Southwest Partnership Housing Committee
3.9.17 Meeting Minutes
Next Housing Committee meeting is scheduled for 4.13.17
Attendees: Jamie Pitts, Jarret Horst, Diana Guiess, Nancy McCormick, Suzanne Welch, Lou Packett,
Yaya, Matthew Benning, Lisa Rawlings, Charles Armstrong, Robert Meyer, Jonathan Law
Agenda
Introduction
Lisa presented this year’s Youth Works program which will see 16 local youths focusing four
projects, one of which is focused on Mt. Claire’s vacant properties. The program is seeking a
Project Supervisor for three days a week from 9am – 3pm. Interested people can contact Bill
Joyner at wjoyner@umaryland.edu.
Old Business
o The 20/20 plan (previously described) is scheduled for the evening of 3/21/17 at 7pm at
the Community Engagement Center. Housing committee members are encouraged to
attend.
o Center West Development (La Cite) Update: Units anticipated being ready for rent in 20
– 24 months. Suzanne reported on the proposed unit rental costs. Jamie stated that,
though expensive compared to the current housing market, the rental numbers were
largely aligned with the potential rental rates identified by the SWP’s information as
described in the Vision Plan (housing section). Suzanne inquired about what community
improvements are included in the project. It was stressed again that there is a potential
communication break down since the Poppleton CDC folks are no longer located in the
area.
o Property Rights Handbook: UMMC has volunteered to print these flyers. Jamie and
Diana will work together to get a proof approved and then printed.
o Unity Property Update: pursuing a group purchase from the city.
New Business
o Poe Homes discussion about sub-par maintenance. Contact information for Michael
Seipp was provided to discuss a response strategy.
o Matt discussed his effort in Pigstown to fence off back yards to prevent them from being
used for dumping.
o Jarret brought up two forthcoming events that the group might be interested:
Baltimore City Council Hearing on Wall Street Foreclosures hosted by Unite
Here. 3/30/17 at City Hall from 2pm – 4pm
Transform Baltimore 101 hosted by MD American Planning Association (APA)
Emerging Planners. 4/26/17 at 1400 Greenmount Ave. from 5:30pm – 8pm.
This event will address the new zoning code (effective June, 5 th , 2017) and is 25
dollars for non-APA members.
o Jamie discussed another fire in the 1200 block of Hollins St. and asked the group to be
cautious with the upcoming cold weather.
o Jamie mentioned the initiative of a city in Ohio to “board up” vacant properties with
clear plastic so it was apparent from the street if a door has been opened.
o Jamie has discussed immigrant rights information with the board who will be adding this
information to the SWP website.
