef burger; a turkey or black bean option; or an all-beef or polish hot dog. Optional toppings include lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickles, barbecue sauce, banana peppers, relish, sauerkraut, hot peppers, cheese, fried egg, chili, mushrooms, bacon, avocado spread, and Almost Famous Southside Sauce.

Nick Karvounis said they went with the build-your-own model because it’s much more efficient than having people sub in and out ingredients on set menu items when using the point of sale system. Southside Burger Bar’s goal is to have orders ready in just a few minutes.

Sides include regular fries, chili and cheese fries, and onion rings.

Patrons can order a beer from one of Southside Burger Bar’s four beer taps or a drink from the Pepsi fountain soda. Nick Karvounis said they will likely add a wine option as well.

Southside Burger Bar brought over several employees from Southside Diner who volunteered to make the move. It has about 8 employees total. Nick Karvounis said his employees are all fantastic and credited them as a big reason for the success of Southside Diner.

Southside Burger Bar is open Monday to Thursday from 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 10pm, and Sunday from 11am to 8pm, although Sunday hours will be adjusted based on Ravens home games.

Read SouthBMore.com’s articles detailing the different aspects of the Cross Street Market redevelopment here.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/22/southside-diner-team-opens-southside-burger-bar-at-cross-street-market/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 10/12/19 – 10/18/19

Ridgely’s Delight

BURGLARY (FORCE) SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2019 03:47 6XX MELVIN DR ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

NONE

Otterbein

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 17:05 5XX LIGHT ST OTHER-INSIDE

Sharp-Leadenhall

STOLEN AUTO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 15:47 10XX S HANOVER ST AUTO PARTS STORE

Federal Hill

Southern District
Shooting Investigation

On October 14, 2019, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Southern District patrol officers responded to the 300 block of Warren Street for a report of a carjacking and shooting.

Once at the location, officers located an adult male suffering from a graze wound to the neck.

The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

At this time suspect and vehicle information is unknown.

Southern District detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2499 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 16:14 7XX COVINGTON ST YARD, RESIDENTIAL

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 00:00 XX E WHEELING ST YARD, RESIDENTIAL

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 19:30 12XX LIGHT ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 12:13 10XX S CHARLES ST DRUGSTORE/MEDICAL BLDG

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 14:22 10XX S CHARLES ST YARD, BUSINESS

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 12:40 10XX S CHARLES ST DRUGSTORE/MEDICAL BLDG

Federal Hill South/Riverside

BURGLARY (ATT. FORCE) MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 23:35 2XX E RANDALL ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 12:25 11XX LIGHT ST SPECIALTY STORE

STOLEN AUTO THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 21:00 5XX E CLEMENT ST OTHER-OUTSIDE

STOLEN AUTO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2019 16:00 3XX E FORT AVE STREET

STOLEN VEH./OTHER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 09:00 12XX HALL ALY YARD, RESIDENTIAL

South Baltimore Neighborhood

LARCENY- FROM AUTO THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 16:15 19XX S CHARLES ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 00:00 14XX S HANOVER ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 15:45 6XX E PRATT ST DEPT. STORE

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019 20:52 2XX E PRATT ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 12:30 2XX E PRATT ST SPECIALTY STORE

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 11:30 4XX E PRATT ST Unknown

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 10:30 4XX W PRATT ST HOTEL/MOTEL

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 12:00 7XX E PRATT ST PRIVATE GARAGE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 20:38 4XX W PRATT ST OTHER-INSIDE

Port Covington

STOLEN AUTO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 04:20 3XX E CROMWELL ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

Locust Point

BURGLARY (FORCE) WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019 18:00 13XX RICHARDSON ST PRIVATE GARAGE

Pigtown

ROBBERY – FIREARM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019 19:30 8XX MCHENRY ST STREET

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019 09:45 7XX WASHINGTON BLVD OTHER-INSIDE

AGG. ASSLT.- GUN SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2019 14:00 12XX W CROSS ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (NO FORCE) MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 22:30 12XX CARROLL ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (ATT. FORCE) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 12:00 14XX WARD ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019 05:00 8XX WASHINGTON BLVD APT/CONDOMINIUM

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019 09:33 7XX WASHINGTON BLVD RETAIL/SMALL BUSINESS

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 16:29 7XX WASHINGTON BLVD CONVENIENCE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 20:00 XX W CROSS ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 20:00 11XX W HAMBURG ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 04:20 7XX WASHINGTON BLVD CONVENIENCE

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 10:47 4XX S POPPLETON ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 16:35 12XX W CROSS ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 12:00 11XX WASHINGTON BLVD CONVENIENCE

