South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 6/20/20 – 6/26/20:

Ridgely’s Delight

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020 22:00 6XX PORTLAND ST APT/CONDOMINIUM

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

NONE

Otterbein

LARCENY- FROM AUTO WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020 19:00 6XX S HANOVER ST STREET

Sharp-Leadenhall

NONE

Federal Hill

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 18:25 XX E CHURCHILL ST Unknown

Federal Hill South/Riverside

NONE

South Baltimore Neighborhood

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020 19:00 15XX MARSHALL ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 20:07 5XX WASHINGTON BLVD HOTEL/MOTEL

BURGLARY (FORCE) THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020 02:22 XX W PRATT ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020 18:52 3XX LIGHT ST RESTAURANT/BAR

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 20:00 1XX S PACA ST STREET

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 03:00 10XX HULL ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020 16:45 18XX WHETSTONE WAY GROCERY

Pigtown

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020 20:31 7XX WASHINGTON BLVD

LARCENY- FROM AUTO THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020 15:00 8XX W PRATT ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 10:00 11XX JAMES ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020 00:30 8XX SCOTT ST STREET

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 16:39 18XX WASHINGTON BLVD CAB

Hollins Market

ROBBERY – KNIFE SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 19:30 8XX LEMMON ST STREET

BURGLARY (FORCE) SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 23:00 11XX W PRATT ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 01:33 1XX S POPPLETON ST Unknown

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 20:00 8XX LEMMON ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

Union Square

NONE

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/06/30/south-baltimore-crime-updates-189/

Tuesdays Under 250: Renovated Three-Bedroom Home on Cross Street

Sponsored Post from Key Group at Cummings & Co. Realtors:

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

809 West Cross Street
Pigtown        
Price: $179,900
Tax:$3,301
1,280 sq. ft.
3 BD/1 BA
Off-Street Parking: No

Just listed! Renovated 3-story rowhome in the heart of Pigtown! This move-in ready home features 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and an updated kitchen with new granite counter tops. The living room is highlighted by exposed brick, tall ceilings, and lots of natural light. The separate dining room is adjacent to the modern kitchen which leads to the yard. The second level includes a bedroom, a den/office, laundry closet with full-sized, stacked washer and dryer, and a just updated full bathroom. The third level offers 2 more spacious bedrooms. All bedrooms are large and equal in size with plenty of closet space. The basement is unfinished and provides additional storage for the home. Major improvements by the current owner include new windows, new flooring, laundry units, fresh paint, and more! Located within walking distance to Downtown Baltimore, Stadiums, Federal Hill, the University of Maryland Medical Center & Campus. Easy access to I-95, I-295, MARC and Amtrak trains. * * 3D Tour AVAILABLE * *

For more information or to schedule a showing, contact:

Jim Gunsiorowski – Team Leader of Key Group
Cummings & Company Realtors
Phone: 410-823-0033
Mobile: 410-404-1049
Email: Jim@KeyGroupMD.com
Website: www.KeyGroupMD.com
Address: 201 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/06/30/tuesdays-under-250-renovated-three-bedroom-home-on-cross-street/

Bartending Academy “Gorgitenders” Opening in Federal Hill

Bartending academy Gorgitenders is opening at 912 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill. Gorgitenders is taking over an approximately 1,000 sq. ft. space that was recently the home of vintage shop SIX2SIX Society.

Gorgitenders is owned by Chimiya Polk who is a bartender at MGM. Polk has a bartending staffing agency called Gorgitenders which staffs bartenders for many eventsand has been teaching bartending courses. Polk was looking for a storefront for her bartending academy and after almost closing a deal on a space in Fells Point, she signed a deal for the storefront on Charles St.

Gorgitenders will offer a one-week daytime course from 11am to 6pm and a two-week nighttime course from 630pm to 1030pm. Students will learn to make over 500 cocktails, how to interact with customers, and will get TIPS certification which teaches students not to overserve and recognize alcohol-related problems.

A 20% tuition discount will be offered to Federal Hill residents.

Gorgitenders will also offer a flair course, which teaches bartenders to do tricks with the bottles, shakers, and tools while serving tricks. Polk said the next closes flair training school is in New York City. The flair course will be taught by an instructor that opened a flair training school in Las Vegas.

Polk hopes Gorgitenders will lead to safer bartending practices in the area and would love to see more bartenders doing flair tricks behind the bar.

Polk has been working on the space since January and set up a reception area in the front of the building and the rest of the space is setup like a bar. Gorgitenders will be available for rent for private parties, but if alcohol is served the client will need to purchase a one-day liquor license.

