The official newsletter of The Historic Charles Street Association - Issue 46 The HCSA is pleased to present our monthly "E-News" with current information on new business openings and exciting projects taking place in the Charles Street district. October 1, 2008 Fall Members Business Breakfast - On November 6, 2008 from 8:00 AM -10:00 AM, the HCSA will hold its annual complimentary Members Business Breakfast at the Tremont Grand, 225 North Charles Street. The program will feature two dynamic presentations: Mayor Sheila Dixon will deliver the keynote address "Charles Street: A World Class Main Street." Engine Performance will present the "Charles Street Branding Initiative" sharing valuable findings from their research on what Charles Street has always been and remains today, uniquely Baltimore. You will learn what exciting plans for our area are next, and how you can benefit. If you would like to attend please call: 410-332-4144 or email robin@charlesstreet.net. My Sister's Place Women's Center - The Women's Center at 17 West Franklin is anticipated to be fully operational October 24, 2008. Although they have had a wonderful response from community partners, individuals and local businesses, they are still in great need of volunteers for their weekday breakfast and dinner meals. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jackie Reid at 410-261-6762 or jreid@cc-md.org.  Saratoga Street Update - The Baltimore City Department of Transportation is planning to make Streetscape improvements to Saratoga Street from Eutaw to Saint Paul Street. This much needed facelift to Saratoga Street will include new streetlights, curbs, sidewalks, trees, street furniture and a repaved road surface. The project was advertised for bids in mid September with submittals due to the city on October 5, 2008. As with earlier Streetscape projects, Downtown Partnership will work closely with the city and the successful bidder to ensure that information about the project is disseminated to property owners, businesses and the general public with the goal of keeping disruptions to a minimum. Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden - The Prayer Garden construction is proceeding on schedule and the dedication and blessing of the garden will take place on October 23, 2008 at 10 AM. The statue by Joe Sheppard has arrived from Italy. It will be set and shrouded until dedication day. The mural for the exposed Franklin Street garage wall has been approved and will be installed near the end of construction. The Mechanic Theater - The Baltimore Planning Commission voted unanimously to reject landmark status for the Morris A. Mechanic Theater, citing the protections offered by the urban renewal guidelines. One West Baltimore Street Associates, the owners of the building, did not support landmarking the theater due to a concern that it would make the city's review process longer. The current plan by Washington DC-based Shalom Barones for the Mechanic is a mixed-use development with ground-floor retail and a 30-story hotel and residential tower. Streetscape Project - Construction continues on the east side of the 1300 and 1400 blocks of North Charles Street with the installation of brick pavers. Work will also include the west side of the 1700 and 1800 blocks will the installation of the granite curb corners and brick pavers. In the next few weeks, new trees will be planted on the east side of Charles Street from Madison Street to North Avenue. Please contact Kristin Speaker at 410-659-7767 or Frank Culotta at 443-418-8805 for additional information. Façade Lighting Program - With the installation of new pedestrian lights on Charles Street from Madison Street to North Avenue, more property owners will be able to participate in BGE's Façade Lighting Program. This program allows building owners to brighten up their building facades and highlight many of the wonderful architectural details on Charles Street. The façade lights attach to the pedestrian poles and light up the buildings without the need to attach lights to historic structures.  Examples of these lights can be seen at the Baltimore City Courthouse. For more information, please contact Kristin Speaker at 410-659-7767. FREE FALL BALTIMORE - Returns for an innovative 3 rd year through October 31, 2008. Right now Baltimore's vibrant cultural community is busy making plans to offer another full month of unique and free arts experiences for all to enjoy this month. Get ready to be inspired by musical performances, theater, film, workshops, dance, lectures, and museums - a showcase of all the best of Baltimore's creative community and all for free. Everyone is encouraged to continue enjoying free admission at The Baltimore Museum of Art and The Walters Art Museum. Both museums offer free admission all year long. For more information visit http://www.freefallbaltimore.com/ MISSION ACCOMPLISHED The HCSA is committed to being the driving force behind many of the key initiatives to improve our community and ensure the Charles Street district remains safe and vital. These initiatives include advocating and problem solving for the businesses along Charles Street, addressing issues related to safety and security and filling empty storefronts. One of the primary responsibilities of The Historic Charles Street Association is advocacy and problem solving on behalf of its members. We are pleased to report the following: Plans to enhance the Verizon red doors in the 300 block of North Charles Street with colorful graphic designs featuring Verizon Foundation's key initiatives is scheduled to begin this month. IN THE WORKS 1. In conversations with area restaurants to create a cafe environment in front of the Verizon building in the 300 block of North Charles Street. 