NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PLANDonnell... · envision, and create recommendations for the study area. 1 The History of Canton Railroad Company: Artery of Baltimore’s Industrial

JUNE 2020

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PLANfor the communities of

BROENING MANOR, GRACELAND PARK, MEDFORD, AND O’DONNELL HEIGHTS

© DESIGN COLLECTIVE, INC.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY

CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

DESIGN COLLECTIVE

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS CURTIS ADAMSMichaels GroupSTEVEN CARTER BARNES O’Donnell Heights Tenant CouncilCASEY BRENTPresident - City on a Hill Improvement AssociationERICA COOKBoys and Girls Club MARY CLAIRE DAVISAHC Greater BaltimoreBRIDGET HOOPERO’Donnell Heights Property ManagerDOROTHY KIELIANEpic Church MemberRITA MULLALLYPrincipal - Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle SchoolSTEPHANIE PAPPASPrincipal - Holabird AcademySELWYN RAYJohns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center/ Health SystemEDIE SHUMANPresident - Graceland Park Improvement AssociationJEROME SMALLEYBlueprint RoboticsREVERAND STEPHEN THOMAS JR.Mt. Zion Baptist Church

INTRODUCTION � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8

EXISTING CONDITIONS � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 36

RECOMMENDATIONS � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 44

IMPLEMENTATION � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 80

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“In our industry, we know that community engagement and collaborative partnerships help sustain revitalization efforts. The Housing Authority of Baltimore City is fortunate to have a committed group of stakeholders investing in this united effort to bring the amenities of equitable and affordable housing to our residents. Thank you.”

JANET ABRAHAMS PRESIDENT/ CEOHOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYBaltimore City’s neighborhoods of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights were historically developed around industry as workforce housing in response to World War II. During this time, large manufacturing companies such as Bethlehem Steel, Martin Aircraft, Edgewood Arsenal, and the Broening Highway Chevrolet Assembly Plant were strategically located adjacent to the Port of Baltimore just north of the Patapsco River1. Following the war, Baltimore’s industrial landscape suffered a major decline leaving many of its supporting neighborhoods with the after effects of unemployment and population loss.

Over the last few decades, the study area has been affected by population loss, low educational attainment rates, lack of employment, housing instability, and increased crime. Physical conditions such as blight, large amounts of undeveloped or underutilized land, aging housing stock, and no active open space have also been challenges. While the neighborhoods have seen incremental investment and change, the community is in pursuit of establishing an implementation strategy for an improved built environment and social infrastructure that will sustain meaningful and long-term results.

In September of 2019, the consultant team led by Design Collective, Inc. (DCI) was engaged by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) and the City of Baltimore Department of Planning to develop a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. As part of the process, public input and feedback was critical to creating a community-supported vision for the neighborhoods of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights. Public participation ensured that the proposed recommendations address community concerns and ideas, foster an inclusive and transparent planning process, identify key opportunities and priority areas, and build momentum to move the plan towards implementation.

The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan is divided into five primary sections: Introduction, Existing Conditions, Community Engagement, Recommendations, and Implementation. The content throughout the document is intended to convey recommended standards. Graphics, renderings, and photographs are used to provide visual and textual examples of desired expectations to ensure development. These images are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to suggest a specific style or design.

In general, the Introduction and Analysis sections provide an overview of the project, the goals established by the process, and a summary of the study area conditions. The Introduction highlights the project location and the objectives and process. The Analysis provides a summary of the study area history, previous planning studies, and the physical, socioeconomic, and demographic conditions of the community. The analysis conducted, paired with the feedback documented in Community Engagement, helped to prioritize short and long-term opportunities that are defined in the Recommendations and Implementation sections of the document.

The Community Engagement process was extensive. At the outset of the project, a Steering Committee was established working with Council Member Cohen’s office, the City of Baltimore Department of Planning, and with input from community leaders to represent the neighborhoods, provide input and guidance on the design process, and advocate for the plan upon completion. A wide range of residents, community organizations, area businesses and institutions, and other key stakeholders were selected as liaisons for the project. The process included six Steering Committee meetings and two public workshops to effectively examine, envision, and create recommendations for the study area.

1 The History of Canton Railroad Company: Artery of Baltimore’s Industrial Heartland, GarySchlerf, 1996

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The Recommendations section is comprised of overarching Design Principles that guide area-wide Network Plans, Target Redevelopment Sites, and strategies for incorporating programs and services that are needed and desired throughout the Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights neighborhoods. The Network Plans help to establish an interconnected and coordinated approach for the revitalization strategies and inform the design of the Target Redevelopment Sites. The Target Redevelopment Sites focus on opportunities throughout the four neighborhoods that are vacant, undeveloped or underutilized. Each of these sites is well positioned for redevelopment and can support the community by incorporating a wide range of programs and services focused on safety, health, education and employment, transportation, environment, and unifying community.

The Implementation section includes an Action Matrix that identifies priority initiatives and describes a strategic approach to realizing the short and long-term vision for the four neighborhoods.

The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan is the culmination of the Steering Committee’s guidance and the community’s support to outline a compelling and unified vision. This document memorializes the process and community’s objectives and will be a living document that guides future investment and implementation. Continued engagement and oversight, building on the momentum of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, will ensure that the needs and values of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights are prioritized and executed over time.

INTRODUCTION

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Photo Credit: Moseley Architects


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Neighborhood Revitalization PlanDECEMBER 14, 2019

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INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEWThe neighborhoods of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights are located in southeast Baltimore approximately 3.75 miles east of Downtown. Adjacent to, and in the case of Graceland Park, extending over, the City-County line and conveniently positioned by I-95, the area has recently begun to attract a wide-range of large businesses. Despite its location and proximity to a wide-range of employment centers, the population of the Revitalization Area has declined due to the demolition of housing, an increase in vacancy and underutilized land, unkempt properties, blight, and an overall lack of investment that has led to unsafe living conditions.

In an effort to stabilize and provide opportunity for growth and future investment, HABC, the City of Baltimore Department of Planning, and the District 1 Council Office committed to creating a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan that identifies community concerns and opportunities and outlines a wide-range of phased recommendations for implementation.

PURPOSEThe purpose of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan is to create a vision in collaboration with the community for the reinvestment of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights within the city limits. The Plan is used as a tool, having assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the neighborhoods, to outline and emphasize priority opportunities and recommendations for implementation. This includes strategies for targeting redevelopment opportunities, transportation improvements,

open space initiatives, and needed programs and services. More specifically, the plan will help to guide redevelopment efforts for the future phases of the O’Donnell Heights public housing site and will be included in future 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) submissions. The document must meet both the state’s (MD-DHCD) revitalization plan criteria and the City of Baltimore Department of Planning managed plan procedures and guidelines for adoption.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVESSummarizing the community’s feedback and in collaboration with the Steering Committee, the following project goals were identified through the development of this Plan:

» Prioritize safety and accessibility

» Leverage undeveloped land for mixed-use development and active open space

» Attract neighborhood-serving commercial tenants

» Provide new housing and improve existing housing

» Encourage new and existing organizations to expand the programs and services offered; Ensure inclusivity

» Incorporate a variety of open spaces and recreational amenities

» Provide adequate sidewalks and biking facilities, particularly for routes to/from schools

» Establish bus routes that are convenient to nearby workplaces, services, and amenities

» Increase police presence at bus stops and for school arrivals/ departures

» Establish a stronger and more unified coalition of neighborhoods

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VISION STATEMENTA vision statement describes a community’s values and aspirations and identifies a shared image of its future aspirations. It should address all the unique aspects that make up a community, including language that responds to its social, cultural, and economic fabric.