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2019 05:24 7XX WASHINGTON BLVD CONVENIENCE

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

ROBBERY – KNIFE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019 09:51 17XX RUSSELL ST STREET

BURGLARY (FORCE) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 11:59 18XX WASHINGTON BLVD OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 14:29 15XX RUSSELL ST CONVENIENCE

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2019 16:50 15XX RUSSELL ST OTHER-INSIDE

Hollins Market

ROBBERY – FIREARM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019 18:47 8XX W PRATT ST STREET

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 13:25 10XX LEMMON ST ALLEY

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 17:12 10XX W PRATT ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 19:00 1XX PARKIN ST STREET

Union Square

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2019 03:00 17XX HOLLINS ST STREET

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/22/south-baltimore-crime-updates-157/

Friday, October 18, 2019

Daycare Center to Open at the Former SunTrust in Federal Hill

Alpha and Omega Quality Childcare will open in the former SunTrust Bank space at 1037 Light St. in Federal Hill. The 2,340 sq. ft. retail space has been vacant since SunTrust closed in Fall 2014.

Alpha and Omega is owned by LaQuanta Baldwin, who previously had a daycare location in Randallstown for 11 years before closing it in October 2016. Baldwin spent a long time looking for a location before she “stumbled upon the space” in Federal Hill, which she said was in “the perfect area.”

Baldwin likes that Federal Hill is a “family-oriented community,” noting that Light Street reminds her of Mr. Rogers neighborhood. She loves seeing the barbershops and businesses, and loves that Federal Hill Preparatory School is right behind the retail space, the Digital Harbor Tech Center is next door, and the library is a couple blocks up the street.

“I’m from Baltimore, born and raised. I bleed purple,” said Baldwin. “I was fortunate to give back to Baltimore County and can’t wait to give back to Baltimore City.”

Alpha and Omega will have 42 childcare spots and will care for children from infants up to two years old. Baldwin said when children turn three she will recommend them to other childcare centers in the area.

Alpha and Omega will have a staff of about 16.

Construction has already started as the landlord is gutting the space to prepare it for Baldwin to set it up as a daycare center. Alpha and Omega will have bathrooms, a kitchenette, play areas, and a private backyard with a playground. A new mural with a child on a swing has also been added to the southern facade of the building.

Baldwin hopes to open before the spring, but knowing the delays that could take place opening a business, she said she won’t start accepting applications until she is confident in a concrete opening date. She said, however, she has already started networking in the community.

Baldwin said childcare pricing will be market rate, but that she will likely have a pay scale for clients with lower incomes.

To handle the drop off and pickup of children arriving and leaving in cars, Baldwin is working with the Parking Authority of Baltimore City on approval for a loading zone for about three cars in front of the business from 630am to 630pm. The area is already a dedicated truck loading zone.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/18/daycare-center-to-open-at-the-former-suntrust-in-federal-hill/

Traffic Modifications for the Baltimore Running Festival on Saturday

Baltimore City Department of Transportation press release:

Traffic Modifications for the 2019 Baltimore Running Festival

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation would like to advise motorists of the temporary road closures and parking restrictions in effect for the 19^th annual Baltimore Running Festival, which will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019. Approximately 20,000 people are expected to participate in this year’s event.

The 26.2 mile marathon will begin at Camden and Russell/Paca Streets. In conjunction with the marathon, the Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon will also be held, along with the Belcara Health 5K Race, the Team Relay and the Wheelchair Athletes event.

The races will begin at various times and locations:

7:30 a.m. –5k race begins at Light & Pratt Streets

7:55 a.m. – Wheelchair Athletes begin at Light & Pratt Streets

8:00 a.m. – Marathon and Team Relay begin at Camden & Paca Streets

9:45 a.m. – Half Marathon begins at Light & Pratt Streets

3:00 p.m. – All courses closed

In preparation for the running festival, various parking restrictions, road closures and lane closures will be implemented along the race routes. Motorists should be advised that traveling from inside the footprint of the race to destinations beyond the race borders (and vice versa) will be very difficult throughout the day. Traffic stops WILL be implemented for the safety of participants and motorists will encounter significant delays.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and allow additional travel time. Traffic will be impacted in many city communities, and in order to minimize delays, motorists should use alternate routes outside of the race footprint. This includes using roadways north of 33^rdStreet, south of McComas Street, west of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and east of Highland Avenue.

In order to help residents and visitors plan their commutes on race day, an interactive road closure map has been created. This user-friendly map can be used to see when city neighborhoods will be affected by the races throughout the day. The map can be found at: transportation.baltimorecity.gov/BaltimoreMarathon2019Map.

