The official newsletter of The Historic Charles Street Association - Issue 55 EZ Park Meters Hours of Operation - Should they be extended? The EZ Parking Meters operate from the hours of 10am to 6pm. Do you feel these hours of operation are sufficient for your business operations? There is discussion by the Baltimore City Parking Authority that merchants could possibly be better served if the hours are extended to 8pm.  Some people make the argument that residential cars are parking for the evening starting at 6pm, thus compromising business activity.  Please tell us what you think so we can communicate your needs and thoughts to the Parking Authority.  Contact michele@charlesstreet.net, or call Michele at 410-332-4144. Streetscape Project Taking place in the latter part of July on Charles Street will be roadway base repair in the 800 and 900 blocks, and brick pavers installed in the 1200 block.  For more information, please contact Kristin Speaker at 410-659-7767. Need Help Obtaining Permits? HCSA is more than happy to advocate on behalf of its members to assist with business improvement activities.  For example, we recently submitted a letter of endorsement to the Liquor Board on behalf of a new member who was seeking expansion of their liquor license for their outdoor seating area.   Just give us a call and let us know how we can help you - 410-332-4144. Free Tours in our Own Back Yard! Thanks to The Baltimore Heritage Area, we can take neighborhood tours with office colleagues and friends led by professional tour guides.  Experience world-class architecture, museums, libraries, theaters and art.  Visit places frequented by authors, musicians, industrialists, and inventors that changed the nation and the world.  This is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of what we have in our own neighborhood.  Clients, friends visiting from out of town, or locals who want to play tourist would love it!  FREE.  A tour can even be customized.  For more information, contact us at 410-332-4144, or write michele@charlesstreet.net. Here Before You Know It . . . Restaurant Week scheduled for August 7 - 16.  For more information, visit http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com/ Charm City Circulator - Free and to be running by September, busses will hit stops about every 10 minutes.  Equipped with GPS messaging service, your cell phone will get a heads up when one is approaching!  For more information visit http://yournameyourride.com Restaurant Activity Sascha's Cafe 527, 527 N. Charles.  For diners who prefer to take advantage of a beautiful day and dine while watching people stroll by, a full-service menu is being served at the tables outdoors, which now includes alcoholic refreshments.   Neo Viccino, 1317 N. Charles, closed on July 3rd.  BUT, according to management at Jay's Restaurant Group, be on the lookout for a totally new concept at that location that has been in the works.  Something more social and comfortable . . . a sport's bar and restaurant perhaps.  We'll find out in the Fall! A Special Thanks to the folks at Mick O'Sheas for hosting the HCSA July Happy Hour!  The private room in the back was the perfect setting for our event, and a good time was had by all!  Please contact us if you'd like to be on our happy hour invitation list at 410-332-4144. 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/ 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 http://www.charlesstreet.net/ Resources  Who to call? Broken Glass on the street or sidewalk from Pratt Street to Centre Street - contact LaToya Staten at the Downtown Partnership (DPOB) at 410-244-1030, or lstaten@dpob.org. Above Centre Street - contact the Midtown Community Benefits District at 410-528-1512 City Services - 311 is Baltimore's 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 Michele Coiron (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 Avon Mackel at 410-396-2410 or email avon.mackel@baltimorepolice.org 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: Michele Coiron Executive Director p: 410-332-4144 michele@charlesstreet.net