In collaboration with the Steering Committee, the team reviewed the summary of visions collected throughout the public engagement

Process and established a list of important words that respond to these priorities, define the community, and describe the desires of its residents and stakeholders. These words were collectively organized into a single vision statement that provides a basis for all future initiatives implemented within the four-neighborhood study.

“Build on the diverse culture of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights to create a strong coalition of unified neighborhoods seeking wellness, safety, accessibility, and enhanced economic equity for all while welcoming quality redevelopment that benefits the community with a mix of uses and amenities.”

EXISTING CONDITIONS

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Existing Illustrative Plan highlighting the development and open space patterns that exist in the study area. A 1/2-mile walking radius (10-minute walk) is indicated on the plan for reference.

OVERVIEWBounded by Interstate 95 to the north and west, the City-County line to the east, and Cardiff and Holabird Avenues to the south, the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan comprises the four neighborhoods of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights. Located southeast of Canton and Greektown, the four neighborhoods are predominantly characterized by single-family attached and detached residential with some dispersed civic facilities. Large swaths of undeveloped land and cemeteries bisect the neighborhoods, creating additional challenges related to unkempt properties, public dumping, pedestrian connectivity, access, and safety. Non-residential uses are positioned primarily along I-95, Holabird Avenue, and Dundalk Avenue with large industrial uses south and west of the study area.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Existing site images showing former public housing sites/ undeveloped land in O’Donnell Heights (above), cemeteries (below - top), and typical single-family detached and attached housing (below - bottom).


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The army bought land from Canton Co. and developed Fort Holabird, a center for the Military Transportation2

O’Donnell Heights is built as a temporary shelter for wartime steel and aircraft workers

Years of disinvestment has led to community challenges

The National Guard intervenes and integrates O’Donnell Heights3

The GM’s Baltimore Assembly plant for the new Chevrolet and Fisher Body opened1

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HISTORY + TIMELINEThe community’s residential fabric was historically developed around industry. In 1942, O’Donnell Heights, spanning approximately 60 acres, was built with 900 units to support industrial workers during wartime efforts. During this time, large manufacturing companies such as Bethlehem Steel, Martin Aircraft, Edgewood Arsenal, and the Broening Highway Chevrolet Assembly Plant were strategically located adjacent to the Port of Baltimore just north of the Patapsco River1. Following World War II Baltimore’s industrial landscape suffered a major decline leaving many of its supporting neighborhoods with the after effects of

unemployment and population loss. In response to the population decline, O’Donnell Heights was converted to public housing.

Over the last several decades, the study area has been affected by continued loss of skilled blue collar jobs, low employment, high poverty rates, housing instability, and increased crime. Physical conditions such as blight, large amounts of undeveloped or underutilized land, aging housing stock, and high vacancy ultimately contributed to the loss of economic activity and renewal.

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SEND is bounded by the City/County line on the east and by Lombard Street on the north. The western boundary follows the railroadtracks from Lombard Street to Haven Street and continues south on Haven Street to O’Donnell Street. The southern boundary beginsat O’Donnell Street and continues along Ponca Street, Holabird Avenue and Broening Highway. The southern boundary continuesdown Broening Highway to the City/County line. The SEND cluster includes the Bayview community, Eastwood, Graceland Park,Greektown, O’Donnell Heights, Southeastern (referred to on City maps as Medford and Broening Manor) and St. Helena.

This cluster is also surrounded by major institutional and industrial development. The boundaries include major anchor institutions,such as the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and the Holabird Business Park. The western edge of the cluster is within theHolabird Industrial Park at the edge of Colgate Creek. It is adjacent to Dundalk Marine Terminal for the Port of Baltimore. There areindustrial uses all throughout the cluster, from the Port of Baltimore to the northern edge of the cluster at Lombard Street, and includesuch facilities as the U.S. Customs inspections station.

Besides having major institutions and industry in the area,all of the neighborhoods have well-established neighborhood associations:

♦ Bayview Community Association♦ Dundalk Avenue Area Residents Together (DAART)♦ Eastwood Community Civic Association♦ Graceland Park Improvement Association, Inc.♦ Greektown Community Development Corporation♦ O’Donnell Heights Tenant Council♦ Saint Helena Community Association♦ Southeastern Improvement Association

When the City’s SNAP program was announced, severalcommunity leaders invited representatives from the various neighborhoodassociations to a meeting to ascertain if there was interest in applying to

Plan Overview

Cluster Profile

596 public housing units demolished in O’Donnell Heights

Ribbon cutting ceremony for Phase 1A of Key’s Pointe Residences

Neighborhood Revitalization Plan developed

Phase 1B of Key’s Pointe Residences is completed

Construction for two new K-8 schools completed

Southeast Neighborhoods Development Plan is created for the southeastern neighborhoods

Key’s Pointe Residences Concept Master Plan developed

Concept Plans developed for two new K-8 schools

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For years, Baltimore City, the State of Maryland, and the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) have been seeking to replace the outdated public housing complex of O’Donnell Heights to spur investment and growth and up-to-date housing. In 2004, demolition was started on the property with 100 units razed. In 2007, demolition was started on an additional 496 units. an additional 74 units were removed in 2018 due to stormwater issues, groundwater infiltration, and costly repairs beyond routine maintenance. The joint development team of The Michaels Development Company and Greater Baltimore AHC was selected by HABC in 2010 to lead the redevelopment project, known as Key’s Pointe. Key’s Pointe Phase 1A residential and accompanying infrastructure improvements

were completed in 2014 with 76 units. Phase 1B was finished in 2018 with 68 units. Today, 230 public housing units remain with future plans for demolition and redevelopment under review. The incremental improvements that have been made within the study area as well as easy truck access have influenced economic opportunities and brought about a resurgence of industry to the area. Large businesses such as Amazon, FedEx, and Blueprint Robotics have strategically positioned themselves adjacent to I-95 and the Port of Baltimore. Public investments have also been made to streetscape improvements along Dundalk Avenue and the rebuilding of two new schools for Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School and Holabird Academy.

