MedStar Opens COVID-19 Testing Center at Baltimore Museum of Industry Parking Lot

MedStar Health opened a COVID-19 testing tent at the Baltimore Museum of Industry parking lot last Thursday. The site is across the street from MedStar’s former Federal Hill ambulatory care center.

MedStar Health said the tent is for patients pre-screened through its eVisit platform or through primary care providers and who meet specific criteria for COVID-19 testing and who do not require any other clinical assessment.

The testing tent will be open for these pre-screened patients seven days a week from 8am to 5pm.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/31/medstar-opens-covid-19-testing-center-at-baltimore-museum-of-industry-parking-lot/

Pick Up Chalk Today at South Baltimore Parks for ‘Chalk Your Walk’

From Key Group at Cummings & Co. Realtors:

Looking for an activity while social distancing? We invite you to Chalk Your Walk and spread some joy! Come pick up a free package of chalk tonight!

The 400 packages of chalk can be picked up at Federal Hill Park at Warren Ave. and Riverside Ave., Latrobe Park at Fort Ave. and Towson St., and Riverside Park at Covington St. and Randall St.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/30/pick-up-chalk-today-at-south-baltimore-parks-for-chalk-your-walk/

Councilman Costello Warns Parks Could be Closed If Temporary Rules are Not Followed

From Councilman Eric Costello: 

ATTENTION PARK USERS:
I am pleading with everyone one last time, please follow the temporary rules in our parks. I visited several parks in my district over the past two hours, and nothing was as horrible as what I saw at Riverside Park, Latrobe Park, and Wilson & Etting Park. The next step is for the parks to be shut down and we are getting dangerously close to that. If the Director of BCRP shuts down all parks or an individual park, there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop it. In addition, violators will be subject a police citation.

Please educate yourselves and your fellow park visitors on the following rules:
1- no gatherings of 10 or more people.
2- stay at least six feet a part from anyone who doesn’t live in your household, at all times.
3- courts (basketball, tennis, and bocce) are closed.
4- playgrounds are closed.
5- fitness / exercise equipment is closed.
6- pavilions are closed.
7- dog parks – no more than 5 people at any one time inside the park.
*** There are no exceptions to the above rules. ***

Finally, since people don’t want to follow the rules in place for everyone’s health, safety, and welfare, I just requested more signage be posted on the above off limit areas, which is hopefully coming soon.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/27/councilman-costello-warns-parks-could-be-closed-if-temporary-rules-are-not-followed/

Ways to Help the Local Restaurant Industry While Dining Rooms are Closed

With the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world, the restaurant industry is among one of the hardest hit as people social distance and quarantine. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan ordered all bars and restaurants to close for dine-in services on March 16th.

Here are some ways you can help the local restaurant industry during this challenging time.

Order Delivery and Carryout

Most places are still open for carryout and delivery. Here is a database that SouthBMore.com, Baltimore Development Corporation, and Baltimore Development Corporation created to show what South Baltimore Peninsula restaurants are open (Note to restaurants: please feel free to make updates to this document.)

Some places are offering alcoholic beverages and packaged good, and some are offering meal prep kits, including pizza kits.

Buy Gift Cards 

Gift cards provide restaurants with some capital to get through this time with limited income.

Rally for Restaurants is a national website that was started so individuals can buy many restaurant gift cards all in one place.

Individuals can also go directly to restaurant’s social media and web pages for links to buy gift cards.

Realtor Erik Thorsvik of The Jeff Washo Team of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices purchased 10 gift cards to South Baltimore restaurants and has been doing a daily gift card giveaways.

Buy Shirts and Gear 

A site called Baltimore Neighbors is selling T-shirts with part of the profits going to support many different restaurants in Baltimore including South Baltimore restaurants Abbey Burger Bistro, Diablo Doughnuts, Don’t Know Tavern, Shotti’s Point, and Taco and Love Grill.

Many restaurants are also offering ways to buy gear through their websites and Facebook pages.

Ways to Donate

–The Baltimore Restaurant Relief Fund is a pending 501 (c)(3) nonprofit that is raising money for the Baltimore restaurant industry and linking to resources for restaurant owners and workers.

-Light Street Presbyterian has launched The Common Table Fundraiser GoFundMe campaign which is raising money to buy food from local restaurants Scipio Catering Company, SoBo Cafe, Wiley Gunthers, and Southside Diner to provide to senior residents in Sharp-Leadenhall Apartments.

-&pizza, which has a location in Federal Hill, has set up a site so people can buy healthcare workers pizzas.

-Mother’s Federal Hill has launched a GoFundMe for its employees.

