1. ROLL CALL

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

3. CITY COUNCIL BILL #11-0683 / URBAN RENEWAL - MARKET CENTER – AMENDMENT (Administration, on behalf of Baltimore Development Corporation)
For the purpose of amending the Urban Renewal Plan for Market Center to reauthorize the acquisition of properties within the Project Area, to correct and clarify certain language, to add a new appendix to the Plan, and to revise an Exhibit Sheet to reflect a change in the Plan; waiving certain content and procedural requirements; making the provisions of this Ordinance severable; providing for the application of this Ordinance in conjunction with certain other ordinances; and providing for a special effective date. (Eleventh District)

4. CITY COUNCIL BILL #11-0686/CITY PROPERTY - RENAMING THE UPTON BOXING CENTER TO THE JOE GANS BOXING CENTER (Councilmembers -Cole, D’Adamo, Curran, Kraft, Stokes, Holton, President Young, Councilmembers Middleton, Welch, Reisinger, Conaway)
For the purpose of changing the name of the Upton Boxing Center, located at 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, to the Joe Gans Boxing Center. (Eleventh District)

5. CITY COUNCIL BILL #11-0688/ CITY PROPERTY - RENAMING LEHIGH AND GOUGH PARK TO GLORIA HERTZFELT PLAYGROUND (Councilmembers - D’Adamo, Welch)
For the purpose of changing the name of Leigh and Gough Park, located at 4500 Gough Street, to Gloria Hertzfelt Playground. (Second District)

6. MAJOR SUBDIVISION FINAL PLANS/ 1955 CHESAPEAKE AVENUE (Tenth District)
(Postponed to a later date)

7. PRELIMINARY MAJOR SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS/ 121 – 131 N. CHESTER STREET & 132 -144 NORTH DUNCAN STREET (First District)

CONSENT AGENDA

8. REVISED FINAL DESIGN APPROVAL/LOCH RAVEN SHOPPING CENTER PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT – SIGNAGE FOR WELLS FARGO BANK (Fourth District)

9. CITY COUNCIL BILL #11-0679/ CITY STREETS - OPENING - CERTAIN STREETS AND ALLEYS BOUNDED BY REISTERSTOWN ROAD, ROGERS AVENUE, GIST AVENUE AND HAYWARD AVENUE (Administration, on behalf of the Department of General Services)
For the purpose of condemning and opening certain streets and alleys bounded by Reisterstown Road, Rogers Avenue, Gist Avenue and Hayward Avenue, as shown on Plat 254-A-40 in the Office of the Department of General Services; and providing for a special effective date. (Fifth District)

10. CITY COUNCIL BILL #11-0680/ CITY STREETS - CLOSING - CERTAIN STREETS AND ALLEYS BOUNDED BY REISTERSTOWN ROAD, ROGERS AVENUE, GIST AVENUE, AND HAYWARD AVENUE (Administration, on behalf of the Department of General Services)
For the purpose of condemning and closing certain streets and alleys bounded by Reisterstown Road, Rogers Avenue, Gist Avenue, and Hayward Avenue, as shown on Plat 254-A-40A in the Office of the Department of General Services; and providing for a special effective date. (Fifth District)

11. CITY COUNCIL BILL #11-0681/ SALE OF PROPERTY - FORMER BEDS OF CERTAIN STREETS AND ALLEYS BOUNDED BY REISTERSTOWN ROAD, ROGERS AVENUE, GIST AVENUE, AND HAYWARD AVENUE (Administration, on behalf of the Department of General Services)
For the purpose of authorizing the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to sell, at either public or private sale, all its interest in certain parcels of land known as the former beds of certain streets and alleys bounded by Reisterstown Road, Rogers Avenue, Gist Avenue, and Hayward Avenue and no longer needed for public use; and providing for a special effective date. (Fifth District)

12. CIP TRANSFERS

Summary

3. CITY COUNCIL BILL #11-0683 / URBAN RENEWAL - MARKET CENTER – AMENDMENT 
For the purpose of amending the Urban Renewal Plan for Market Center to reauthorize the acquisition of properties within the Project Area, to correct and clarify certain language, to add a new appendix to the Plan, and to revise an Exhibit Sheet to reflect a change in the Plan; waiving certain content and procedural requirements; making the provisions of this Ordinance severable; providing for the application of this Ordinance in conjunction with certain other ordinances; and providing for a special effective date.