1 The History of Canton Railroad Company: Artery of Baltimore’s Industrial Heartland, GarySchlerf, 19962 Library of Congress Online Catalog3 The Baltimore Sun

Baltimorefuture.blogspot.com

Robert Breck Chapman (RBC) Collection

Getty Images - Bob Sacha

Newswire

The Baltimore Sun

Grimm and Parker

Grimm and Parker

Moseley Architects

Over the years, a number of investments have been made in and directly outside of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan area. These projects include:

1. REPLACEMENT/ NEW CONSTRUCTION OF TWO K-8 SCHOOLS: GRACELAND PARK ELEMENTARY/ MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HOLABIRD ACADEMY$74.9MThe construction of the city’s first two zero energy schools located within three city blocks of each other will focus on project-based learning, sustainability, and energy-conscious design for urban environments. With identical footprints, the school’s academic programs feature a wide range of shared, collaborative learning spaces by grade. The schools will be equipped with student gardens, outdoor classrooms, rooftop solar labs, and vegetative roofs that further push innovation while intertwining sustainable concepts in education – staying true to their mission to nurture, engage, and empower the whole child for life-long excellence. Both are set to be complete by summer of 2020.

2. KEY’S POINTE PHASE 1$30.5MCompleted in two phases, 2014 and 2018, the project consists of 144 affordable, single-family townhouses and stacked apartments. The property includes a new playground with splash pad, and a computer room. The Green Communities-certified project also provides long-term environmental features, including landscaped micro bio-retention facilities to effectively manage storm water runoffs.

3. DUNDALK AVENUE$21MCompleted in 2015, Dundalk Avenue roadway reconstruction and streetscape improvements included the replacement of utilities, geometric improvements, new signals and street lights, ornamental pedestrian lights, ADA compliant sidewalks and pedestrian ramps, drainage improvements, and new hardscape and landscape elements.

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4. YARD 56$77M (PHASE 1)A 20-acre, 2.2 million square foot mixed-use project that started to open in May of 2020. The first phase consists of a 106,000 square foot, single story retail center including a full service fitness club, upscale grocery store and retail and restaurant space. The grocery store is set to open in the fall of 2020. Plans for Phase II include a variety of office spaces, residential units, and more retail stores. A potential hotel is planned for Phase III.

5. COMPARE FOODSUNKNOWNProjected to open by June/ July 2020, the Compare Foods will be replacing the Shoppers in Anchor Square just north of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan area. The store will be selling more than 50,000 grocery items and features a seafood department, deli, hot bar buffet, prepared food area and a bakery with all products produced daily and fresh.

6. PORT 95 INDUSTRIAL PARK AND HOLABIRD BUSINESS PARK$100M+Since 2014, large businesses such as Amazon, Johns Hopkins, FedEx, Blueprint Robotics, and Berry Plastics have started to lease and/or construct large-format warehouse spaces with close proximity to the Port of Baltimore and I-95.

7. RENOVATION AND ADDITION TO THE JOHN RUHRAH ELEMENTARY/ MIDDLE SCHOOL$45MThe John Ruhrah Elementary/Middle School project involves a renovation and addition. As a part of Baltimore’s 21st Century School Buildings program, the new facility will go beyond a traditional school by providing greater opportunities for local students, create jobs and resources for families, and help revitalize the surrounding neighborhood.

8. PATTERSON HIGH SCHOOL & CLAREMONT MIDDLE/ HIGH SCHOOL$95MThe co-location of the Patterson Park High School and Claremont Middle/ High School will be on the existing Patterson High School site. The project includes a new 3-story building designed to be LEED silver certified. The original building will be demolished with additional site upgrades to parking lots and recreation fields.

9. BROENING HIGHWAY OVER COLGATE CREEK$28.8MThe project included a replacement of the Broening Highway bridge across Colgate Creek and streetscape improvements along Broening Highway and Holabird Avenue. Road resurfacing, upgraded lighting, landscaping, sidewalk improvements, and traffic calming were all key components that were integrated.

10. COLGATE CREEK PUMPING STATION$435KImprovements to the citywide stormwater management at the Colgate Creek Pumping Station.

11. SEWER SYSTEM REHABILITATION PROGRAM - DUNDALK SEWERSHED$9.6MEvaluation, repair, and replacement of the wastewater collection and conveyance system for the Dundalk sewershed.

Photo Credit: Baltimore Magazine

Photo Credit: Chesapeake Real Estate Group

Photo Credit: Maryland Stadium Authority

Photo Credit: CBS Baltimore

Photo Credit: Skanska


Southeastern Neighborhoods Development

April 2005

A public planning study was completed for the neighborhoods of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights. To build on the work of this study, the team reviewed its findings. The major goals and objectives of this study is summarized below.

SOUTHEAST NEIGHBORHOODS DEVELOPMENT (SEND) In 2002, the Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan (SNAP) Program was established to create plans for targeted neighborhoods throughout the City of Baltimore. These plans were to build on the existing area strengths through key partnerships, prioritization of key actions, strong public participation, and employing a comprehensive perspective.

The Southeast Neighborhoods Development (SEND) was selected in 2003 as one of six clusters to be studied by the SNAP initiative. Completed in April of 2005, SEND respected the City-County line and encompassed the neighborhoods of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights. It also extended to the north to Pulaski Highway, west to South Haven Street, and south to the Port of Baltimore.

SEND identified several program goals to guide strategies for improvement:

» Encourage neighborhoods to think beyond day-to-day issues and begin to visualize the community they wish to become in the future.

» Promote development of integrated goals to solve area-wide problems.

» Foster camaraderie between communities and celebrate diversity. (If the communities benefit from shared experiences there is less risk of duplicating efforts to resolve common issues.)

» A coordinated, collaborative plan expedites the achievement of projects that will be noticed by the residents and other stakeholders

From these area-wide goals, the community identified priority topics as a vision for 2012. The initiatives included:

» Eliminate drugs and prostitution from the area

» Ban truck routes along residential streets

» Revitalize O’Donnell Heights

» Create welcoming gateways into the neighborhoods

» Attract desirable businesses

» Establish a library/ community center

» Maintain a high-percentage of owner- occupied housing

» Diversify housing stock

» Celebrate diversity and be known as the place where people want to live

Many of these goals remain unrealized and a top priority for the community today.

PREVIOUS PLANS & STUDIES

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Aerial image showing the Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND) plan boundary, encompassing the neighborhoods of Bayview, Broening Manor, Eastwood, Graceland Park, Greektown, Medford, O’Donnell Heights, and Santa Helena.

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FIGURE GROUNDThe development patterns in the study area are characterized by single-family attached (rowhouse/townhouse) residential lots scattered between cemeteries, civic buildings, and undeveloped land west of Dundalk Avenue. Small single-family detached residential lots are located primarily east of Dundalk Avenue. Commercial uses line Dundalk and Holabird Avenues. Larger, industrial and commercial footprints are located to the south within close proximity to the Port of Baltimore and along I-95.