-Illusions has also launched a GoFundMe.

-Spoons Cafe has started selling a special blend of coffee beans to supports its employees.

Please let us know of any other efforts to help and we will add them!

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/27/ways-to-help-the-local-restaurant-industry-while-dining-rooms-are-closed/

South Baltimore Restaurants Named in Baltimore Magazine’s Best Restaurants List

Baltimore Magazine came out with its 50 Best Restaurants in 2020 list and released the results of its Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll.

Three South Baltimore restaurants were named in the top 50 by the Baltimore Magazine staff: Rye Street Tavern, Hersh’s, and Limoncello.

Baltimore Magazine labeled Rye Street Tavern “The Place Where New American Actually Feels New.” In the description it says:

With locally sourced meat, seafood, and produce, daily crab offerings, and whiskey-fermented peppers and vinegars, the menu speaks that story more clearly now—Chesapeake cuisine comfort food that also points toward Maryland’s past.

Rye Street Tavern has been open for three years and is from New York chef Andrew Carmellini’s NoHo Hospitality Group.

Hersh’s was titled “The Place for Pizza” in the feature. The write-up about Hersh’s includes this excerpt:

In an age of fancy foodie experiences, sibling-owners Josh and Stephanie Hershkovitz guarantee a good, simple family meal with their Neapolitan pies and elevated entrees like crispy lamb with borlotti beans, salsa verde, and whipped feta. On Wednesday nights, all wine bottles are half off.

The kale and pistachio pie with house-made sausage is listed as the must-try menu item.

Hersh’s has been open in Riverside/South Baltimore since 2012.

Limoncello was titled “The Place Where the Amalfi Coast Comes to Charm City.” In the  description it says:

Remarkably, this new spot captures some of that old Italian magic with its ocean-centric plates, including a delectable dish of grilled heads-on shrimp, a lemony whole bronzino broiled just so, and a saffron-kissed seafood stew—an easy dish to overcook with so many individual elements (clams, calamari, shrimp, scallops, fish), but not here. And while seafood dishes shine, house-made pastas are also menu stars.

The must-try item is pappardelle zafferano with crab, shrimp, scallops, and saffron cream.

Limoncello opened in October and is the second location for the restaurant which started in St. Michael’s.

In the Readers’ Poll, Otterbein/Inner Harbor restaurants Ramen Utsuke, which opened in 2019, was named Best Ramen; R. House’s BRD, which opened a brick-and-mortar location in Federal Hill last year, was named Best Food Stall; and The Charmery, which will open on Cross Street in Federal Hill, was named best ice cream for its existing shops in Hampden, Medfield, and Towson.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/26/south-baltimore-restaurants-named-in-baltimore-magazines-best-restaurants-list/

Southwest Chinese Restaurant ‘Water Song’ Opens on Cross Street in Federal Hill

Water Song, a new restaurant serving dishes from the Yunnan Province of Southwest China, has opened at 21 E. Cross St. in Federal Hill. The approximately 1,500 sq. ft. restaurant space was formerly the home of The Local Fry.

Like other restaurants in Maryland, Water Song is only open for carry out and delivery at this time.

Water Song is a concept from Cheng “Colin” Liang, who grew up in the Yunnan Province and owned two restaurants while he attended college in Shanghai, and his business partner Andrew Hinton. Hinton’s wife is also a native of the Yunnan Province.

Liang spent recent years looking for a location for his restaurant as well as getting an MBA from Johns Hopkins University so that he could better understand business in the United States. He debuted his food at a pop-up at R. House and at a booth at Charm City Night Market.

Hinton, who is a real estate professional in the area, helped in the search for a space and, along with Liang, was drawn to the opportunity in Federal Hill because its where he and girlfriend Roha Zhang, who will be the general manager at Water Song, like to hang out.

Liang’s two restaurants in Shanghai were Japanese Bento Box concepts. He and his partners thought this would be popular with the heavy college population where it was located. One restaurant was delivery only, and the other was a cat café. Liang sold off his share of the business before moving to the United States.

Liang looks forward to showing off the cuisines of his hometown with his new Baltimore concept. Yunnan Province cuisine, which is very different from the more well-known Chinese styles of cuisine popular in the United States, takes many influences from the adjacent Southeast Asian countries. Water Song will serve soups similar to pho in beef and pork broths.