Background: Maryland Law Amendment: In July of 2007, an amendment to the Maryland Annotated Code, Real Estate, Title 12 was made that requires an action for condemnation to be filed within four years of an authorization for acquisition. If that cannot be accomplished, then the authorization must be renewed. Therefore, since four years have nearly elapsed since the date of the Maryland law change, an amendment to this Urban Renewal Plan (URP) is necessary in order to reauthorize the URP’s powers of acquisition and condemnation. The Planning Commission has already heard ten such reauthorization and amendment bills; this one is similar in effect.

Technical Amendments and Notice: While this URP is being amended, there are also technical amendments that are needed to align the text for each, to ensure better, more consistent, administration and operation of each plan. To that end, Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) has introduced this bill. The Planning Commission will also be asked to make a finding that the proposed amendments in this bill are technical corrections or minor modifications that would not substantially affect the Plan or the size, use, or disposition of any property subject to the Plan. If this is not possible, additional hearing and notice requirements will be necessary. Staff notified seven community organizations of these actions.

The bill proposes four changes to this URP, and they are technical in nature. They are summarized as follows:

• In the Plan, the first paragraph of D.1 is amended to clarify that scattered properties to be acquired and disposed of for rehabilitation and those properties to be acquired and disposed of for clearance and redevelopment will be listed in a new Appendix B in text form. This is needed, since at present, there is only the graphic depiction in Exhibit 2 of the URP showing properties for acquisition and disposition.
• In the same section, a new sub-paragraph D.1.(d) is added to read: “(D) THE AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE THE PROPERTIES WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA IS EXPRESSLY CONFIRMED AND REAUTHORIZED THROUGH AND INCLUDING DECEMBER 31, 2014.” This is the express reauthorization of the acquisition authority for the next four year period. This does not materially affect the purposes of the URP, and is required to comply with the requirements of the State of Maryland under the Maryland Annotated Code, as outlined above.
• A new Appendix B is added, as referred to earlier in the plan, listing 201 West Franklin Street as the only property to be acquired. The introductory paragraph included in this new Appendix B is modeled after the other nine URPs recently reviewed by the Planning Commission, for consistency.
• A revised Exhibit 2, “Property Acquisition - Land Disposition”, dated April 4, 2011, is needed to reflect the updates to the URP. This update will remove properties no longer needed for acquisition or disposition.

Recommendation: Approval

4. CITY COUNCIL BILL #11-0686/CITY PROPERTY - RENAMING THE UPTON BOXING CENTER TO THE JOE GANS BOXING CENTER 
Joe Gans, the first African American World Boxing Champion, was born in Baltimore in 1874. He was originally named Joseph Gant, but in a newspaper article he was referred to as Joe Gans, a name that remained with him for the rest of his life. Nicknamed the “Old Master”, he is considered to be the greatest lightweight boxer of all time, and pound-for pound he is considered to be one of the greatest boxers of all time. He started boxing professionally in Baltimore around 1891, and from 1902 to 1908, he reigned as lightweight champion. He died in 1910, of tuberculosis, and is buried in Baltimore’s Mount Auburn Cemetery. Therefore; the Planning Department staff concurs with the sponsors of this bill and also feel that it would be a fitting tribute to rename the Upton Boxing Center to the Joe Gans Boxing Center. Thus, staff supports the passage of CCB #11-0686.

Staff notified Druid Heights Community Development Corporation, Inc., Sandtown Habitat Homeowners’ Association, Sandtown-Winchester Community Building In Partnership, Sandtown-Winchester Improvement Association, Upton Planning Committee, Inc., Pennsylvania Avenue Redevelopment Collaborative, Pennsylvania Avenue Merchants Association, Dolphin Pool Association, Sandtown-Winchester Square Homeowners Association, and Friends of Pennsylvania Avenue Branch Library (FOPABL) of this action.