ZONINGThe study area is primarily zoned as Residential Districts (R-3 through R-7) with cemeteries comprising large areas zoned as Open-Space Districts interspersed throughout. The Detached and Semi-Detached Residential District (R-3) is primarily located in Graceland Park. The Rowhouse and Multi-Family Residential Districts (R-5 through R-7) are located throughout the study area. Commercial Districts (C-2 through C-4) are located along I-95, Holabird Avenue, and Dundalk Avenue.

MAPPING ANALYSISThe physical characteristics of a site are important to understand and effectively support strategies for improving a community. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps were extracted and synthesized into a series of diagrams that were analyzed and refined through site reconnaissance. The comprehensive analysis that was conducted defined the physical framework and set the groundwork for the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan recommendations.

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OEN

ING

HW

Y

ELR

INO

ST

CH

AR

LOTT

E A

VE

GU

SR

YAN

ST

STE

ELTO

N A

VE

BO

NS

AL

ST

AN

GLE

SEA

ST

PU

MP

HR

EY S

T

IMLA

ST

MA

LVER

N A

VE

HOLABIRD AVE

CARDIFF AVE



BALT

IMO

RE C

ITY

BALT

IMO

RE C

OU

NTY

HolabirdAcademy

O’Donnell Heights

Community Center

Mt. Carmel Cemetery




O’Donnell Heights

BOSTON ST

BETHLEHEM AVE

SNYDER AVEMedford

Graceland Park

BroeningManor


HebrewCemetery


I-895

SHOPPERS

HOMEDEPOT

BJ’s

250 0 250 500 1000 feet N


EXISTING CONDITIONS - OWNERSHIP / RENTALS

A P A R T M E N T C O M P L E X

O W N E R S H I P

KEY

1/2 M I L E - 10 M I N U T E W A L K


R E N T A L


DU

NDALK AVE

O’DONNELL ST

I-95

BOSTON ST

DR

EW S

T

ELR

INO

WA

Y

BR

OEN

ING

HW

Y

ELR

INO

ST

CH

AR

LOTT

E A

VE

GU

SR

YAN

ST

STE

ELTO

N A

VE

BO

NS

AL

ST

AN

GLE

SEA

ST

PU

MP

HR

EY S

T

IMLA

ST

MA

LVER

N A

VE

HOLABIRD AVE

CARDIFF AVE



BALT

IMO

RE C

ITY

BALT

IMO

RE C

OU

NTY

HolabirdAcademy

O’Donnell Heights

Community Center

Mt. Carmel Cemetery




O’Donnell Heights

BOSTON ST

BETHLEHEM AVE

SNYDER AVEMedford

Graceland Park

BroeningManor


HebrewCemetery


I-895

SHOPPERS

HOMEDEPOT

BJ’s

250 0 250 500 1000 feet N


EXISTING CONDITIONS - INDUSTRIAL PRESENCE

1 23

4

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12

13 14 15

1718

20

19

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

29

28

16I N D U S T R I A L B U S I N E S S E S

I N T E R S T A T E H I G H W A Y - T R U C K R O U T E

R E S T R I C T E D R O U T E : N O T R U C K S 7 P M - 7 A M

L O C A L T R U C K R O U T E

T H R O U G H T R U C K R O U T E

KEY

1/2 M I L E - 10 M I N U T E W A L K



DU

NDALK AVE

O’DONNELL ST

I-95

BOSTON ST

DR

EW S

T

ELR

INO

WA

Y

BR

OEN

ING

HW

Y

ELR

INO

ST

CH

AR

LOTT

E A

VE

GU

SR

YAN

ST

STE

ELTO

N A

VE

BO

NS

AL

ST

AN

GLE

SEA

ST

PU

MP

HR

EY S

T

IMLA

ST

MA

LVER

N A

VE

HOLABIRD AVE

CARDIFF AVE



BALT

IMO

RE C

ITY

BALT

IMO

RE C

OU

NTY

HolabirdAcademy

O’Donnell Heights

Community Center

Mt. Carmel Cemetery




O’Donnell Heights

BOSTON ST

BETHLEHEM AVE

SNYDER AVEMedford

Graceland Park

BroeningManor


HebrewCemetery


I-895

SHOPPERS

HOMEDEPOT

BJ’s

250 0 250 500 1000 feet N


FOOD RETAILERSAccess to food retailers is limited. Most restaurants and convenience shops exist along Holabird Avenue with a few locations distributed along Dundalk Avenue and closer to I-95 in the Medford neighborhood. There is no grocery store within the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan boundary. BJs Wholesale Club is located west of I-95 just outside of the study area on Boston Street and requires paid membership. A Compare Foods is targeted to open by the end of March 2020 to the north of the study area along Kane Street. Yard 56, a new mixed-use development along Eastern Avenue is slated to have a grocery and to open by May of 2020.

OWNERSHIP/ RENTALBroening Manor and Medford have an even distribution of ownership and rental housing. Graceland Park has a higher percentage of ownership. O’Donnell Heights is fully rental due to the demolished and remaining public housing.

INDUSTRYA wide-range of large industrial and commercial businesses have invested in the area to the north and south within close proximity to I-95. Amazon, FedEx, and Blueprint Robotics are several example companies that are located to the south, providing opportunities for employment and encouraging investment in the area.