On race day, motorists should pay close attention to posted parking restrictions, as vehicles parked in violation will be ticketed and towed. Motorists with questions concerning the location of their vehicles should call 311.

Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation during this event. The Metro Subway is a great option for traveling into and out of the city, as it will not be affected by the marathon. The Charm City Circulator will modify its service hours during this event, and will operate on race day from 4:00 p.m. until midnight.

In preparation for the event, the following street and lane closures will be implemented prior to the Baltimore Running Festival for race setup:

Right lane of Pratt Street from Light to Calvert Streets begins at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2019
Left lane (next to median) of southbound Light Street from Pratt to Conway Streets begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2019
Pratt Street closure from Charles to Light Streets begins at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2019. This portion of Pratt Street will remain closed until the event clears late Saturday afternoon.

In preparation for the Baltimore Running Festival, the following parking restrictions will be implemented on Saturday, October 19, 2019:

Linwood Avenue from Eastern Avenue to Fayette Street 12:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Eastern Avenue (north side) from Linwood to Patterson Park Avenues 12:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Boston Street (north side) from Aliceanna Street to Lakewood Avenue 2:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Lancaster Street from President to Exeter Streets 2:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

33^rd Street from Hillen Road to Guilford Avenue 2:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Maryland Avenue/Cathedral Street/Liberty Street/Hopkins Street/Sharp Street from W. 29^th to Pratt Streets 2:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

28^th Street from Fox to Howard Streets – 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Camden Street from Eutaw to Paca Streets 2:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Baltimore Street (south side) from President Street to Patterson Park Avenue 2:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Key Highway from Light to Lawrence Streets 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fayette Street (south side) from Gay to Calvert Streets 2:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Hillen Road from E. 33^rd Street to Mervo entrance 2:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

In addition, the following streets will be closed to through traffic on Saturday, October 19, 2019:

Paca Street from Pratt to Lombard Streets 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Camden Street from Paca to Howard Streets 6:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Eutaw Street from Pratt to Camden Streets 7:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Russell Street from Lee to Pratt Streets 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Russell Street at Hamburg Street 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Hamburg Street Bridge from Russell to Leadenhall Streets 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Key Highway from Cross to Light Streets 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Southbound Light Street from Lombard Street to Key Highway 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Northbound Light Street from Henrietta Street to Key Highway 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Pratt Street from Green to Eutaw Streets 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm (until marathon and half marathon clear the area)

Pratt Street from Howard to Light Streets 1:00 p.m. to clear

Southbound Jones Falls Expressway exit ramp to 28^th Street 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The following streets will be impacted by the marathon on Saturday, October 19, 2019 with lane closures in effect:

Paca Street from Pratt to McCulloh Streets 8:05 a.m. – 8:31 a.m.

McCulloh Street from Paca Street to North Avenue 8:10 a.m. – 8:47 a.m.

McCulloh Street from North Avenue to Gwynns Falls Pkwy 8:15 – 9:03 a.m.

Gwynns Falls Pkwy from Beechwood Drive to Mansion House Drive (in Druid Hill Park) 8:20 a.m. – 9:19 a.m.

Mansion House Drive to Wyman Park Drive 8:25 a.m. to 9:35 a.m.

Wyman Park Drive from Remington Avenue to W. 28^th Street 8:30 a.m. – 9:51 a.m.

28^th Street from Fox to St. Paul Streets 8:35 a.m. – 10:07 a.m.

St. Paul Street from W. 28^th to Light Streets 8:40 a.m. – 10:23 a.m.

Light Street from Pratt Street to Key Highway 8:45 a.m. – 10:39 a.m.

Key Highway from Light Street to Key Highway Extension to Hull Street 8:55 a.m. – 11:11 a.m.

Hull Street to Key Highway Extension to Key Highway to Light Street 9:00 a.m. to 11:27 a.m.

Light Street to Pratt Street to President Street to Lancaster Street 9:05 a.m. to 11:43 a.m.

Aliceanna Street from President to Boston Streets 9:10 a.m. to 11:59 a.m.

Boston Street to Lakewood Avenue to O’Donnell Street to Linwood Avenue 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Linwood Avenue from O’Donnell Street to Madison Street 9:20 a.m. to 12:31 p.m.

Madison Street from Linwood Avenue to Washington Street to St. Lo Drive 9:25 a.m. to 12:47 p.m.

Harford Road from St. Lo Drive to 30^th Street to Hillen Road 9:30 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.