Recommendation: Approval

5. CITY COUNCIL BILL #11-0688/ CITY PROPERTY - RENAMING LEHIGH AND GOUGH PARK TO GLORIA HERTZFELT PLAYGROUND Gloria Hertzfelt, a resident for many years of the Greektown Community, has been involved for a long time in efforts to improve the general living environment of her community. She has been an active member in her neighborhood association, the Greektown Community Neighborhood Association, and through her association with the Greektown Alliance, she was a strong partner and actively involved in the renovation of her neighborhood’s playground for children. To this present day, she oversees the continued maintenance of this playground. As a result of Ms. Hertzfelt strong community work and playground advocacy for children, the Greektown Community Development Corporation felt that the renaming of the public playground to Gloria Hertzfelt would be a fitting tribute. The Planning Department’s staff concurs with the community and supports the renaming of Lehigh and Gough Park to Gloria Hertzfelt Playground.

Staff notified Southeast Community Development Corporation-(SCDC), Greektown Business Alliance, Inc., Southeastern Neighborhoods Development (SEND), Greater Greektown Neighborhood Alliance, Eastern Community Action Center, Southeast Presidents Council, and Southeastern District Police Community Relations Council of this action.

Recommendation: Approval

6. MAJOR SUBDIVISION FINAL PLANS/ 1955 CHESAPEAKE AVENUE (Tenth District) (Postponed to a later date)

7. PRELIMINARY MAJOR SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS/ 121 – 131 N. CHESTER STREET & 132 -144 NORTH DUNCAN STREET (First District)

The properties known as 121, 123, 125, 127, 129 and 131 North Chester Street and 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 and 144 North Duncan Street are being consolidated and re-subdivided into 14 lots for the development of 14 town homes. Each town home will have a rear-loading one-car garage and a parking pad.

• Site Plan: The site plan was reviewed and has received preliminary approved by the Site Plan Review Committee. Each town home will have access to a rear loading garages and a parking pad. Seven of the town homes will front on North Duncan Street and seven will front on North Chester Street. Rear access to the town homes will be from East Fayette Street. Sidewalks and street trees will be provided throughout this site.
• Architectural Elevations: Elevations for this proposal have been reviewed by a staff architect. The elevations depict a traditional brick three-story town home. The homes will be a combination of brick and architectural block. The cornice of the town homes will be painted panel.
• Subdivision and Development Plan Requirements: This project complies with the City’s rules and regulations relative to Preliminary Major Subdivision and Development Plans. The lots have frontage on a public street and will have separate utilities. This project will have to come back to the Planning Commission for Final Major Subdivision and Development Plans approval.
• Zoning Code Requirements: The site is located within an R-8 zoning district and no zoning actions are required for this project.
• Forest Conservation: The applicant submitted a landscape plan that shows street trees along East Fayette Street and North Chester Street. The landscape plan complies with the City’s Forest Conservation Program requirements for Baltimore City.
• Sustainability: The homes will be energy star certified. The homes will also have low flow fixtures. The impervious surface area on the site will be reduced by 7.9%.

The Butchers Hill Association, Inc. was notified about the Preliminary Major Subdivision and Development Plans/121-131 North Chester Street and 132-144 North Duncan Street.

Recommendation: Approval, subject to comments from City Agencies

CONSENT AGENDA

8. REVISED FINAL DESIGN APPROVAL/LOCH RAVEN SHOPPING CENTER PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT – SIGNAGE FOR WELLS FARGO BANK
The existing Wachovia Bank building is one of the outparcels in this Planned Unit Development (PUD), and has been bought by Wells Fargo Bank. Wells Fargo would like to change the signage to place their name on the building, and would like to add their name to the southern elevation of the building. This change in minor in nature, and generally conforms to the design of the building and signage approved within the PUD.