Liang said the closest Yunnan Province restaurant is in Alexandria, VA and the concept is starting to get popular in New York City

Water Song’s initial menu includes three noodle dishes including two soups and a rice noodle salad. It offers rice bowls where customers pick from three items including two styles of pork, beef brisket, scrambled egg, eggplant, and mashed potatoes. Appetizers including Sweet & Sour Ribs, Marinated Beef Shank Slice, Spicy Tofu Slices, Roasted Eggplant Salads, and Purple Sweet Potato Pancakes.

When Water Song opens fully, it will have a Chinese tea bar serving green, black, and flower teas out of a clay pot. For now, it is offering bottled beverages to go. Water Song will be BYOB when restaurants are allowed dine-in customers again.

Water Song is now open 11am to 8pm, but plans on expanding its hours and staying open until 2am on the weekends in the future.

Water Song takes its name from the clouds in the mountains and valleys of the Yunnan Province. Liang and Hinton undertook a cosmetic renovation of the space.

Liang said his main focus at Water Song is the consistency of the food and providing service with a positive and happy attitude.

Water Song will have about 40 seats and will always rely on carryout and delivery business.

Water Song worked with Total Image Creative on the roll-out of the restaurant.

Photos below courtesy of the Water Song Facebook page

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/25/southwest-chinese-restaurant-water-song-opens-on-cross-street-in-federal-hill/

Database of South Baltimore Restaurants Offering Food and Packaged Goods

In an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed an executive order on Monday stating all bars, restaurants, movie theaters, and gyms must close. However, restaurants are still allowed to offer delivery and carryout, and now alcohol packaged goods can also be delivered too.

Most of South Baltimore’s bars and restaurants are still open for carryout and delivery food. Local breweries are still open for carryout beer and Diamondback is offering delivery of its food and beer.

Below is a database with information on every South Baltimore Peninsula establishment. This database was compiled through a partnership between Baltimore Development Corporation, Federal Hill Main Street, and SouthBMore.com. It is open to the public and business owners and employees can update it with information about their business.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VXspBczZa0Fpl4SvGM9erA9zNa9tkNZrOmpS-OQAawU/edit#gid=0

For more restaurants around the city, Rachel Lipton of Like the Tea EATS is also compiling a database.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1In-C5ClJS4Yzx5cTGfelmF2GRQ-Ws86QCwjQCihwx14/edit?fbclid=IwAR3-BX7mytgtO5NPRG_6YDRbn61IMxRTjFUCsec0tMX0irCed_T9cPzyb0U#gid=0

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/18/database-of-south-baltimore-restaurants-offering-food-and-packaged-goods/

Weekend Events Around Baltimore

Photo courtesy of the Baltimore St. Patrick’s Day Parade Facebook page

Note: Events could be cancelled throughout the weekend due to concerns over the Coronavirus, so check the links in each event. 

Santé: A Taste of Baltimore at AVAM: Thursday from 6pm-9pm

Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out LIVE at Royal Farms Arena: Thursday at 830pm

BARCS Bingo in Locust Point at Knights of Columbus: Friday from 530pm-9pm

Nate Bargatze at The Lyric: Friday at 7pm

Mahler Symphony No. 3 at Meyerhoff: Friday at 8pm

Baltimore Oyster Gardening at Downtown Sailing Center: Saturday from 10am-12pm

Our Children’s Event to Celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day Season at Irish Railroad Workers Museum: Saturday from 11am-2pm

Shiny Happy Things with Bob Benson at AVAM: Saturday from 11am-2pm

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

Pi(e) Day at Maryland Science Center: Saturday from 12pm-4pm

Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl at Luckie’s Tavern: Saturday from 5pm-12am

Sebastian Maniscalco at The Lyric: Saturday at 7pm, Saturday at 930pm, Sunday at 5pm, Sunday at 8pm

Lindy Promo’s Baltimore Fed Hill St. Patrick’s Day Irish Stroll: Saturday from 1pm-9pm

The 65th Baltimore St. Patrick Parade: Sunday from 2pm-5pm

Waverly Brewing St. Patrick’s Day Jamboree: Sunday from 530pm-10pm

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

Yoga & Whiskey at Sagamore Spirit: Sunday from 930am-11am

Weekly Farmers’ Markets

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

Have a GREAT weekend!

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/12/weekend-events-around-baltimore-99/

Rehabilitation of the Hanover Street Bridge Still Years Away as Funding Has Not Been Secured

In June 2018, a two-year, $1.8 million study was completed that recommended a $50 million renovation of the 104-year-old Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge, often referred to as the Hanover Street Bridge. Additional National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Army Corps of Engineers, and US Coast Guard studies are required before construction can begin, but those have not started as Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT) has not secured funding for the project.