EXISTING CONDITIONS - OPEN SPACE & NATURAL FEATURES

T R E E C O V E R

C E M E T E R I E S

W A T E R

KEY

1/2 M I L E - 10 M I N U T E W A L K



PL AYGROUNDP G

P G

P G

P G

DU

NDALK AVE

O’DONNELL ST

I-95

BOSTON ST

DR

EW S

T

ELR

INO

WA

Y

BR

OEN

ING

HW

Y

ELR

INO

ST

CH

AR

LOTT

E A

VE

GU

SR

YAN

ST

STE

ELTO

N A

VE

BO

NS

AL

ST

AN

GLE

SEA

ST

PU

MP

HR

EY S

T

IMLA

ST

MA

LVER

N A

VE

HOLABIRD AVE

CARDIFF AVE



BALT

IMO

RE C

ITY

BALT

IMO

RE C

OU

NTY

HolabirdAcademy

O’Donnell Heights

Community Center

Mt. Carmel Cemetery




O’Donnell Heights

BOSTON ST

BETHLEHEM AVE

SNYDER AVEMedford

Graceland Park

BroeningManor


HebrewCemetery


I-895

SHOPPERS

HOMEDEPOT

BJ’s

250 0 250 500 1000 feet N


EXISTING CONDITIONS - TOPOGRAPHY

+20

+130

KEY

1/2 M I L E - 10 M I N U T E W A L K



DU

NDALK AVE

O’DONNELL ST

I-95

BOSTON ST

DR

EW S

T

ELR

INO

WA

Y

BR

OEN

ING

HW

Y

ELR

INO

ST

CH

AR

LOTT

E A

VE

GU

SR

YAN

ST

STE

ELTO

N A

VE

BO

NS

AL

ST

AN

GLE

SEA

ST

PU

MP

HR

EY S

T

IMLA

ST

MA

LVER

N A

VE

HOLABIRD AVE

CARDIFF AVE



BALT

IMO

RE C

ITY

BALT

IMO

RE C

OU

NTY

HolabirdAcademy

O’Donnell Heights

Community Center

Mt. Carmel Cemetery




O’Donnell Heights

BOSTON ST

BETHLEHEM AVE

SNYDER AVEMedford

Graceland Park

BroeningManor


HebrewCemetery


I-895

SHOPPERS

HOMEDEPOT

BJ’s

100ft

130ft

120f

t

250 0 250 500 1000 feet N


EXISTING CONDITIONS - STREET NETWORK

N E I G H B O R H O O D


INTERSTATE PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL

P R I N C I P A L A R T E R I A L

M I N O R A R T E R I A L

C O L L E C T O R

KEY

1/2 M I L E - 10 M I N U T E W A L K

S T R E E T C L A S S I F I C A T I O N S R E F E R E N C E T H E R O A D F U N C T I O N A L C L A S S I F I C A T I O N O F T H E B A L T I M O R E C I T Y D E P A R T M E N T O F T R A N S P O R T A T I O N


DU

NDALK AVE

O’DONNELL ST

BOSTON ST

DR

EW S

T

ELR

INO

WA

Y

BR

OEN

ING

HW

Y

ELR

INO

ST

CH

AR

LOTT

E A

VE

GU

SR

YAN

ST

STE

ELTO

N A

VE

BO

NS

AL

ST

AN

GLE

SEA

ST

PU

MP

HR

EY S

T

IMLA

ST

MA

LVER

N A

VE

HOLABIRD AVE

CARDIFF AVE



BALT

IMO

RE C

ITY

BALT

IMO

RE C

OU

NTY

HolabirdAcademy

O’Donnell Heights

Community Center

Mt. Carmel Cemetery




O’Donnell Heights

BOSTON ST

BETHLEHEM AVE

SNYDER AVEMedford

Graceland Park

BroeningManor


HebrewCemetery


I-895

SHOPPERS

HOMEDEPOT

BJ’s

I-95

250 0 250 500 1000 feet N


OPEN SPACEThe study area’s open space consists of numerous cemeteries and undeveloped land. Currently, there is virtually no dedicated public open space within the study area. There is one small public park space and playground at the Key’s Pointe Residences. Access to recreational facilities is limited to the Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School and Holabird Academy campuses and the Boys & Girls Club in the O’Donnell Heights Community Center.

TOPOGRAPHYThe topography of the study area is characterized by a high point located at the O’Donnell Heights Community Center with a natural ridgeline running along Drew Street with sloping grades running northeast and southwest. The study area topography provides opportunities to capture views to the east, west, and south.

STREET NETWORKThe study area is well connected to a range of arterials. Interstate 95 lines the north and west sides of the study boundary creating a physical barrier to and lack of visibility from adjacent city neighborhoods. Neighborhood streets are disconnected by undeveloped land, public housing development patterns, cemeteries, and the arterials of Dundalk and Holabird Avenues.

EXISTING CONDITIONS - SIDEWALKS + LIGHTING

V E H I C U L A R S T R E E T L I G H T

B U F F E R E D S I D E W A L K

P E D E S T R I A N S T R E E T L I G H T

N O S I D E W A L K

N O N - B U F F E R E D S I D E W A L K

KEY

1/2 M I L E - 10 M I N U T E W A L K



DU

NDALK AVE

O’DONNELL ST

I-95

BOSTON ST

DR

EW S

T

ELR

INO

WA

Y

BR

OEN

ING

HW

Y

ELR

INO

ST

CH

AR

LOTT

E A

VE

GU

SR

YAN

ST

STE

ELTO

N A

VE

BO

NS

AL

ST

AN

GLE

SEA

ST

PU

MP

HR

EY S

T

IMLA

ST

MA

LVER

N A

VE

HOLABIRD AVE

CARDIFF AVE



BALT

IMO

RE C

ITY

BALT

IMO

RE C

OU

NTY

HolabirdAcademy

O’Donnell Heights

Community Center

Mt. Carmel Cemetery




O’Donnell Heights

BOSTON ST

BETHLEHEM AVE

SNYDER AVEMedford

Graceland Park

BroeningManor


HebrewCemetery


I-895

SHOPPERS

HOMEDEPOT

BJ’s

250 0 250 500 1000 feet N


EXISTING CONDITIONS - BUS NETWORK

KEY

1/2 M I L E - 10 M I N U T E W A L K


B U S S T O P W I T H A M E N I T I E S & S H E L T E R

B U S S T O P W I T H P A R T I A L A M E N I T I E S

B U S S T O P N O A M E N I T I E S

I N T E R S T A T E B U S D E P O T

L O C A L 65 B U S R O U T E

L O C A L 63 B U S R O U T E

O R A N G E B U S R O U T E

B L U E B U S R O U T E

N A V Y B U S R O U T E

E X P R E S S B U S L I N K 160


DU

NDALK AVE

O’DONNELL ST

I-95

BOSTON ST

DR

EW S

T

ELR

INO

WA

Y

BR

OEN

ING

HW

Y

ELR

INO

ST

CH

AR

LOTT

E A

VE

GU

SR

YAN

ST

STE

ELTO

N A

VE

BO

NS

AL

ST

AN

GLE

SEA

ST

PU

MP

HR

EY S

T

IMLA

ST

MA

LVER

N A

VE

HOLABIRD AVE

CARDIFF AVE



BALT

IMO

RE C

ITY

BALT

IMO

RE C

OU

NTY

HolabirdAcademy

O’Donnell Heights

Community Center

Mt. Carmel Cemetery




O’Donnell Heights

BOSTON ST

BETHLEHEM AVE

SNYDER AVEMedford

Graceland Park

BroeningManor


HebrewCemetery


I-895

SHOPPERS

HOMEDEPOT

BJ’s

250 0 250 500 1000 feet N


EXISTING CONDITIONS - BICYCLE ACCESS

KEY

1/2 M I L E - 10 M I N U T E W A L K


P R O P O S E D O F F - R O A D T R A I L S

P R O P O S E D M I N O R R O U T E S

P R O P O S E D M A I N R O U T E S

M A I N R O U T E S

B I K E L A N E C L A S S I F I C A T I O N S A N D L O C A T I O N S R E F E R E N C E T H E 2015 B A L T I M O R E C I T Y B I K E M A S T E R P L A N


DU

NDALK AVE

O’DONNELL ST

I-95

BOSTON ST

DR

EW S

T

ELR

INO

WA

Y

BR

OEN

ING

HW

Y

ELR

INO

ST

CH

AR

LOTT

E A

VE

GU

SR

YAN

ST

STE

ELTO

N A

VE

BO

NS

AL

ST

AN

GLE

SEA

ST

PU

MP

HR

EY S

T

IMLA

ST

MA

LVER

N A

VE

HOLABIRD AVE

CARDIFF AVE



BALT

IMO

RE C

ITY

BALT

IMO

RE C

OU

NTY

HolabirdAcademy

O’Donnell Heights

Community Center

Mt. Carmel Cemetery




O’Donnell Heights

BOSTON ST

BETHLEHEM AVE

SNYDER AVEMedford

Graceland Park

BroeningManor


HebrewCemetery


I-895

SHOPPERS

HOMEDEPOT

BJ’s

250 0 250 500 1000 feet N


BUS NETWORKBus routes exist along I-95, Dundalk Avenue, Boston Street, and Holabird Avenue. CityLink Navy connecting Mondawmin Mall to Dundalk runs through the site along Boston Street and Dundalk Avenue. Most bus stops along these routes do not provide amenities or shelter. Dundalk Avenue is the exception, as bus stop amenities have been incorporated with the recent streetscape improvements.