Recommendation: Approval

9. CITY COUNCIL BILL #11-0679/ CITY STREETS - OPENING - CERTAIN STREETS AND ALLEYS BOUNDED BY REISTERSTOWN ROAD, ROGERS AVENUE, GIST AVENUE AND HAYWARD AVENUE 
On January 14, 2010 the Planning Commission approved City Council Bill #09-0428/Zoning – Conditional Use Parking, Open Off-Street Area – 5401 Tippett Avenue, 5451 Tippett Avenue, 4033 Lewiston Avenue, and Portions of Rockfield Avenue and Tippett Avenue. These street closings were considered at that hearing.

In 2008, the State of Maryland issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for approximately 25,000 square feet of office space on at least 4-6 acres of land in Baltimore City to be occupied by the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The RFP was awarded to Hilltop Development Associates, LLC, a development entity comprised of the A&R Development Corporation and the owners of the Hilltop Shopping Center. The proposed new site will replace the MVA’s current Baltimore City location at Mondawmin Mall, which they must vacate by May 2011. The right-of-way areas are to be closed, sold to the development team, and consolidated with adjoining parcels in order to affect full site assembly.

Recommendation: Approval

10. CITY COUNCIL BILL #11-0680/ CITY STREETS - CLOSING - CERTAIN STREETS AND ALLEYS BOUNDED BY REISTERSTOWN ROAD, ROGERS AVENUE, GIST AVENUE, AND HAYWARD AVENUE 
On January 14, 2010 the Planning Commission approved City Council Bill #09-0428/Zoning – Conditional Use Parking, Open Off-Street Area – 5401 Tippett Avenue, 5451 Tippett Avenue, 4033 Lewiston Avenue, and Portions of Rockfield Avenue and Tippett Avenue. These street closings were considered at that hearing.

In 2008, the State of Maryland issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for approximately 25,000 square feet of office space on at least 4-6 acres of land in Baltimore City to be occupied by the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The RFP was awarded to Hilltop Development Associates, LLC, a development entity comprised of the A&R Development Corporation and the owners of the Hilltop Shopping Center. The proposed new site will replace the MVA’s current Baltimore City location at Mondawmin Mall, which they must vacate by May 2011. The right-of-way areas are to be closed, sold to the development team, and consolidated with adjoining parcels in order to affect full site assembly.

Recommendation: Approval

11. CITY COUNCIL BILL #11-0681/ SALE OF PROPERTY - FORMER BEDS OF CERTAIN STREETS AND ALLEYS BOUNDED BY REISTERSTOWN ROAD, ROGERS AVENUE, GIST AVENUE, AND HAYWARD AVENUE 
On January 14, 2010 the Planning Commission approved City Council Bill #09-0428/Zoning – Conditional Use Parking, Open Off-Street Area – 5401 Tippett Avenue, 5451 Tippett Avenue, 4033 Lewiston Avenue, and Portions of Rockfield Avenue and Tippett Avenue. These street closings were considered at that hearing.

In 2008, the State of Maryland issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for approximately 25,000 square feet of office space on at least 4-6 acres of land in Baltimore City to be occupied by the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The RFP was awarded to Hilltop Development Associates, LLC, a development entity comprised of the A&R Development Corporation and the owners of the Hilltop Shopping Center. The proposed new site will replace the MVA’s current Baltimore City location at Mondawmin Mall, which they must vacate by May 2011. The right-of-way areas are to be closed, sold to the development team, and consolidated with adjoining parcels in order to affect full site assembly.

Recommendation: Approval

REQUEST: City Council Bill #11-0683 / Urban Renewal – Market Center – Amendment:

For the purpose of amending the Urban Renewal Plan for Market Center to reauthorize the acquisition of properties within the Project Area, to correct and clarify certain language, to add a new appendix to the Plan, and to revise an Exhibit Sheet to reflect a change in the Plan; waiving certain content and procedural requirements; making the provisions of this Ordinance severable; providing for the application of this Ordinance in conjunction with certain other ordinances; and providing for a special effective date.

RECOMMENDATION: Approval

STAFF: Eric Tiso

PETITIONER: The Administration (Baltimore Development Corporation)

HISTORY

• The Market Center Urban Renewal Plan (URP) was established by Ordinance No. 77-579, dated November 16, 1977.
• The latest amendment was Amendment No. 15, dated July 19, 2002, approved by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore by Ordinance No. 04-653, dated March 25, 2004.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS

This action is compatible with the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan, LIVE section, Goal 1: Build Human and Social Capital by Strengthening Neighborhoods, Objective 2: Strategically Redevelop Vacant Properties Throughout the City.