Hillen Road from Lake Montebello to E. 33rd Street to Guilford Avenue 9:20 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Guilford Avenue from E. 33^rd to W. 29^th Streets 9:50 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

29^th Street from Guilford to Maryland Avenues 9:55 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Maryland/Cathedral/Hopkins/Sharp St from W. 29^th to Pratt Streets 10:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

Race finish line on Pratt Street between Charles and Light Streets 10:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions Will be in Effect on Saturday, October 19, 2019 in Downtown Baltimore

In addition to the traffic modifications listed above, commercial vehicle restrictions will also be implemented in downtown Baltimore on race day.

On Saturday, October 19, 2019 commercial vehicle restrictions will be in effect from 2:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. in downtown Baltimore. During this time, commercial vehicles, including tanker trailers, will not be permitted in the downtown / Inner Harbor areas of the city. This commercial vehicle restriction excludes cabs, buses and other mass transportation vehicles.

Commercial vehicle restrictions will be implemented on the following streets during the date and times listed above:

Fayette Street from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (MLK) to President Street (no commercial vehicles will be allowed to travel on or south of Fayette Street)
President Street from Aliceanna to Fayette Streets (no commercial vehicles will be allowed to travel on or west of President Street)
Light Street from Pratt Street to Key Highway
Key Highway from Light to McComas Streets
Hanover Street from McComas to Montgomery Streets (no commercial vehicles will be allowed on or north of McComas Street, including Hanover Street)
Pratt and Lombard Streets from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to President Street
I-395 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. split to Pratt Street (commercial vehicles on I-395 are required to use Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to continue north of the race area)

Motorists are advised to pay close attention to the commercial vehicle restrictions in effect and should use alternate routes during this time. Commercial vehicle restrictions will be strictly enforced in the downtown area.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/18/traffic-modifications-for-the-baltimore-running-festival-on-saturday/

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Baltimore City Fire Department Property on Hanover Street to House Medic Units After Renovation

In partnership with the Department of General Services, the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) has begun renovating the former Truck 6 building at 1227 S. Hanover St. BCFD is proposing the station will have two medic units vehicles and an EMS officer.

A spokesperson for BCFD told SouthBMore.com: “At this time, no further information is available and everything is in the preliminary stages. We hope to have more information within the near future to share with the entire community.”

The station has been used in a limited capacity in recent years.

The South Baltimore Peninsula currently has three active fire stations.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/17/baltimore-city-fire-department-property-on-hanover-street-to-host-medic-units-after-renovation/

Weekend Events Around Baltimore

This Weekend Events Around Baltimore is brought to you by Hoodstock charity music fest:

Unified Community Connections, a nonprofit agency serving people with disabilities, will host its 16^th Annual Hoodstock charity music fest on Saturday, October 19 from 6:00-10:00 p.m. at the American Visionary Art Museum. Hoodstock is a laidback, family-friendly event where guests “Just Say No to Black-Tie and Yes to Tie-Dye” while enjoying live music from the 1960s and ’70s with a splash of contemporary. Local band Roses n Rust will headline this year’s event and cover both classic and modern artists.

Advance general admission tickets are $45 and include food, beer and wine, with plenty of raffles and a silent auction. In addition, local celebrity O.J. Brigance, senior advisor for player development for the Baltimore Ravens, will present this year’s Samuel A. Tucker Memorial Can Do Award.

Hoodstock started in 2004 as a neighborhood event and has since grown into a major fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities. Last year, more than 350 people attended and the event raised over $86,000. For tickets, visit www.mt.cm/hoodstock-xvi or www.unified.org. Contact Lauren Bussard at lbussard@unified.org or 443-449-2461 with any questions.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Hippodrome: October 9th – October 20th

Charm City Fringe Festival: October 10th – October 20th

The 5th Annual .05K Presented by 98Rock at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore: Thursday from 6pm-8pm

Build Bikes for Baltimore Youth at Little Havana: Thursday from 6pm-8pm

Maryland Food Truck Week: October 18th – October 27th

MD Food Truck Week Official Kick Off Party at South Point: Friday from 5pm-9pm

Masarap Vegan Dinners at Suspended Brewery Company: Friday from 5pm-9pm

SOBO Sunsets with The Tequila Brothers at South Point: Friday from 5pm-10pm

Baltimore Running Festival: Saturday

October Pierogi Sale at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church: Saturday from 9am-12pm

Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower Open House: Saturday from 11am-4pm

OktoBEARfest presented by Chase at The Maryland Zoo: Saturday from 12pm-5pm

Casks & CRAFts at Checkerspot Brewing Company: Saturday from 2pm-6pm

Oktoberfest Live! at Power Plant Live!: Saturday from 3pm-7pm

Hoodstock Sweet 16 at American Visionary Art Museum: Saturday from 6pm-10pm

Ledisi: Nina and Me at The Lyric: Saturday at 8pm

Halloween // Movie Nights (Scream) at Diamonback Brewing Company: Saturday from 8pm-1030pm