The plan for the bridge is to replace the concrete driving deck which has been falling into disrepair for years. The new deck would take the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge from a five-lane bridge to a four-lane bridge. The extra space is used to increase the sidewalks from 6 ft. in width to 8 ft. in width on one side and to 10 ft. in width on the other side. The plan also includes new 2 ft.-wide barriers separating the sidewalks from the driving lanes, and separating the middle two driving lanes.

This plan will also permanently close the drawbridge span. The steel grate grind deck would be filled with a new concrete surface. DOT will need US Coast Guard approval to permanently close the span.

In a statement, DOT Public Relations Officer Kathy Dominick said, “The NEPA study was funded in last year’s CIP, but the issue is that once this study is started, it triggers the 10-year federal rule meaning that the construction of a new bridge would have to be complete in that timeframe. Since we do not have a funding source yet for the replacement of the Hanover Street Bridge, the NEPA study has been delayed until funding can be identified.”

DOT Director of Communications German Vigil told SouthBMore.com the project will require State, Federal, and City funds and that it needs the state commitment first to secure federal funding. “We’ve been working really hard to get funding commitments,” said Vigil. He is hopeful they will get the commitment from the State of Maryland next year.

District 46 Senator Bill Ferguson, who’s state district covers both sides of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge, said the decision is up to the Maryland Department of Transportation. He said in an email, “We don’t have governance over project-by-project selection with the transportation budget.” He noted the Maryland General Assembly approves the total spend, but would like to change this process in the future.

Vigil said once the funding is approved, DOT would then bid out for studies, which could take more than a year, and then the studies would be conducted. He said depending on the company selected, a study could take anywhere from six months to two years.

Vigil said new DOT Director Steve Sharkey, who took over the department in July after Michelle Pourciau resigned, is really focused on the bridge.

As large potholes have been an issue on the bridge for many years, a temporary asphalt surface was installed in 2018. As potholes are starting to emerge again on the bridge, Vigil said DOT is working hard to repair them and will consider pulling out entire chunks of the asphalt and refilling it as repaving season begins in the spring.

The bridge has been closed many weekends over the past year for repairs to the drawbridge span. Vigil said that if the span goes away in the future, it would eliminate a lot of weekend repairs. The bridge study said the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge requires $500,000 of maintenance each year and most of this funding is used to maintain the span.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge was built in 1916 and was rehabilitated in 1970 and 1992. It is .43 miles long and 72 ft. wide. Approximately 37,500 vehicles, including 2,500 trucks, use the bridge each day, according to the study that was previously conducted. Very few pedestrians and cyclists currently use the bridge. On the day it was studied, for example, this number was only seven.

The study looked into new bridge options that would’ve cost $195 million to $245 million. The study has also outlined $9 million to $26 million of additional corridor improvements north and south of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge.

A more pedestrian-friendly Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge is a key aspect to 11-mile park system along the Middle Branch the City of Baltimore is planning in partnership with Dutch architecture firm West 8.

Rendering from the Hanover Street Corridor Study 

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/12/rehabilitation-of-the-hanover-street-bridge-still-years-away-as-funding-has-not-been-secured/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 2/29/19 – 3/6/20:

Ridgely’s Delight

STOLEN AUTO WEDNESDAY, MARCH 04, 2020 18:00 7XX PORTLAND ST STREET

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

NONE

Otterbein

LARCENY- FROM AUTO TUESDAY, MARCH 03, 2020 04:00 XX E LEE ST OTHER-INSIDE

Sharp-Leadenhall

NONE

Federal Hill

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020 11:00 10XX COVINGTON ST OTHER-OUTSIDE

Federal Hill South/Riverside

LARCENY- FROM AUTO TUESDAY, MARCH 03, 2020 20:00 1XX E RANDALL ST STREET

South Baltimore Neighborhood

NONE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. MONDAY, MARCH 02, 2020 16:27 XX LIGHT ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, MARCH 02, 2020 16:58 4XX E PRATT ST DRUGSTORE/MEDICAL BLDG

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, MARCH 04, 2020 17:26 6XX E PRATT ST Unknown

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, MARCH 03, 2020 12:35 4XX W PRATT ST HOTEL/MOTEL Centra

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

NONE

Pigtown

LARCENY- FROM AUTO MONDAY, MARCH 02, 2020 00:00 11XX SARGEANT ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO MONDAY, MARCH 02, 2020 12:00 11XX SARGEANT ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, MARCH 02, 2020 19:05 7XX WASHINGTON BLVD OTHER-INSIDE