2. On-going removal of overflowing trash in back alleys. 3. Meeting with local restaurant owners and the City to bring a valet program to Charles Street. 4. The HCSA's retail committee continues to address the number of empty storefronts along the Charles Street corridor and to bring new retail concepts to the area. What can we do for you? WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBER Cleo Communications - 18 W. Franklin Street MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Please join us in congratulating to Michael Haynie, HCSA president and managing director of the Tremont Suites Hotels, on his recent election as co-chair of the National Academy Foundation Baltimore High School's Advisory Board. Michael is a member of the school's Hospitality Committee and provides career training opportunities for NAF-Baltimore students through mentorships, internships and job shadowing. DID YOU KNOW? You can be updated on traffic information and road closures including Charles Street lane closures by going to http://www.getarounddowntown.com/.   REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITIES If you are interested in buying or selling commercial or investments properties, contact Byrnes & Associates: 410-528-1236 or email kempbyrnes@verizon.net If you have available retail space for lease, email Nan Rohrer, Downtown Partnership's Retail Development Director: nrohrer@dpob.org For information on residential properties for sale and residential units for rent, retail and office space for lease, visit: MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, LLC - http://www.mackenziecommercial.com/ Corridor Reznick LLC - http://www.corridorllc.com/ About The HCSA The mission of The Historic Charles Street Association is to make Charles Street a distinctive destination for visitors to the city and local residents through the support, retention, and promotion of commerce in our district. We are a tax-exempt charitable organization that serves businesses and property owners in the Charles Street district from the Inner Harbor to North Avenue who share our commitment to a unique and vibrant community. We are a devoted advocate for the betterment of The Historic Charles Street District and depend on the support of our members to continue to make an impact. For membership information please visit our website at www.charlesstreet.net Our members are always welcome to attend our monthly Executive Board Meetings which are held on the second Wednesday of every month at the Downtown Partnership, 217 N. Charles Street. If you are interested in attending, please email robin@charlesstreet.net Resources - (Who to call for what) Broken Glass on the street or sidewalk from Pratt Street to Centre Street - contact the Downtown Partnership (DPOB) at 410-244-1030. Above Centre Street - contact the Midtown Community Benefits District at 410-528-1512 City Services - 311 is Baltimore's new number to call for all city services. All calls to 311 go through a One Call Center, a 75-agent in-bound call and dispatch center manned 24 hours a day every day of the year. Exterior Building Signs or Banners - to begin the approval process for any exterior building sign or banner, a permit application needs to be filed at the permit counter, 417 E. Fayette Street, room 100. For more information call 410-396-3360 Facade Improvement Program - contact LaToya Staten (DPOB) at 410-244-1030 or lstaten@dpob.org Liquor Licenses - for assistance with all liquor license issues contact Bob Dengler (DPOB) at 410-605-0451 Malfunctioning Easy Park Meters - contact Robin Budish (HCSA) at 410-332-4144 Safety Escorts - anyone wishing to receive an escort while walking to their car or bus, or waiting for a taxi after dark should contact 410-244-8778 during business hours or 410-802.9631 after hours. Downtown Partnerships Public Safety Guides are available within the DMA District from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM seven days a week. Safety and Security Issues - for non-emergency situations in the Charles Street district, contact Deputy Major Joseph Conway at 410-396-2410 or email Joe.Conway@baltimorepolice.org Streetscaping above the monument - contact Kristin Speaker (CSDC) at 410-649-2052 The Homeless - for assistance with all issues regarding the homeless from Pratt Street to Centre Street contact Tom Yeager or Bertina Silver (DPOB) at 410-244-1030. Above Centre Street - contact the Midtown Community Benefits District at 410-528-1512 You are a valuable member of the HCSA and we welcome your input. Please send all comments and suggestions to: Robin Budish Executive Director p: 410-332-4144 fx: 410-332-4433 robin@charlesstreet.net