Party for Pierre – Fundraiser for Our Local Hero at Cat’s Eye Pub: Sunday from 12pm-8pm

Lexington Market Center Trash Bash: Sunday from 2pm-7pm

Weekly Outdoor Fitness

November Project at Rash Field: Wednesday at 530am and 630am

Locust Point Thursday Night Pub Runs at Charm City Run: Thursday at 630pm

November Project at Patterson Park: Friday at 630am

Free Play at Baltimore Beach: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm

Inner Harbor Kayak Tours: Sunday from 9am-4pm

Weekly Farmers’ Markets

Harbor Market at McKeldin Square: Wednesday and Friday from 11am-2pm

Pratt Street Market: Thursday from 11am-2pm

Fells Point Farmers Market at Broadway Square: Saturday from 730am-1230pm

32nd Street Farmers’ Market in Waverly: Saturday from 7am-12pm

Cross Street Farmers’ Market in Federal Hill: Saturday from 8am-12pm

Baltimore Museum of Industry Farmers’ Market: Saturday from 9am-1pm

Whitelock Community Farm Market Stand: Saturday from 10am-1pm

Baltimore Farmer’ Market & Bazaar Beneath the JFX: Sunday from 7am-12pm

Have a GREAT weekend!

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/17/weekend-events-around-baltimore-81/

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

New Monument at Swann Park Honors Professional Baseball Players Who Previously Played on the South Baltimore Field

A new monument was installed this year in the median of the turn-around circle located at the Swann Park entrance in Port Covington. The granite monument has a plaque that honors the former Mayor, Governor, and Congressman Thomas Swann, who is the namesake for Swann Park, as well as the history of the 19u amateur baseball team that played at the park. This notable team had more than 175 future professional baseball players take the field.

With the Port Covington Master Plan showing the relocation of Swann Park to the adjacent waterfront—a project that would be designed by Ripken Baseball in coordination with The Port Covington Development Team—a group of local baseball enthusiasts with ties to the 19u amateur baseball team at Swann Park wanted to make sure the history of baseball was commemorated before any major changes were made. The plaque was designed so that it can be moved if the park is relocated.

The 19u amateur baseball changed names multiple times throughout the years depending on the team’s sponsors, which have included Leone’s Boys Club, Johnny’s Used Cars, and Corrigan Insurance.

The Port Covington Development Team is underway on Chapter 1 of the 235-acre, $5.5-billion, multi-decade Port Covington redevelopment. Any major changes to Swann Park, which is owned by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, are not included in Chapter 1.

The committee for the plaque included former Baltimore City Councilman Joe DiBlasi, who grew up in and represented South Baltimore; Bernie Walter, who was a player and coach for the 19u team and the former longtime coach of Arundel High School; Frank Kolarek, who played at Swann Park and is a scout for the Baltimore Orioles; longtime Old Mill Coach Mel Montgomery, who also coached the 19u team; and Gary Bishop. who played for the team.

The plaque reads:

SWANN PARK

Is named for Baltimore’s 19th Mayor, Thomas Swann (1856-1860), who was the 33rd Governor of Maryland (1866-1869), and served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1869-1879). As a Congressman, he represented the 3rd and then the 4th Congressional Districts. Prior to serving in public office he was president of the B and O Railroad Company (1848-1856).

Swann Park was the home field for the legendary amateur baseball powerhouses Leone’s Boys Club, Johnny’s Used Cars, and Corrigan Insurance. Organized in 1953 playing here until 1996. Representing Baltimore City, they won 19 All American Amateur Baseball Association national championships in Johnstown, Pa. 1957-1959-1967-1972-1973-1976-1977-1979-1980-1981-1982-1983-1985-1987-1989-1990-1991-1993-1996.

Over 176 professional baseball players and more than 45 Major League Baseball Players learned the game and played here, including Hall of Fame Icons Al Kaline and Reggie Jackson, MLB All Stars Jim Spencer, Denny Neagle, and Todd Jones. Neighborhood teenagers including Barry Shetrone, John Miller, Tom Phoebus, Ron Swoboda, Dave Boswell, and Jay Witasick and long MLB careers.

Sponsors were the Leone Brothers, Dominic, Vince, and Tony; then John Wilbanks and Bill Corrigan. Managers and coaches include Ray Muhl, George Henderson, Walter Youse, Bernie Walter, Jim Foit, Mel Montgomery, Norm Golden, and Dean Albany.

From 1953 through 1996, this team won 44 consecutive Maryland State and Baltimore City Championships in the 19u age bracket.