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, MARCH 01, 2020 01:50 15XX RUSSELL ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, MARCH 01, 2020 02:50 15XX RUSSELL ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, MARCH 01, 2020 04:14 15XX RUSSELL ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020 02:40 15XX RUSSELL ST CONVENIENCE

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, MARCH 02, 2020 23:40 17XX RUSSELL ST GAS STATION

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, MARCH 04, 2020 15:30 17XX RUSSELL ST CONVENIENCE

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, MARCH 03, 2020 08:10 10XX RUSSELL ST CONVENIENCE

ROBBERY – FIREARM TUESDAY, MARCH 03, 2020 01:52 17XX WASHINGTON BLVD CONVENIENCE

Hollins Market

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, MARCH 01, 2020 23:30 1XX S SCHROEDER ST STREET

Union Square

ROBBERY – FIREARM MONDAY, MARCH 02, 2020 10:00 14XX HOLLINS ST STREET

ROBBERY – FIREARM MONDAY, MARCH 02, 2020 19:48 15XX HOLLINS ST STREET

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/11/south-baltimore-crime-updates-175/

Baltimore Man Receives Life Sentence for Murder of Federal Hill Resident Timothy Moriconi

Yesterday, Deandre Devon Sleet, a 24-year-old Baltimore resident, was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years by the Baltimore City Circuit Court for the murder of 25-year-old Federal Hill resident Timothy Moriconi on September 27, 2018 on the 1200 block of Riverside Ave. Sleet was found guilty of first degree murder, as well as guilty of additional robbery and firearm-related charges.

The family of Moriconi released the following short statement to SouthBMore.com: “We miss Tim every day.”

Moriconi’s parents, Andy and Laurie, shared the following about Moriconi’s life in a Facebook event titled Celebrating the Life of Timothy Moriconi: “Tim comes from a warm loving family and has cast a wide net of friendships between Crozet, Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, and Baltimore, Maryland. Tim was 25 and a graduate of VCU. He worked at Northrop Grumman in Baltimore. Tim loved sports, music and hanging with his friends. He enjoyed working out and loved cars. He had a very good and smart sense of humor. Most people used the same description for Tim … and this is, “He’s such a good kid.” We’ll miss Tim, but keep him in our hearts forever.”

A scholarship has been created in Timothy Moriconi’s name for Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, VA, which was instrumental in molding who Tim became as an adult, according to his family. The family has also asked for donations to be made to Thread in memory of Tim Moriconi.

Moriconi’s family will also be hosting the second annual crab feast this year on August 1st to benefit The Tim Moriconi Scholarship Fund. More information will be available soon on Eventbrite.

Timothy Moriconi 

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/11/baltimore-man-receives-life-sentence-for-murder-of-federal-hill-resident-timothy-moriconi/

Fundraising Begins for $12-Million Phase 2 of the Rash Field Redevelopment

As work is going on behind the scenes to mobilize construction for Phase 1 of the redevelopment of Rash Field, fundraising is now underway for Phase 2 of the project. Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore is kicking off fundraising to raise $12 million for Phase 2 and Governor Larry Hogan has included $500,000 for Rash Field in his proposed capital budget which will need to be approved by the General Assembly.

Waterfront Partnership’s fundraising plan for Phase 2 calls for $5.25 million from the State, $4.75 million from the City, and another $2 million from private sources. Waterfront Partnership will submit another request for State funds next year.

Rash Field is a 7.5-acre park on the south side of the Inner Harbor. Phase 1 is a $16.8-million project that will tackle the western side of the park starting at the pavilion. Waterfront Partnership held a ceremonial groundbreaking for Phase 1 in January, but is still working with BGE to shut down a transformer on-site and to set up temporary electrical connections before construction can begin. Once that is completed, it can obtain permits and let construction manger and general contractor Whiting Turner begin work on the project.

Phase 1 will add a redeveloped pavilion with a café, outdoor patio, overlook with a partially green roof, bathrooms, a shade structure, and amphitheater seating; a skate park called Jake’s Skate Park; a children’s nature park; a children’s kinetic playground; and new plants and landscaping. These new features will replace a small parking lot (not the one designated for the Maryland Science Center), a green space, a brick patio with a sandbox, and the western edge of the concrete bleachers.

Jake’s Skatepark is named in memory of Jake Owen, a South Baltimore resident, avid skater, and sports lover, who was killed in 2011 when he was five years old by a cell phone-distracted driver.

The café will be “an amenity to the park first and foremost,” Waterfront Partnership President Laurie Schwartz told SouthBMore.com in April. The interior will have room for about 20 to 30 tables. Schwartz said it will not be a full-service restaurant or kitchen, but likely serve quicker items like paninis. It will have a liquor license and Waterfront Partnership will then work with the community on a memorandum of understanding and The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) to approve the new liquor license. 