ANALYSIS

Maryland Law Amendment: In July of 2007, an amendment to the Maryland Annotated Code, Real Estate, Title 12 was made that requires an action for condemnation to be filed within four years of an authorization for acquisition. If that cannot be accomplished, then the authorization must be renewed:

§ 12-105.1. Condemnation action to acquire private property.
(a) Time limitation.- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State or any of its instrumentalities or political subdivisions shall file an action to acquire private property for public use by condemnation within 4 years of the date of the specific administrative or legislative authorization to acquire the property.
(b) New authorization.- If an action for condemnation is not filed within 4 years of the date described in subsection (a) of this section, the State or any of its instrumentalities or political subdivisions may not proceed with condemnation until it first obtains a new authorization to acquire the property. [2007, ch. 305]
Therefore, since four years have nearly elapsed since the date of the Maryland law change, amendments to several Urban Renewal Plans (URPs) have been necessary in order to reauthorize each URP’s powers of acquisition and condemnation, and this is another such example. With each reauthorization, those acquisition actions may legally continue beyond July 2011. The basic effect is that all of our Urban Renewal Plans that have designated properties for acquisition and disposition that have not yet been acted upon now need to be expressly confirmed and reauthorized for an additional four year period. As with the other URPs, this acquisition authority will require reauthorization every four years thereafter, for the life of the URP. While this URP is being amended, there are also technical amendments that are needed to correct the text, to ensure better, more consistent, administration and operation of the plan.

Effects of the Bill: The four changes proposed to this URP are technical in nature. They are summarized as follows:

• In the Plan, the first paragraph of D.1 is amended to clarify that scattered properties to be acquired and disposed of for rehabilitation and those properties to be acquired and disposed of for clearance and redevelopment will be listed in a new Appendix B in text form. This is needed, since at present, there is only the graphic depiction in Exhibit 2 of the URP showing properties for acquisition and disposition.
• In the same section, a new sub-paragraph D.1.(d) is added to read: “(D) THE AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE THE PROPERTIES WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA IS EXPRESSLY CONFIRMED AND REAUTHORIZED THROUGH AND INCLUDING DECEMBER 31, 2014.” This is the express reauthorization of the acquisition authority for the next four year period. This does not materially affect the purposes of the URP, and is required to comply with the requirements of the State of Maryland under the Maryland Annotated Code, as outlined above.
• A new Appendix B is added, as referred to earlier in the plan, listing 201 West Franklin Street as the only property to be acquired. The introductory paragraph included in this new Appendix B is modeled after the other nine URPs recently reviewed by the Planning Commission, for consistency.
• A revised Exhibit 2, “Property Acquisition - Land Disposition”, dated April 4, 2011, is needed to reflect the updates to the URP. This update will remove properties no longer needed for acquisition or disposition.

Community Notice: Article 13, Housing and Urban Renewal, is the section of the City Code that outlines the processes for establishment of and amendments to URPs. For new URPs, or major changes, § 2-6(d) outlines the notice procedures, and include postings within the neighborhood, and two newspaper notices (one per week for two weeks) prior to the first public hearing.

For amendments to URPs, under § 2-6(g)(3) the amending bills are required to go through the same procedure as for adoption, that is, a City Council ordinance process. However, “If the Planning Commission determines that the proposed amendment is a technical correction or a minor modification that would not substantially affect the Plan or the size, use, or disposition of any property subject to the Plan, the proposed amendment need not be posted or advertised as otherwise required by subsection (d) of this section.”

Minor Modification: Technical amendments are proposed in order to correct language in this URP. These changes will make administration of the plan simpler and more consistent with others across the City. In addition, technical amendments are required in some cases to clarify the purpose and intent of certain portions of the text that were not as clearly written in some of the plans, compared to others. These technical amendments will improve the text, and avoid potential future legal challenges based on these minor flaws.

