Attendees

Cecilia Gonzalez Carrie Baniszewski Edith Gilliard Kevin Gallaher Sharon Park Thomas Freeman Alicia Corson Bonnie Bessor Charisse Lue Laura Dykes Paulette Carrol Christian Hall Loraine Arikat Meghan Cardoso Scott Kashnow Derrick McCovey

Intro (7:00-7:10pm, 10 min)

Introductions: name, affiliation

Review and approval of April Minutes

  • April 2023 Minutes approved with one addition

Discussion/Committee’s Actions (7:10-8:00pm, 50 min)

Housekeeping/updates (10 min)

  • Community Norms adopted
    1. Meeting format/decision making (Robert’s rules vs. simpler format)
      • Nothing in the SWP bylaws require that committees use robert’s rules.
      • Committee meetings need to be inclusive 
      • Ensure to welcome renters in the discussion and not just the needs of homeowners
      • Committee will not use Robert’s rules
    2. Zoom/Hybrid/In-person meetings- will hold a vote at the next meeting.
    3. Announcement for Baltimore Renters’ United Community Sound Stage event on May 25th at 14 N. Schroeder Street
  • Inclusionary Housing Bill/Coalition Update (Loraine/Derrick)

Code Enforcement Event Follow Up (20 min)

  • Debrief
    1. We need to find a way to hold the agencies accountable
    2. The meeting was well attended
    3. Disappointmented that 311 representative did not provide new information and creative solutions for what the community is facing
    4. Discuss next-steps
      • Create a pathway to work with the DHCD, Code enforcement and 311.
      • SWP would like to continue working with the City to identify properties that are appropriate for the In Rem process.
  1. People would like to participate in a meeting with code enforcement to propose next steps.
  • Possible next steps
    1. Make a list of problem properties that came up to follow-up w/ CE/311
    2. Meet with representatives to continue conversation on solutions
      • Some committee members volunteered to participate – Laura, Charisse, Tom, Scott, Sharon Park 
    3. Neighborhood walk-thrus w/ CE – in conjunction with Vibrant Streets Committee

BRNI/CORE 2024 Application (20 min)

  • Intro (Carrie)-Power Point presentation by Carrie to be included with the notes.
    1. BRNI/CORE process review, eligibility
      • These are State DHCD grants
      • They are a main source of funding 
      • SWP is eligible for the grant
  • BRNI-Awards range from $50-250k
  • Type of projects:
    • Acquire property
    • Infrastructure
    • Open space/placemaking
  •   Core- main focus to eliminate blight.  Award $250-1 Million
    • Must be for physical changes in the neighborhood/properties
    • Must be project ready
  1. 2023 applications
  2. Staff Recommendations for 2024 applications
  • Discussion on desired 2024 applications (Cecilia)

Project Updates (Carrie, 8:00-8:15 PM, 15 min)

    • SWP Housing Plan, Patrick Jordan
    • Downpayment Assistance Program
      • May want to refer clients to agencies and organizations that have been working on housing assistance programs and have expertise
      • Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) had a meeting about the downpayment assistance program. Same complaints and issues for all the grantees. The process and criteria is not working.
      • 2 options that may alleviate the issues
      • SWP could do the payment assistance internally with only NHS issuing the grant to SWP. Likely SWP could allocate funds faster.
      • SWP can apply and make change to the proposal to fix the bottleneck and the issues that the program is currently facing.
  • Committee has agreed to apply for the NHS grant for downpayment assistance
  • Homeownership Zones
  • Vote in favor of Housing Action Plan

Community Updaes (8:15-8:30 PM, 15 min)

  • Rebuilding Together
    • First come first serve
    • Assists with upgrades, modernization and home repairs
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Poe Homes – HABC
  • Baltimore Renters United 
    • City wide tenants meeting: May 20th 11am-1pm at the Lion Brothers Building RSVP: https://aypkoecbvfz.typeform.com/to/KW303tGW 
    • Community Soundstage: May 25th at 5pm-8pm at 14 N Schroeder Street — music, food, community! 
  • Taxpayers Night – May 25th at 5pm at City Hall
    • Baltimore Renters United is demanding for adequate funding into emergency rental assistance, increased DHCD housing inspections, and funding for right to counsel! 
  • May 18th- Meeting about proposed landbank at 5:30pm. Public meeting
  • June 19th- an event hosted by Mrs. Paulette
Scroll to Top