On the west side of the pavilion, a shade structure will cover amphitheater-style seating that will face the children’s play areas. Schwartz said this is so parents can watch their kids in the shade.

Next week, in partnership with Baltimore City Recreation and Parks and BDC, Waterfront Partnership will issue a Request for Qualifications for the Rash Field Park café operator.

Mahan Rykiel serves as the park’s designer after being selected from a group of 13 submissions in 2015.  Gensler was the designer of the pavilion.

The City is contributing more than $9.5 million towards design and construction costs of Phase 1, and Waterfront Partnership has raised an additional $4.3 million from the State of Maryland, and nearly $1 million from private sources.

Waterfront Partnership is hoping to have Phase 1 opened in Spring or Summer of 2021 and hoping to immediately begin Phase 2 so Whiting Turner can keep its crews at the park.

The eastern section of the park was built as a stadium for Southern High School (now Digital Harbor High School) athletics in 1975, but Southern began using different fields several years later. The concrete track and cement bleachers remain, and the former grass field has been the home to Baltimore Beach Volleyball for the last 19 years. It also serves as a memorial for the Pride of Baltimore and as an open green space that was once the home of a trapeze school.

In Phase 2, this section will become a reorganized seven-court volleyball area adjacent to the pavilion and café, a large lawn that will be used for youth sports and events, a game lawn, a shade lawn, a repositioned Pride of Baltimore memorial, and a myriad of sloped paths that will replace the bleachers and transition the change in grade from Key Hwy. to the ground level of the park. Plans for Phase 2 will continue to develop.

Ideas for the redevelopment of Rash Field first began to arise in the early 2000s.

Current site of Phase 1

Phase I renderings from Waterfront Partnership, Mahan Rykiel, and Gensler 

Screenshot courtesy of Google Maps

 

Renderings of booth phases from RashField.org

 

 

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/11/fundraising-begins-for-12-million-phase-2-of-the-rash-field-redevelopment/

Judge hands down life in prison for Federal Hill murder of Timothy Moriconi

A Baltimore judge sentenced De’Andre Sleet on Tuesday to life in prison for fatally shooting Timothy Moriconi during an attempted robbery in the streets of Federal Hill.

Prosecutors said Sleet, 24, of West Baltimore, was carrying out a string of robberies when he came upon Moriconi one Friday night...

via http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-ci-cr-deandre-sleet-sentenced-20200310-cgkvktm67najnpu24in2frvvii-story.html

Boaz Bistro Opens in the Former Regi’s Bistro Space in Federal Hill

Boaz Bistro opened last month in the former Regi’s Bistro space at 1002 Light St. in Federal Hill. Boaz has been in a soft opening and will host a grand opening in the next two weeks.

Boaz is a concept by Ronald Price and Michael Davis. Price, who has been an investor for a couple of restaurants, was convinced by his girlfriend to check out a listing in East Baltimore to open his own restaurant. While he didn’t love the space in East Baltimore, agent Dan Flamholz of Greenspring Realty Partners had him check out another listing in Federal Hill.

Price said he wasn’t looking for a restaurant in Federal Hill, but immediately fell in love with the Light St. space and kept stopping by to take additional looks. “The people I met were wonderful and they told me about Regi’s,” said Price. “I started walking through Federal Hill and felt a really good vibe.”

Price said he really wanted to open a Miami-themed sports bar, but people he spoke with told him they wanted “anything but another sports bar.” He noted people told him they wanted a place like Regi’s, so he changed his mind and decided to make it a bistro.

He said the name Boaz was chosen as it’s a story in the bible that reflects strong family values.

Boaz Bistro is looking to appeal to an “older and more sophisticated crowd” for dinner and a younger crowd after 10pm.

Boaz Bistro just hired a new chef over the weekend and released a new menu that features starters such as nacho fries, Maryland crab bites, shrimp cocktail, Maryland crab soup, beer cheddar soup with toasted brioche, and salads; sandwiches including a veggie powerhouse, a bistro burger, and its signature burger topped with a crab cake; and entrees including crab cakes, New York strip, blackened salmon, herb roasted chicken in lemon sauce, seafood pasta, veggie diablo pasta, and a seafood boil. The menu also includes rotating house-made desserts.

Boaz Bistro is currently only serving dinner from 4pm to 10pm every day, but will soon be adding lunch and brunch.

The bar features beer, wine, and liquor drinks and a late-night happy hour and additional specials.