Staff recommends that the Planning Commission make and adopt the following finding:

• That the amendments to the URP as proposed in this bill are technical in nature, and they do not substantially affect the Plan, its size, or the use or disposition of any property subject to the Plan.

Staff Notification: Staff notified the Market Center Merchants Association, the Mount Vernon Business Association, the Seton Hill Neighborhood Association, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, and West Side Renaissance Inc., as well as the owner of 201 W Franklin Street (the sole property to be listed for acquisition), of today’s hearing.

REQUEST: City Council Bill #11-0686/ City Property – Renaming The Upton Boxing Center To The Joe Gans Boxing Center

RECOMMENDATION: Approval

STAFF: Melvin Hicks

PETITIONERS: Councilmembers William H. Cole, IV, D’Adamo, Curran, Kraft, Stokes, Holton, President Young, Councilmembers Middleton, Welch, Reisinger, and Conaway.

OWNER: Mayor and City Council of Baltimore

SITE/GENERAL AREA
Site Conditions: The Upton Boxing Center, addressed 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, is located in a mixed use community. It is adjacent to commercial and residential land uses. The property is currently improved with a city-owned multi-purpose recreation building.

General Area: The Upton Boxing Center is located in West Baltimore City and is bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue and Robert Street.

HISTORY
There are no previous legislative or Planning Commission actions regarding this site.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS
This action is consistent with the City of Baltimore’s Comprehensive Master Plan, with respect to the enhancement of Baltimore’s history and culture.

ANALYSIS
Joe Gans, the first African American World Boxing Champion, was born in Baltimore in 1874. Nicknamed the “Old Master”, he is considered to be the greatest lightweight boxer of all time, and pound-for pound he is considered to be one of the greatest boxers of all time. He started boxing professionally in Baltimore around 1891, and from 1902 to 1908, he reigned as lightweight champion. His boxing career encompassed 188 total fights, of which he won 138.

He was originally named Joseph Gant, but in a newspaper article he was referred to as Joe Gans, a name that remained with him for the rest of his life. He died in 1910, of tuberculosis, and is buried in Baltimore’s Mount Auburn Cemetery. His monument is maintained by the International Boxing Commission and sits just to the left of the main entrance to the cemetery. Therefore; the Planning Department staff concurs with the sponsors of this bill and also feel that it would be a fitting tribute to rename the Upton Boxing Center to the Joe Gans Boxing Center. Thus, staff supports the passage of CCB #11-0686.

Staff notified Druid Heights Community Development Corporation, Inc., Sandtown Habitat Homeowners’ Association, Sandtown-Winchester Community Building In Partnership, Sandtown-Winchester Improvement Association, Upton Planning Committee, Inc., Pennsylvania Avenue Redevelopment Collaborative, Pennsylvania Avenue Merchants Association, Dolphin Pool Association, Sandtown-Winchester Square Homeowners Association, and Friends of Pennsylvania Avenue Branch Library (FOPABL) of this action.

REQUEST: City Council Bill #11-0688/ City Property – Renaming Lehigh And Gough Park To Gloria Hertzfelt Playground

RECOMMENDATION: Approval

STAFF: Melvin Hicks

PETITIONERS: Greektown Community Development Corporation

OWNER: Mayor and City Council of Baltimore

SITE/GENERAL AREA

Site Conditions: Lehigh and Gough Park is a public park that is located in a mixed use area. It is adjacent to industrial and residential land uses. The property is currently improved with playground equipment.
General Area: The public playground is located in Southeast Baltimore City and is bounded by Oldham Street to the east, a rail line to the west, and Gough Street to the south.

HISTORY
There are no previous legislative or Planning Commission actions regarding this site.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS
This action is consistent with the City of Baltimore’s Comprehensive Master Plan, with respect to the enhancement of Baltimore’s history and culture.

ANALYSIS
Gloria Hertzfelt, a resident for many years of the Greektown Community, has been involved for a long time in efforts to improve the general living environment of her community. She has been an active member in her neighborhood association, the Greektown Community Neighborhood Association, and through her association with the Greektown Alliance, she was a strong partner and actively involved in the renovation of her neighborhood’s playground for children. To this present day, she oversees the continued maintenance of this playground.