BICYCLE NETWORKOn-street bike facilities have been added along Dundalk Avenue, Boston Street, and a portion of Gusryan Street from Cardiff Avenue to Boston Street. With the exception of the new facility on Gusryan Street, none of the bike facilities are physically protected from vehicle traffic. The 2015 Baltimore City Master Plan indicates proposed bike facilities along the remainder of Gusryan Street and Holabird Avenue.

SIDEWALK CONDITIONS + LIGHTINGNon-buffered sidewalks are prominent throughout O’Donnell Heights and Broening Manor. Buffered sidewalks exist primarily in Medford and Graceland Park. Vehicular-scale street lights are located along the major arterials. Pedestrian-scale street lights are more common in Medford and the Key’s Pointe Residences. Throughout the study area, such as at the intersection of Boston Street and Gusryan Street, there are pedestrian street lights that exist but are not operable.


DEMOGRAPHIC & SOCIOECONOMIC ANALYSISUnited States Census Data is taken every ten years and provides information regarding ancestry, educational attainment, income, language proficiency, migration, disability, employment, and housing characteristics. This information paired with the American Community Survey (ACS), a yearly survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, were analyzed and summarized to better understand the shifting demographics and socioeconomic conditions within the study boundary. The data findings helped to support and effectively determine project recommendations based on the current and projected needs of the community. The information gathered for the neighborhoods

of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights identifies a community that has experienced disinvestment and is in need of programs and services to provide stronger support to its residents. More specifically, the area suffers from a continuous decline in population, low educational attainment levels, high unemployment rates, and low median incomes.

The demographic and socioeconomic data was analyzed along with the input received from the community to better determine appropriate recommendations for the study area.

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PLANHousing Authority of Baltimore City

31

is the median age in the Revitalization Area. The population is made up of 47% males and

53% females.

34.6

Comparatively, Baltimore City’s Median Age is 35.3 Blac

k or

Af

rican

Am

eric

an

Alon

e

Whi

te

Alon

e

His

pani

c or

La

tino

Two

or M

ore

Race

s

Asia

n Al

one

Som

e O

ther

Ra

ce A

lone

Amer

ican

In

dian

and

Al

aska

Nat

ive

Alon

e

Nat

ive

Haw

aiia

n &

O

ther

Pac

ific

Isla

nder

Alo

ne

Age Race

POPULATION

The Revitalization Area is home to approximately 6,600 residents, or 1 percent of Baltimore’s population, with the median age of 34.6. The area is diverse with White, Hispanic, and African American residents.

+29%

+41%

+2% +1% +0.5%+0.5% +0%

+26%

Source: American Community Survey; Data.usa.io

POPULATION

The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Area is home to approximately 6,600 residents, or 1 percent of Baltimore’s population, with the median age of 34.6. The area has a diverse population with White, Hispanic, and African American residents.


31

The population has decreased in the last 15 years at twice the rate of Baltimore as a whole. 40% of the area’s population is under the age of 25.

POPULATION CHANGE + AGE

The

Revi

taliz

aito

n A

rea

Balti

mor

e

2010

2010

2017

2017

2000

2000

Mar

ylan

d

2010

2017

2000

5,773,552

620,961

7,154

6,042,718

619,796

6,600

Population Change 2010-2017 Age of Population 2017

<25 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+Age Age

Percent Percent

+39.5%

+15.3%

+12.4% +13.1%

+8.6% +7.4%

+3.9%

5,296,324

651,092

8,024

+4.66%

-1.19%

-7.74%

+9.01%

-4.63%

-10.84%



33

While equivalent to Baltimore in terms of High School, Some College and Associates Degree achievement, the Revitalization Area residents have half the attainment of High School and Bachelor Degrees or Higher.

EDUCATION

of residents in the Revitalization Area have a high school diploma

or higher

Residents have lower educational attainment levels compared to the city as a whole. 83.5 percent of Baltimore residents have a high

school diploma or higher. The national average is 89.6 percent.

69.5%

The Revitalization Area

Baltimore

Less than High School30% Revitalization Area / 15% Baltimore

High School or High School Equivalency

33% Revitalization Area / 30% Baltimore

Some College19% Revitalization Area / 20% Baltimore

Associates Degree 4% Revitalization Area / 5% Baltimore

Bachelors Degree or Higher 14% Revitalization Area / 30% Baltimore

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%


POPULATION CHANGE + AGE

EDUCATION

The population of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Area has decreased in the last 15 years at twice the rate of Baltimore as a whole. The area has approximately 2,500 households with a large percentage of householders between the ages of 25-64.

While equivalent to Baltimore in terms of High School Diploma and Some College and Associates Degree achievement, Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Area residents have half the attainment of High School and Bachelor Degrees or Higher.



35

The Revitalization Area has a slightly larger proportion of blue collar workers than the city as a whole. Unemployment is much higher than Baltimore as a whole at 11.3%.

Current unemployment rate of residents who live in the

Revitalization Area

The unemployment rate is considered high compared to the national average of 4% and is higher than the city as a whole

(6.3% unemployment).

11.3%

OCCUPATION

The Revitalization Area Baltimore

Blue Collar Service White Collar

45%

15%

40%

64%

16%

20%

Source: American Community Survey; Data.usa.io“White Collar” defined as work conducted in an office environment; “Blue Collar” defined as manual labor in fields such as transport, farming, construction, etc.; “Service” is defined as workers in retail, food service, hospitality, etc. that are related to providing a service.


37

The Revitalization Area has a higher percentage of homeowners, and less vacancies than the city as a whole.

HOUSING UNITS BY TENURE

11%of housing units are vacant

in the Revitalization Area

Comparatively, the vacancy in Baltimore is 18%.

Owner Occupied Renter Occupied Vacant

1,120

0

Hou

seho

lds

400

200

600

800

1,000

1,200

2017

1,183

289

11%46%43%

The Revitalization Area


OCCUPATION

HOUSING UNITS BY TENURE

The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Area has a higher percentage of homeowners, and less vacancies than the city as a whole.

The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Area has a notably larger proportion of blue collar workers than the city as a whole. Unemployment is much higher than Baltimore as a whole at 11.3%.