Price said the restaurant was in good shape and he and Davis mostly did only a cleanup of the space that features a kitchen,  bar room, dining rooms, and outdoor seating patio.

“It was a long battle to get open, but we are really appreciative of how the Federal Hill community has embraced us. They pitched in to help and stood up for us full force at the liquor board hearing. Now we are looking for different ways to give back to the community,” said Price.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/10/boaz-bistro-opens-in-the-former-regis-bistro-space-in-federal-hill/

Tuesdays Under 250: Renovated Two-Bedroom, Two-Bathroom Federal Hill Home with Two-Car Parking

This Tuesdays Under 250 is sponsored by Stephen Pipich of the SP Home Team of Keller Williams Legacy: 

Welcome to Tuesdays Under 250! Each week SouthBMore.com will showcase a home on the market listed for $250,000 or less.

1413 Olive Street
Federal Hill  
Price: $149,900
Tax: $4,474
960 sq. ft.
-2 BD/2 Bath
Off Street Parking: No

Stunning move in ready 2BR/2BA townhome in Federal Hill! Walk into the main living area and find tall ceilings, a gorgeous brick accent wall that carries through to the dining room. There you have an open concept to the kitchen which boasts updated beautiful cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, updated lighting, and granite countertops. This level also features a laundry room and a full bath with wainscoting and updated fixtures. On the second floor you have 2 large bedrooms with new carpet. Master BR has an en-suite with an abundance of natural light and bonus den/office space with a skylight. In addition to all this there is a 2 CAR PARKING pad in the rear. The roof was recently sealed in 2018. Walking distance to shops, restaurants/bars, and I-95. Centrally located near the renovated Cross Street Market, Port Covington/Under Armour development, and stadium entertainment district/Top Golf!

For more information or to schedule a showing contact: 

Stephen Pipich
Steve@SPHometeam.com
443.286.2943

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/10/tuesdays-under-250-renovated-two-bedroom-two-bathroom-federal-hill-home-with-two-car-parking/

Verizon Store Closes on Light Street in Federal Hill

A 2,893 sq. ft. retail space in the area is now vacant as the Verizon store has closed at 1125 Light St. in Federal Hill. The Verizon store was operated by Verizon authorized retailer Russell Cellular.

A sign on the storefront says the location is permanently closed and that customers can visit nearby locations in East Baltimore and Halethorpe.

The Verizon store opened in Summer 2018. It was the longtime home of American Apparel prior to this.

The building at 1125 Light St. added a new panther mural in September 2018.

South Baltimore does have another Verizon store as McHenry Row in Locust Point has a location run by Victra Baltimore.

The closure of the Verizon store adds to a growing number of vacant, non-restaurant retail spaces along Light St. in Federal Hill. Federal Hill Natural Market closed in recent weeks at 1205 Light St., the former 2,000 sq. ft. Light Street Cycles at 1124 Light St. remains vacant since closing in 2018, the former 3,600 sq. ft. Unleashed by Petco has been vacant since closing in 2018, the former Federal Hill Income Tax space at 1003 Light St. remains vacant after the business moved to 1118 B Light St., Pawtimore closed in January at 1130 Light St., and iPhone Aid closed in February at 1442 Light St.

While all but two restaurant spaces (former Crazy Lil’s/Boiler Room and former Zuzu’s) in Federal Hill Main Street are occupied or has a business opening soon, there are a number of vacant non-restaurant retail spaces on Charles St. as well.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/09/verizon-store-closes-on-light-street-in-federal-hill/

Hard Water Bar & Grill to Open in the Former Metropolitan Space in Federal Hill

The former Metropolitan space at 902 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill will become Hard Water Bar & Grill. Metropolitan closed at the end of 2017 and Hard Water hopes to open by May 1st.

The Hard Water team is comprised of Dave Peel, who has been in the restaurant business for 30 years and was recently the general manager of Cheshire Crab in Pasadena, his stepdaughter Taylor Novak and his son-in-law Ray Novak. The Novaks also own a flooring business and Ray Novak grew up in Locust Point.

Peel is childhood friends with the building’s owner, who convinced Peel to take a look at the space.

Hard Water, which is named after a slang word for liquor according to Ray Novak, will have a nautical theme.

Hard Water will be open daily for breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. The team hopes to continue those hours as long as there is demand from the neighborhood. The kitchen will likely close at 11pm. The team is looking to have nightlife on the weekends and will likely bring in DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.

Peel said he is the “old guy” who will run the day-to-day restaurant business. He said the “younger Novaks” can bring life into the place at night.

