Attendees

NOTE: These are draft minutes that have yet to be formally reviewed and approved by the Committee. Once the Committee meets again and reviews these minutes, this page will be updated.

 

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D R A F T

Commercial Development Committee

Southwest Partnership

October 22, 2019

 

MINUTES

Attendees: Eugene Balbierz, Jane Buccheri, Bill Freeman, Catherine Neeley, Lou Packett, Alisa Rhone-Simmons, Christine Rhone-Simmons, Dan Rodenburg, Frieda Ulman, Kenneth Watson, Troy Wilson, Roger Wood

 

Introductions

 

Approval of September Minutes

  • Kenneth First, second Catherine

 

Subcommittee Updates

  • Facade: Tony provided update. 1421 W Baltimore completed. 1515 W Baltimore application under review.
  • West Baltimore: 
    • Made great progress with Popup program/License
    • Next Meeting is Friday, October 29th at 6pm at SWP offices
      • Dan presenting on code enforcement 
    • Kito, West Baltimore Manager project is working on plan to present on November 8th
      • Educating businesses and investors of funding opportunities, providing point of contact
    • Discussion on Gap Financing for micro loans and tenant improvements

Project Updates

  • Littlepage’s Furniture Store (1317 W Baltimore) – closing down at end of year
  • 1500 W Baltimore St
    • 1515 W Baltimore approved to begin rebuilding facade in November
  • Lord Baltimore
    • Kelly Hodge-Williams was hired as consultant, paid by Abell Foundation grant. She is tasked with:
      • 1) working with Lawrence Gilliard as the lead to develop fundraising campaign
      • 2) To recruit possible Board members
      • 3) Prepare proposals to local and national foundations for funding
      • 4) Start work on historic and new markets tax credits
      • 5) Get the formal documents together for the organization that will own and manage the building and apply for non-profit status.
    • Kelly will be organizing focus groups to develop the final vision plan for the reuse over the next three months

 

Elections

  • Kenneth Watson presented himself as candidate for Chair. No opposition.
  • Committee voted yes or no to accept his candidacy
    • 10 yes 1 no 1 maybe – Yes wins

 

New Business

  • Pigtown MainStreet updates
    • pigtown trick or treat
  • Tomorrow at noon Bullock walk with Warhorse
  • Counselor from James McHenry interested in workforce development opportunities for students (8th graders)
    • Internship with one day a week–example with Cristo Rey
    • Kenneth will talk to JR Lee about opportunities

 

Old Business

  • Paul’s Place expected completion for Oct 2020; November 6, 2019 is ground breaking
  • Bon Secours 100th anniversary event with New Health Commissioner at Community Works on October 24, 2019 @ 5:30pm
  • Groundbreaking catholic school is Octo. 23, 2019
  • Community Engagement Center groundbreaking is Oct. 24, 2019

 

Adjournment

  • Troy made motion first to adjourn, Catherine was second
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