Gorgitenders hopes to open in July or August. Polk’s industry has been put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, but she’s excited to get her school open soon and she’s looking forward to things getting back to normal in the bartending and event industry.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/06/29/bartending-academy-gorgitenders-opening-in-federal-hill/

YogaWorks Closes in Federal Hill

YogaWorks has closed its second-floor studio at 1024 Light St. in Federal Hill. This YogaWorks location, which used to be Charm City Yoga before it was acquired by YogaWorks, moved to this location in 2014.

Charm City Yoga previously had a location on Cross St. before relocating to the 4,000 sq. ft. space on Light St.

YogaWorks has not responded to requests for comment at this time.

YogaWorks is a national brand with six other locations in the Baltimore area.

The South Baltimore Peninsula still has two studios focused on Yoga with BambooMoves Yoga and CorePower Yoga.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/06/29/yogaworks-closes-in-federal-hill/

The Maryland Science Center to Reopen Next Week at 25% Capacity, IMAX Remains Closed

Maryland Science Center press release: 

The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor will reopen Thursday, July 2, at 10 a.m., with the unique, authentic experiences that are the hallmark of its signature science education programming.

The Science Center will welcome guests at 25% capacity Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to reserve tickets online to visit at a specific day and time. All online ticket fees have been waived. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://www.mdsci.org/visit/pricing-tickets/

A limited number of daily tickets will be available for in-person walkup purchase.

The St. John Properties IMAX Theater will remain closed until further notice. All of the other exhibits and visitor areas at the Science Center will be open. The Davis Planetarium will feature both scheduled programming and informal walk-through experiences.

The Science Center has implemented steps to enhance the safety of visitors and guests:

– Everyone over 2 years of age will be required to wear a mask at all times while in the building.
– Only one family will be allowed in the elevators at a time. Guests should use the stairs whenever possible.
– Plexiglass barriers have been put in place at all point-of-sale locations.
– Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the building along with helpful signage to remind visitors of the changes.
– Guests are encouraged to practice safe distancing and hygiene through frequent handwashing.

Maryland Science Center staff will also be taking additional steps:

– The building and exhibits will be deep cleaned each day before opening.
– All staff will be temperature screened before each shift.
– Staff will frequently clean high-touch and high-traffic areas throughout the day.
– Twice a day, 100% of the air in the building will be exchanged with fresh air from outside.

Additionally, some exhibit areas may be closed occasionally during the day for 30 minutes for deep cleaning.

“We started planning for our reopening the moment we closed in Mid-March,” said Mark J. Potter, President and CEO of the Maryland Science Center. “While the staff enjoyed connecting with audiences through our online programming, we’re excited to welcome guests back to the Inner Harbor. As a private non-profit, we are so thankful for the support of our donors and members who sustained us during this most difficult time. We look forward to continuing in our mission to inspire, empower, and engage…Let’s science!”

The Maryland Science Center’s Reopening FAQ can be found online at: https://www.mdsci.org/visit/faqs/

Photo from the Maryland Science Center Facebook page

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/06/25/the-maryland-science-center-to-reopen-next-week-at-25-capacity-imax-remains-closed/

AVAM Cancels Flicks From the Hill in 2020, Pet Parade Goes Virtual, Museum Remains Closed

American Visionary Art Museum press release: 

Two of the American Visionary Art Museum’s much-anticipated annual summer events have changes for 2020: July 4th Visionary Pets on Parade goes virtual for this year, and The Hughes Family Flicks from the Hill movie series has been canceled. The decision was made out of continuing concerns for the health and optimal wellbeing of our community and staff. The move complements Baltimore City’s cancellation of its outdoor festivals this summer and supports the permit office as a partner in issuing the required permits for outdoor gatherings. Both the popular July 4th animal-loving celebration and the under-the-stars free movie series aim to resume next summer, in 2021.

July 4th Pet Parade Goes Virtual
Undeterred by the challenge of bringing together pets and pet lovers during a global pandemic, the museum is soliciting photos and videos of animal companions in their patriotic best, or other costume finery, for a virtual Pet Parade. Owners should submit their materials by July 1 to marketing@avam.org. The gathered images and clips will publish on the museum’s YouTube and social media channels. The July 4th Visionary Pets on Parade is held each year in loving memory of supreme animal friend, Ellis Rosen.

AVAM’s popular movie series, Flicks from the Hill, was recently voted “Best Outdoor Movie Series” by Baltimore Sun’s Best of Baltimore Readers’ Choice Awards, having garnered a loyal following since launching in 2005 with “Wizard of Oz.” The film series is accompanied by pre-movie free museum admission, art workshops, and fitness activities—from yoga to group bike rides—and food truck offerings.