The menu, which is still being developed, will focus on American fare with sandwiches, appetizers, and salads. There will be rotating entrée specials each night that will likely include some seafood dishes. The bar menu will have domestic and craft beers, house wines, and standard liquor offerings.

The televisions at Hard Water will play sports, especially the Orioles and Ravens.

The building has a first-floor dining room, bar, and kitchen, and a loft-style second floor with a dining room and bar. The third floor has storage, and there is an office on the fourth floor.

Peel said the second floor will be open based on demand, but said they will likely focus on the filling the first floor during the week.

Peel and the Novaks are completing a cosmetic renovation of the space currently. This includes updated flooring and new paint.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/09/hard-water-bar-grill-to-open-in-the-former-metropolitan-space-in-federal-hill/

BARCS Receives a Donation to Waive Adoption Fees Before its Upcoming Move to Cherry Hill

From BARCS: 

We’re Moving! Help Us “Empty the Shelter”

Over the last few months, you’ve probably heard that BARCS will be moving from our iconic home on the water in Federal Hill. We’re here to tell you it’s true!

BARCS is slated to move at the end of March to our new shelter home at ‪2490 Giles Road‬ in the Cherry Hill neighborhood of Baltimore. While our team packs up all the “stuff” in our shelter, we need your help with something much more important…

From now through the end of the month, help BARCS “Empty the Shelter” and find loving homes for the amazing animals in the care of our current facility.

Best of all, a long-time anonymous donor and friend of BARCS has given $10,000 to cover the adoption fees for all animals to help us empty the shelter. That means you can adopt your new best friend for no cost; instead, use the money you saved to buy new supplies, toys and treats to spoil your pet! Adoption procedures remain the same.

While we are packing to move, we will remain open admission, meaning that each day leading up to the move there will be new animals who need homes.

We want to empty the shelter because we hope to bring as few animals with us as possible while we get used to our new facility. A shelter environment can already be stressful for homeless animals, and we don’t want them to have added stress of moving—unless it is to their new home.

Our move date is not finalized, but we hope to let you know very soon when you can expect to visit us in our new location.

Come help us “Empty the Shelter” at BARCS! Your new best friend is waiting.

SouthBMore.com photo of BARCS’ new facility in Cherry Hill

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/05/barcs-receives-a-donation-to-waive-adoption-fees-before-its-upcoming-move-to-cherry-hill/

Annoula’s Kitchen at Cross Street Market Switches to a Greek Menu

Annoula’s Kitchen at Cross Street Market is now Annoula’s Greek Kitchen as owner Anna Leventis has decided to change the menu to focus on Greek cuisines. Leventis grew up in a Greek family and has featured Greek-inspired dishes at her other restaurants SoBo Cafe and SoBo Market, but is now excited to have an “all-out” Greek concept.

Leventis said she originally wanted to do a Greek concept at Annoula’s, but went with the sandwich, soup, and salad concept instead. “But, the more I thought about it, I wanted to change direction,” said Leventis.

Annoula is the nickname given to Leventis by her Greek family members.

The new menu has pitas, platters, rice bowls, salads, and shareable plates and spreads. Customers can pick from proteins, including Bifteki Meatballs (beef), sliced lamb and beef (gyro), lemon herb roasted chicken, Loukaniko sausage, lemon garlic shrimp, zucchini fritters, and roasted eggplant to add to pitas, platters, rice bowls, and salads. Sauces for the proteins are tzatziki, hummus, spicy feta, and roasted eggplant and olive.

Starters and sides include each of the sauces and spreads with pita or cucumber, spinach pie, cheese pie, spinach and cheese pie, zucchini fritters, tomato fritters, Greek fries, and feta cheese with olives, lentil soup, rice pilaf, and chicken and rice soup.

Annoula’s offers two entrees, including Braised Lamb Shank Youvesti and Stuffed Eggplant, which come with rice pilaf.

Sweets include Greek favorites such as rice pudding, baklava, greek yogurt and more.

The drink menu will have Greek beers, wines, juices, and sparkling drinks.

The stall has been updated with Greek decor and will have a new logo.

Annoula’s will no longer have a breakfast menu. The new hours are 11am to 8pm on Monday and Tuesday, 11am to 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 11am to 10pm on Friday, 10am to 9pm on Saturday, and 10am to 7pm on Sunday.

Some of the popular sandwiches from Annoula’s Kitchen have been moved to the menu at SoBo Café including the Short Rib Melt, Siracha Chicken, Chickpea Melt, and Brie BLT.

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

Photo courtesy of Annoula’s Greek Kitchen 

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/05/annoulas-kitchen-at-cross-street-market-switches-to-a-greek-menu/