Among her other volunteer activities, she had a long term involvement in Baltimore City’s Youth Summer Job Corp and was a long term member of the Community Advisory Board of Baltimore City’s Community Action Center, located at 3411 Bank Street. She has also been a long term volunteer at the John Booth Senior Center of Baltimore City.

As a result of Ms. Hertzfelt strong community work and playground advocacy for children, the Greektown Community Development Corporation felt that the renaming of the public playground to Gloria Hertzfelt would be a fitting tribute. The Planning Department’s staff concurs with the community and supports the renaming of Lehigh and Gough Park to Gloria Hertzflt Playground.

Staff notified Southeast Community Development Corporation-(SCDC), Greektown Business Alliance, Inc., Southeastern Neighborhoods Development (SEND), Greater Greektown Neighborhood Alliance, Eastern Community Action Center, Southeast Presidents Council, and Southeastern District Police Community Relations Council of this action.

REQUEST: Preliminary Major Subdivision And Development Plans/121, 123, 125, 127, 129 And 131 North Chester Street And 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 And 144 North Duncan Street

RECOMMENDATION: Approval, subject to comments from City Agencies

STAFF: Ervin McDaniel

PETITIONER: Chester Street Developers, LLC – Mr. Thomas Frutchey

OWNERS: Same

SITE/GENERAL AREA
Site Conditions: The subject site is comprised of 13 properties known as 121, 123, 125, 127, 129 and 131 North Chester Street and 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 and 144 North Duncan Street. This site has frontage on Borden Court, North Chester Street and Duncan Street. The site is zoned R-8, 14,605 square feet (0.3353 acres) in size and is unimproved.

General Area: This project is located in Southeast Baltimore in the Butchers Hill Community. The area consists of a combination of residential, institutional and industrial uses. This neighborhood is experiencing a great deal of new development.

HISTORY
This site was part of a 17 unit townhouse development approved by the Planning Commission on February 25, 2005 and revised to an 18 unit development on July 21, 2005. The original development includes properties on the south side of Borden Court which is not part of the current development.

CONFORMITY TO PLANS
This project is consistent with the Comprehensive Master Plan’s LIVE section, Goal One: Build human capital by strengthening Neighborhoods, Objective One: Expand housing choices for all residents.

ANALYSIS
The properties known as 121, 123, 125, 127, 129 and 131 North Chester Street and 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 and 144 North Duncan Street are being consolidated and re-subdivided into 14 lots for the development of 14 town homes. Each town home will have a rear-loading one-car garage and a parking pad.

Site Plan: The site plan was reviewed and has received preliminary approval by the Site Plan Review Committee. Each town home will have access to a rear loading garage and a parking pad. Seven of the town homes will front on North Duncan Street and seven will front on North Chester Street. Rear access to the town homes will be from East Fayette Street. Sidewalks and street trees will be provided throughout this site.

• Architectural Elevations: Elevations for this proposal have been reviewed by a staff architect. The elevations depict a traditional brick three-story town home. The homes will be a combination of brick and architectural block. The cornice of the town homes will be painted panel.
• Subdivision and Development Plan Requirements: This project complies with the City’s rules and regulations relative to Preliminary Major Subdivision and Development Plans. The lots have frontage on a public street and will have separate utilities. This project will have to come back to the Planning Commission for Final Major Subdivision and Development Plans approval.
• Zoning Code Requirements: The site is located within an R-8 zoning district and no zoning actions are required for this project.
• Forest Conservation: The applicant submitted a landscape plan that shows street trees along East Fayette Street and North Chester Street. The landscape plan complies with the City’s Forest Conservation Program requirements for Baltimore City.
• Sustainability: The homes will be energy star certified. The homes will also have low flow fixtures. The impervious surface area on the site will be reduced by 7.9%.

The Butchers Hill Association, Inc. was notified about the Preliminary Major Subdivision and Development Plans/121, 123, 125, 127, 129 and 131 North Chester Street and 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 and 144 North Duncan Street.