Museum founder and director Rebecca Hoffberger laments, “We are truly sorry to disappoint Flicks fans and Pet Parade devotees. The gathered crowds themselves always looked so much to me like art—many dressed in costumes, gathered as one community, all to watch movies or share their love of four-legged best friends. In honor of the steadfast companionship and support animals provide, particularly during life’s hardest moments, we will hold a virtual Pet Parade this year. Let your imagination and fun go wild! We can’t wait to see your pics!”

Additionally, AVAM Remains Temporarily Closed
While Baltimore City has entered Phase 2 of its reopening plan which allows museums to open, AVAM remains temporarily closed as it works to implement enhanced best health precautions for all its visitors and staff. The museum looks forward to welcoming the public when it reopens in the near future.

Photo by Nick Prevas

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/06/25/avam-cancels-flicks-from-the-hill-in-2020-pet-parade-goes-virtual-museum-remains-closed/

Rally Held to Save Baltimore City Fire Department Engine 55 in Pigtown

A large crowd gathered on Wednesday morning in an effort to save Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) Engine 55 which is housed at 1229 Bush St. in Pigtown/Carroll-Camden Industrial Area. Engine 55 has been cut from Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s budget in 2021.

Engine 55 is housed with Truck 23 and Ambulance 22. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 734’s press release, “Engine 55 currently responds to over 1800 emergency runs annually. Nearly 400 of which are Box Alarms (which are calls for reported fires) and hundreds of emergency medical runs in just 2019 alone.”

Local 734 added, “An “Engine” in Baltimore City is responsible for extinguishing fire on dwelling fires. This is an intricate part to life safety as firefighters on Truck companies rely on the Engine company to allow them to search for victims who may be trapped inside the fire. Engine 55 and it’s members alone have received several awards for saving and removing lives of victims inside of dwelling fires over the years and that is all about to change.”

Today’s rally was put on by Local 734 and its President Dickie Altieri. It was attended in support by District 10 Councilman Ed Reisinger, who represents Pigtown and Carroll-Camden; Phylicia Porter, who won the Democratic primary for the District 10 Council seat with Ed Reisinger retiring; District 9 Councilman John Bullock, who represents neighborhoods just northwest of Engine 55; and District 11 Councilman Eric Costello, who represents neighborhoods just east of Engine 55.

Also there in support of Local 734 was City Council President Brandon Scott, who just won the Democratic primary for Mayor, and District 8 Councilman Kristerfer Burnett.

The rally was also attended by many fire fighters, members of the Pigtown community, and Kim Lane, executive director of Pigtown Main Street.

Altieri, the elected officials, and Porter all spoke and implored Mayor Young and BCFD Chief Niles Ford to restore the funding to Engine 55 and talked about its importance to safety in Baltimore City. Council President Scott said, “When you are in the midst of a global pandemic, cuts to people on the frontlines who are dealing with those issues are just unacceptable. We stand four minutes drive time – and one and a half with lights and sirens – away from a community that had a tremendous amount of fires over the winter,” referring to a number of arsons that occurred in Carrollton Ridge.

Just yesterday, Engine 55 responded to a fire in Locust Point.

SouthBMore.com has reached out to BCFD for comment, but has not heard back at this time.

Local 734 also said in its press release, “With Engine 55 gone, that means in the event of a fire, Truck 23 will be operating without an Engine company immediately on scene. This can delay and hinder rescue to any victims who may be inside while additionally put the lives of the members on Truck 23 at risk as they enter a dwelling fire without an engine company available.”

The press release also provided the following information about nearby engines:

The engines that would have to come into the area to render aide, of course ONLY if they are not already on an emergency run in their area are:

Engine 47 (Morrell Park) is separated by two sets of railroad tracks and 1.3 miles away

Engine 58 (Cherry Hill) is currently in Northeast Baltimore after spending several months in Brooklyn but upon their return will be 1.9 miles away

Engine 2 (Federal Hill) Located on Light Street is 1.7 miles away

Engine 23 (Downtown) at one of the busiest firehouses in the nation is 1.4 miles away

Engine 14 (Booth-Boyd) the second busiest engine company in the city averaging over 5000 calls annually, is located on Hollins Street at 1.4 miles away.

There are no Truck companies located at any of these firehouses and truck companies have to come from even greater distances to assist with fire suppression calls.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/06/24/rally-held-to-save-baltimore-city-fire-department-engine-55-in-pigtown/