The Committee: Gary Bishop, Joe DiBlasi, Frank Kolarek, Mel Montgomery, and Berney Walter

The 19u team was mostly for college players to compete in the summer after their freshman year of college, but some players still attended high school while playing. It was a team for mostly Baltimore area players, however some players would come into town if they needed a place to play in the summer. The team was coached by Walter Youse from 1955 until 2002.

The most high-profile player to join the team who didn’t grow up around Baltimore was Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, who joined after playing baseball and football at Arizona State University his freshman year. Jackson grew up in Philadelphia, PA, but his mother moved to Baltimore and he needed a team for the summer of 1965. Jackson was recommended to Youse by Arizona State Manager Bobby Winkles. Jackson’s tryout did not last long before Youse quickly placed him on the team.

Hall of Famer Al Kaline grew up in the nearby South Baltimore neighborhood of Westport, and played high school baseball at Southern High School in Federal Hill. He grew up playing at Swann Park and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks renamed the field this summer to Al Kaline Field. Kaline was drafted by the Detroit Tigers and immediately played in the Major Leagues starting in 1953 at the age of 18.

Walter told SouthBMore.com the orientation of the field has changed since its heyday. He noted the train tracks that are now beyond the first base line used to be in left field. Right field had a swale that went down towards the harbor and center field continued on for a long distance. Swann Park was closed in 2007 after it was found to be contaminated with arsenic. It later reopened in 2010 after remediation and a renovation.

Walter said the said the field was in good shape in the 1960s and was well taken care of. The 19u team practiced every day at 430pm and played games at 6pm. There were no lights at Swann Park at the time. The team played eight games a week. It played at home during the week and traveled on the weekends.

The team got together every year in late-May and early-June and would play until the All American Amateur Baseball Association National Championships in Johnstown, PA in August.

Walter said the All American Amateur Baseball Association National Championships grew tired of Baltimore winning and began to change the rules to become “anti-Baltimore.” They came up with a rule that players had to live in the zip code of the franchise, needing a residence starting with 212.

In 1996, the team made the move to Bachmann Park in Glen Burnie and became part of the Maryland Orioles Amateur Baseball Organization. Former player for the 19u team Dean Albany took over as coach after Youse’s death. Albany, who started the Maryland Orioles, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates before arm injuries put him into coaching at a young age. Albany was also a longtime scout for the Baltimore Orioles.

The Maryland Orioles now have teams in many age groups and continue to have success at the All American Amateur Baseball Association National Championships.

Walter said the funding for the plaque was raised after sending an email blast to former players and coaches. “Everyone who coached there and played there is pretty proud of what happened,” said Walter. “We didn’t want it to go away and not be recognized.”

Al Kaline Field is now the home of the Digital Harbor High School baseball team and continues to be used for youth baseball and recreation leagues.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/16/new-monument-at-swann-park-honors-professional-baseball-players-who-previously-played-on-the-south-baltimore-field/

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

St. Barnabas & St. Susanna Coptic Orthodox Church Taking Over Former Sts. Stephen and James in Federal Hill

Coptic Orthodox Church St. Barnabas & St. Susanna (SBSS) will be taking over the historic church building at 938 S. Hanover St. in Federal Hill/Sharp-Leadenhall that was the former home to Sts. Stephen and James Evangelical Lutheran Church. SBSS purchased the building in recent weeks, has started renovations, and hopes to host its first service in January.

Sts. Stephen and James was a fixture in South Baltimore for 166 years before deciding to close in 2018. It was a popular church with German immigrants in South Baltimore but declining membership in recent years resulted in the closing of the church and putting the property up for sale.

SBSS is looking to spend $250,000 to $300,000 on improvements for the 6,055 sq. ft. building. This will include painting the entire church, removing all asbestos and lead, adding new flooring, remodeling the bathrooms, upgrading the kitchen, adding central air, and cleaning up the courtyard. SBSS community members will assist in the renovations. Volunteer days have already begun.

SBSS is raising money for these improvements through a GoFundMe and various fundraisers, including a team in the Baltimore Running Festival.

SBSS is happy to have its own facility as it previously held services on the fourth floor of The Grand Baltimore hotel in Downtown. SBSS started services in 2015 and was launched by St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church of Cooksville, MD to serve the Baltimore college population and the younger generation around Baltimore. SBSS is led by Father David Milad. Both churches are part of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia.

SBSS Secretary of the Board Christina Labib said they looked all around the Baltimore area for a building, but really liked the Federal Hill property because of the exposure the highly-visible building will give them, its historic character, the surrounding community, and its location which will enable them to conduct nearby outreach to those in need.