34

The Revitalization Area has approximately 2,500 households. The area has significantly lower median household incomes than the city has as a whole. However, the poverty rates are similar.

INCOME TRENDS

The Revitalization Area is comparable to the poverty rates in the city as a whole. 21 percent of households in the City of Baltimore

live below the poverty level.

of the Revitalization Area households

are below the poverty level

22%$46,641

Revitalization AreaBaltimore

$0

$10k

$20k

$30k

$40k

$50k

$60k

2017

Median Household Income

$36,136


Greater O’Donnell Heights Revitalization Plan 7

The majority of employed, neighborhood residents do not work in the Greater O’Donnell Heights Revitalization Area. Likely due to the

area’s proximity to downtown, over 2,100 people commute out of the neighborhood for work.

TRANSPORTATION

2,299People are employed

in the Greater O’Donnell Heights Revitalization Area

94%People commute out of the Greater O’Donnell Heights Revitalization Area. That is a total of approximately 2,164

people.

82.4% VEHICLES

10.6% PUBLICTRANSPORTATION

0.7% BICYCLES

2.1% WALK

2.1% of commuters use other means of transportation;

2.1% of commuters work from home

Means of Transportation

Source: American Community Survey

CONFIRM

INCOME TRENDS

TRANSPORTATION

The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Area has significantly lower median household incomes than the city has as a whole. However, the poverty rates are similar.

The majority of employed, neighborhood residents do not work in the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Area. Likely due to the area’s proximity to downtown, over 2,100 people commute out of the neighborhood for work.


CRIME STATISTICS

Broening Manor + Medford 412 150 562 73.31% 26.69%Graceland Park 0 0 0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!O'Donnell Heights 325 53 378 85.98% 14.02%Total 737 203 940 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!

Broening Manor + Medford 754 152 906 83.22% 16.78%Graceland Park 0 0 0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!O'Donnell Heights 345 80 425 81.18% 18.82%Total 1099 232 1331 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!

Broening Manor + Medford 676 146 822 82.24% 17.76%Graceland Park * 62 32 94 65.96% 34.04%O'Donnell Heights 211 80 291 72.51% 27.49%Total 887 258 1207 73.49% 21.38%

Non-Violent Incidents (%)

Baltimore Police Department -Call for Service Report 2018

Neighborhood(s)Non-Violent Crime

Incidents

Neighborhood(s) Non-Violent CrimeViolent Crime

IncidentsViolent

Incidents (%)


Violent Incidents (%)

TOTAL INCIDENTS

TOTAL INCIDENTS

Non-Violent Incidents (%)

Violent Crime Incidents


Neighborhood(s)Non-Violent Crime

IncidentsViolent Crime

IncidentsTOTAL

INCIDENTSNon-Violent Incidents (%)

Violent Incidents (%)

Unlawful activities, specifically violent crime, can have a lasting impact on people’s health and development and greatly influence the communities they are a part of. Neighborhood characteristics related to poverty, segregation, job access, immigration, residential instability, land use and the built environment, neighborhood change, and the location of housing assistance are all contributing factors. Communities with a high concentration of low-income populations and racial and ethnic minorities have historically been disproportionately affected.

Through site visits, analysis of the demographics and socioeconomic conditions, and discussions with Baltimore City Police and the community it is evident that the study area is challenged by a number of these attributes which has led to a cycle of crime and disinvestment. The synthesis of this information is critical in order to identify appropriate strategies for investing in and improving neighborhood health and safety.

The following is a summary of the crime statistics for each neighborhood based on the number of incidents received by the Baltimore City Police Department for the year 2019. The incidents have been categorized as Non-Violent and Violent Crime. Violent Crime is considered murder, rape, sexual assault, robbery, and assault per the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). Non-Violent is considered all other incidents excluding car stops, automobile accidents, towed vehicles, recovered car or property, parking complaints, fire, sanitation concerns, and unfounded or accidental incidents.

Data for Broening Manor, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights is provided by the Baltimore City Police Department based on number of incidents logged in a Calls for Service Report. The data provided for Graceland Park is not based on a Calls for Service Report. It is a condensed set of information received from the Baltimore City Police Department and only includes total number of incidents pertaining to shootings, rape, commercial robberies, highway robberies, aggravated assaults, commercial burglaries, residential burglaries, stolen auto, larceny from auto.

Taking into consideration that the data for Graceland Park is not complete, of the four study-area neighborhoods, O’Donnell Heights has the highest percentage of Violent Crime with approximately 28% of all incidents reported as violent. Broening Manor and Medford combined have almost three times the number of incidents as O’Donnell Heights, but the incidents amount to approximately 18% violent. Most of the violent incidents involved assault. Most of the non-violent incidents involved disorderly persons and family disturbance.

In 2019, Baltimore City reported 348 homicides. Out of these homicides, 7 occurred within the study boundary with over 50% as shootings. With 1% of the city’s population, the study area has experienced a disproportionate share of the murders (at 2% or double what may be anticipated).

EXISTING CONDITIONS - ILLUSTRATIVE


C E M E T E R I E S

KEY

1/2 M I L E - 10 M I N U T E W A L K



O P E N S P A C E

DU

NDALK AVE

O’DONNELL ST

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CRIME HOT SPOTSViolent crime in the study area has been identified as often occurring in a small number of “hot spots”, either specific street intersections or segments of blocks. Below is a map that highlights the areas identified by the community where most incidents occur. The Baltimore City Police Department routinely provides “hot spot checks” to visit these targeted sites. In 2019, the Baltimore City Police Department provided 1,285 checks for O’Donnell Heights and 108 checks for the neighborhoods of Broening Manor and Medford.


COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

36 | COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | 37


“We need to show our youth that they are worth so much more...They are our future.”

COMMUNITY MEMBER PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2, FEBRUARY 8, 2020

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

PROJECTKICK-OFF MEETING

SEPT 9, 2019

STEERING COMMITTEEMEETING #1

NOV 13, 2019


DEC 3


JAN 14


FEB 4


MARCH 3


MAY 12

PW#1

PW#2

PUBLIC

POST

MAY 15-29

PHASE 1: BACKGROUND, DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSISCollect and document existing neighborhood conditions,

analyze previous plans, and collect stakeholder input. Meet with appropriate City agencies.

PHASE 2: PLAN OPTIONS, EVALUATION, AND DRAFT REVITALIZATION PLAN

Explore community concerns, issues, opportunities, ideas and confirm a preferred and supportable neighborhood revitalization strategy

PHASE 3: FINAL NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PLAN REPORTComplete the final revitalization plan report, including: existing conditions,

background data, goals, strategies, recommended action steps, supporting narrative, tables, illustrations/exhibits

OVERVIEWPublic input and feedback were critical to creating a community-supported vision for the neighborhoods of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights. Public participation helps to ensure that the proposed recommendations address community concerns and ideas, foster an inclusive and transparent planning process, identify key opportunities and priority areas, and build momentum to move the plan towards implementation.

