CHARLES NORTH & CBP COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
ACTIVITY UPDATE
PENN STATION – Baltimore City DOT’s pedestrian and bicycle planner presented “parklet” designs to the committee for the east side of Charles Street Bridge. This “parklet” is an extension of the Penn Station Plaza.
MARYLAND FILM FESTIVAL AND SEAWALL DEVELOPEMENT – Maryland Film Festival, with significant support from JHU, secured a $5 million grant for its redevelopment. The project has received nearly 80% of the total $17 million project cost.
THE CHESAPEAKE REDEVELOPMENT – PHASE II – The developers, Ernst Valery Investments Corp, presented plans (as part of the second phase of The Chesapeake building complex redevelopment), for the newly named Nelson Kohl Apartments (on Lanvale Street) to a Baltimore City Urban Design and Architecture Review Panel in April. Based on feedback from the Charles North community and Commercial Development Committee, the organization will revise its plans for the eight story apartment building and first floor retail space. They return to the Urban Design and Architecture Review Panel in June. The building’s other amenities are likely to include: parking, Zipcar and bike facilities, gallery, fitness center, and green roof. Construction is anticipated to begin this fall.
CHARLES NORTH PARKING PLAN – PABC is developing their recommendations for on-street parking modifications and improvements. CNCA and SNAE, through the coordination of CBP staff, are creating a business parking map to help direct patrons and visitors to available parking. Due to underutilized public parking, there is a misperception that there isn’t enough parking in the area. A map is being produced (which will be available on the web) that will help direct people to parking they might otherwise have overlooked. Long term parking solutions for anticipated demand is being explored by the group. The developers around North Avenue continue to discuss short-term strategies for next year, such as leasing the lot north of 120 W. North Ave, St. Mark’s and St. Michael’s church lots.
HISTORIC ST. PAUL STREET PARK – An electrical contractor has been selected to install solar lighting in the Michael J Deets Historic St. Paul Street Park. The lights have arrived.
CHARLES STREET BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – CBP has formed a working group to guide and support Charles Street promotion and marketing efforts funded by a Baltimore City Anchor Plan grant. The group is comprised of representatives from Charles North Community Association, Historic Charles Street Association, Old Goucher Business Alliance, and businesses in Charles North, including: The Crown, Oyin Handmade, The Living Well, Mobtown Studios, and Future Care Charles Village.