The community of SBSS is currently about 40 to 45 families and the new building gives them plenty of room for growth as the sanctuary has a capacity of over 700. The sanctuary features first-floor pews, an alter, a balcony with seating and an organ, tall ceilings with exposed beams, and stained glass windows.

In a phase two renovation, SBSS will add iconostasis (icons and religious paintings) to the church.

The brick exterior of the church has two large towers with crosses that are two of the tallest structures in Federal Hill.

The basement holds about 200 people. SBSS hopes to use the space for social activities, bazaars, and as a soup kitchen for the homeless.

The courtyard will also be used for social gatherings.

SBSS has partnered with several local businesses and churches for parking during Sunday services. Labib said there are a lot of Ravens fans in the SBSS community and they look forward to being in the area on game days.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/15/st-barnabas-st-susanna-coptic-orthodox-church-taking-over-former-sts-stephen-and-james-in-federal-hill/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

Last night in Federal Hill a man was shot during a carjacking around 730pm on the 300 block of Warren Ave. adjacent to Federal Hill Park. From Fox45:

They found a man with a graze gunshot wound to the neck.

The victim was taken to an area hospital.

Police said suspect and vehicle information is unknown at this time.

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 10/5/19 – 10/11/19

Ridgely’s Delight

STOLEN AUTO FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2019 21:55 6XX WASHINGTON BLVD GAS STATION

Stadium Area

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2019 08:00 3XX W CAMDEN ST Unknown

Barre Circle

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2019 17:00 7XX MCHENRY ST STREET

Otterbein

LARCENY- FROM AUTO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2019 19:00 8XX S SHARP ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

Sharp-Leadenhall

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2019 17:03 10XX S HANOVER ST CONVENIENCE

ROBBERY – FIREARM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2019 02:30 XX W WEST ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2019 17:30 1XX W CROSS ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

Federal Hill

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2019 10:23 10XX S CHARLES ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2019 08:46 10XX S CHARLES ST DRUGSTORE/MEDICAL BLDG

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2019 23:00 10XX S CHARLES ST CONVENIENCE

ROBBERY – FIREARM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2019 19:45 3XX WARREN AVE PARKS

Federal Hill South/Riverside

LARCENY- FROM AUTO WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2019 17:00 9XX E FORT AVE RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2019 09:00 11XX WILLIAM ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2019 21:30 14XX BOYLE ST STREET

South Baltimore Neighborhood

NONE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

ROBBERY – KNIFE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2019 00:05 6XX E PRATT ST RESTAURANT/BAR

ROBBERY – FIREARM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2019 02:20 6XX E PRATT ST STREET

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2019 10:54 2XX E PRATT ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2019 10:40 7XX E PRATT ST RESTAURANT/BAR

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019 11:35 1XX E PRATT ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2019 20:55 1XX E PRATT ST PARKS

LARCENY- FROM AUTO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2019 11:50 1XX E PRATT ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2019 14:00 2XX E PRATT ST OTHER-OUTSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2019 14:45 4XX LIGHT ST OTHER-INSIDE

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

STOLEN AUTO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2019 05:30 14XX COOKSIE ST OTHER-OUTSIDE

Pigtown

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019 00:10 XX S ARLINGTON AVE STREET

BURGLARY (FORCE) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2019 12:47 13XX W CROSS ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (FORCE) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2019 12:00 9XX WASHINGTON BLVD ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2019 20:00 9XX WASHINGTON BLVD Unknown

LARCENY- FROM AUTO FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2019 00:00 8XX RYAN ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2019 20:00 11XX WARD ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2019 23:40 11XX JAMES ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO MONDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2019 19:00 3XX S POPPLETON ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2019 10:35 11XX W CROSS ST STREET

STOLEN VEH./OTHER SUNDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2019 09:00 9XX MCHENRY ST STREET

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM MONDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2019 21:28 18XX RUSSELL ST GAS STATION

ROBBERY – FIREARM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2019 00:42 15XX RUSSELL ST OTHER-INSIDE

Hollins Market

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2019 18:52 8XX W LOMBARD ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2019 15:00 1XX S CAREY ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2019 13:45 11XX W BALTIMORE ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

Union Square

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2019 21:15 1XX S CALHOUN ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2019 22:00 1XX S GILMOR ST STREET

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/15/south-baltimore-crime-updates-156/

Monday, October 14, 2019

The South Baltimore Gateway Partnership Announces More Than $600,000 in Community Grants

Last week, the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) announced $603,930 in new grants to support 26 community projects in South and Southwest Baltimore neighborhoods. Nearly a third of the recipients are new grantees. SBGP is a nonprofit which manages half of South Baltimore’s casino Local Impact Grants.

SBGP manages approximately $7 million per year in Local Impact Grant funding from Maryland casinos, with an equal amount managed by the Casino Local Development Council (LDC), which has an advisory board of community members and spends funds at the direction of the Mayor of Baltimore. SBGP awards Community Grants twice a year.

SBGP includes staff, Executive Director Brad Rogers, and a Board of Directors comprised of members of neighborhood associations, business owners and nonprofit directors, and elected officials.

SBGP budgets about $1 million per year to Community Grants, about $1.5 million per year to Enhanced Services to public spaces in the community, and $3 million per year to Transformational Projects.

“We are excited to see our investments in the neighborhoods we serve beginning to bear fruit in so many ways—from an increase in healthy activities for families and seniors to cleaner, greener parks for everyone,” said Rogers in a press release. “We look forward to collaborating with area residents to make lasting changes that will truly improve the quality of life in communities that have been under-served for too long.”

“This grant will help us establish a community-controlled co-op grocery store with community engagement,” said grantee Eric Jackson, founder of The Black Yield Institute which received $100,000 in funds to expand an urban garden and establish a cooperative grocery store, in a press release. “This allows us to secure jobs for community members- specifically black youths in the Cherry Hill community,” said Jackson

“The funding will help us expand community outreach about the Rowing Club while bringing more middle-school kids onto the water,” said grantee Karyn Shackleford, director of youth rowing at the Baltimore Rowing Club which received $49,995 and is hiring a full-time outreach coordinator, in a press release.

In addition to these newly-funded projects, SBGP’s Transformational Projects for the district include developing the Middle Branch into “Baltimore’s next great waterfront” and launching the upcoming Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center at Cherry Hill.

Below is the full list of grantees:

Southwest Baltimore Charter School Inc.: Complete designs for a new school gym including a motorized dividing wall – $100,000

Black Yield Institute: Develop a cooperatively owned grocery store to increase food access in Cherry Hill – $100,000

Cherry Hill Eagles Foundation: Launch a new trauma-informed mentoring program and continue youth football program – $60,000

Cherry Hill Development Corporation: Predevelopment of Maryland’s first Adult High School temporarily held at Patapsco Elementary School – $50,000

Baltimore Community Rowing: Expand capacity for to underserved youth – $49,995

Federal Hill Main Street: Cleaning initiative in Federal Hill’s business corridors – $49,696

Living Classrooms Foundation: Five in-school programs focusing on storm water runoff – $49,132

Maryland Food Bank: Distribute food during 16 food giveaway events – $27,520

Youth Resiliency Institute: Engage youth and families in Cherry Hill in art workshops – $27,010

Fishes and Loaves Pantry: Increase access to healthy foods to seniors and Latinx families – $18,000

South Baltimore Partnership: Street cleaning in Sharp-Leadenhall through their Green Team – $5,000

Teach for America: Support two AmeriCorps members at Lakeland Elementary/Middle School – $5,000

Church of the Advent: Renovations for the Community Room, a free meeting space – $5,000

Federal Hill South Neighborhood Association: Hire a Master Gardener and landscape architect to asses and develop plans for Henry Street Park – $5,000

Leveling the Playing Field: Purchase in-demand equipment for youth sports in Pigtown – $5,000

SCRAP B-MORE: A series of community crafting nights using recyclable materials – $5,000

Neighbors of Scott Street: Block party for residents of the 1100 block of Scott Street – $5,000

Resident Services Incorporated: Support the Rising Star Scholarship for three Westport youth to receive financial assistance and mentorship in college – $5,000

Baltimore Community ToolBank: Host community networking events and purchase in-demand inventory – $5,000

Farm Alliance of Baltimore: Provide 18 cooking classes in Cherry Hill – $5,000

South Baltimore Partnership: Senior networking and recreation activities in Sharp-Leadenhall – $4,986

My G.I.R.L.S.: Year-long cheerleader training for girls aged 5-17 in Pigtown – $4,985

UMBC Foundation: Connect Latinx and African American communities through the Crossing Borders: Community Conversations program in Lakeland – $4,950

Lakeland Elementary/ Middle School: Renovations for the Lakeland Elementary/ Middle School library – $3,456

Federal Hill Preparatory School PTO: Provide after-school yoga and meditation programming for students – $3,000

God’s Best Family Inc.: Implement the South Baltimore Unity Feast, serving low-income families a community dinner – $1,200

Click here to read SouthBMore.com’s coverage of South Baltimore Gateway Partnership’s management of Local Impact Funds Grants.

Cleanup initiative in Federal Hill

via https://www.southbmore.com/2019/10/14/the-south-baltimore-gateway-partnership-announces-more-than-600000-in-community-grants/