The community engagement process spanned approximately nine months and was structured on a series of five Steering Committee Meetings and three Public Workshops to effectively envision, examine, and finalize recommendations for the study area. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the third Public Workshop was replaced with a sixth Steering Committee Meeting and a 2-week online posting of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan for public review and comment.

SEPTEMBER 2019 OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY 2020


STEERING COMMITTEEThe Steering Committee was established working with Council Member Cohen’s office, the City of Baltimore Department of Planning, HABC, and with input from community leaders at the onset of the project to provide guidance on all aspects of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and act as a sounding board throughout the process. The Steering Committee consisted of neighborhood residents and key stakeholders including residents, community organization directors, faith leaders, business owners, agency representatives, and developers, with representation from all four neighborhoods.

PUBLIC WORKSHOPSOn December 14, 2019, Public Workshop #1 was hosted at the O’Donnell Heights Community Center to provide a project overview and begin the public engagement process. Attendees had the opportunity to meet members of the project team, review analysis information, and share their thoughts and desires in a collaborative discussion.

On February 8, 2020, the team hosted Public Workshop #2, an open house at the O’Donnell Heights Community Center, to present draft Neighborhood Revitalization Plan recommendations to the community. The team facilitated five stations focused on Project Overview, Development, Transportation, Open Space, and Programs/ Services. Attendees had the opportunity to review and provide their feedback regarding target redevelopment sites, proposed streetscape and intersection improvements, desired open space amenities, and the programs and services that are needed and should be prioritized in the community.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Workshop #3 was canceled. The final draft of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan was presented to the Steering Committee on May 12, 2020 through a virtual meeting. The document was then publicly posted online for two weeks to City of Baltimore Department of Planning’s Public Comment Portal. This digital outreach platform provided the opportunity to gather final feedback, promote dialogue, and ensure that the recommendations outlined were supported by the greater community prior to submitting to Planning Commission for approval.

Photographs of the community engagement process taken at Public Workshop #1 (top-left) and Public Workshop #2 (bottom). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Workshop #3 was canceled. The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan was posted online for final comment. The community was notified through the use of social media and distribution of flyers at a COVID-19 response event (top-right).

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PLANPrecedent Studies

PR

OG

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+ SER

VIC

ES

Police HUB

Home or Business Counseling

Safe Paths to School

Health and Rehabilitation

Intergenerational Care Center

Jobs Training Fresh Food for Local Retailers

Homeless Support

Farm to School

Mobile Health Clinic

Supplemented TransportationNeighborhood Watch


PAR

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& O

PEN

SPA

CE

Integrated Stormwater

Event Space

Open Lawn

Pocket Park

Plaza Community Gardens

Recreation Space Sports Field

Playground

Dog Park

Interactive Water Feature

Outdoor Classrooms


AM

ENITIES

& A

CTIV

ITIES

Farmer’s Market

Outdoor Movie Night

Food Truck Events

Recreational TrailsCultural Events

Passive RecreationYoga in the Park

Historic + Cultural Monuments

Art + Music Festivals Temporary Uses (Pop-Up Shop)

Street Festivals

Interactive Art

7

METHODS + TOOLSPublic processes should be strategic, disciplined, and effective, resulting in strong public support. It is important to listen intently, help to guide and educate stakeholders, share quantifiable data, and identify solutions collaboratively that provide realistic and desired recommendations. Tailoring a process with a set of methods, during appropriate times of day, and convenient locations unique to the needs of a specific project is critical to achieving successful public participation outcomes.

The team employed a range of highly-interactive engagement methods and tools for gathering stakeholder feedback and building consensus, throughout the planning process. Through the use of precedent imagery, case studies, physical models of the site, small group discussions, and break-out question and answer stations, the team was able to gather a range of feedback that greatly informed the project recommendations.

Photographs of the specific methods and tools used to gather information from the community during Public Workshop #2. Model pieces were used to understand desired facilities for the Central Community Park (above-top). Needed programs and services were prioritized by the community by topic: Community, Health, Education + Employment, Safety, Transportation, and Environment (above - bottom).

Precedent images were used during Public Workshop #1 to better understand the amenities and services desired by the community (above). The highlighted images are those that should be prioritized.


SUMMARY OF FEEDBACKThroughout the community engagement process, feedback was collected and summarized based on the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of the area. Strengths are the assets that the community can build on as it works to revitalize the area. Weaknesses are the issues, concerns, or perceived threats of a community that need to be addressed and/ or improved. Opportunities are ultimately what inform the project recommendations and the overarching vision of the community.

STRENGTHS » Access to major arterials (I-95)

» Attractive location for businesses; Nearby employment centers (City Center, Bayview Medical Center, Port of Baltimore, etc.)

» Quality and diverse housing choices

» Low-density character and scale

» Beauty of area and views

» Low vacancy rates

» Two new K-8 school facilities with public community space

» O’Donnell Heights Community Center

» Boys and Girls Club programs and services

» Diverse community

» Police presence

» City investment in rebuilding and rehabilitation

» Resilient community

OPPORTUNITIES » Prioritize safety, health and wellness,

and accessibility » Target undeveloped and

underutilized land for development » Redevelopment of O’Donnell Heights

public housing site as a mixed-use, mixed-income residential development

» Provide a range of new housing options and improve existing housing

» Attract neighborhood-serving businesses

» Incorporate open space and recreational amenities

» Provide adequate sidewalks and biking facilities

» Establish bus routes that are convenient to nearby services and amenities

» Expand the programs, services, and activities offered

» Establish a stronger and more unified community

WEAKNESSES / THREATS » Crime and safety

» Loitering

» Insufficient and inoperable lighting

» Barriers and gateways into the site are challenging

» Parks and active open spaces do not exist

» Pedestrian infrastructure is lacking; Safe and accessible routes to school is a priority

» Bus routes are not convenient; Access to services and amenities is limited

» Industrial interface with the community

» Public engagement is a challenge; The community is “exhausted”

Photo Credit: Grimm and Parker


Photo Credit: Toole Design Group Photo Credit: Workability UCPSAPhoto Credit: Lesley University

RECOMMENDATIONS

44 | RECOMMENDATIONS | 45


“We are a resilient community... we deserve to see our neighborhoods thrive.”

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING #2, FEBRUARY 8, 2020

RECOMMENDATIONS

To leverage previous planning efforts and effectively improve the neighborhoods of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights, a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan was created. At the onset of developing recommendations for the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, the team established a set of Design Principles to identify overarching, best practices for achieving a more successful and sustainable built environment. These principles have been targeted as essential design strategies to guide transportation, open space, development, and programmatic improvements that will support the community in the short and long term.

Using these Design Principles as a guide, the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan seeks to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use neighborhood, characterized by an architecture and scale of development that is sensitive and appropriate to the existing context. The physical Neighborhood Revitalization Plan incorporates a comprehensive design approach that establishes an interconnected network of streets, open spaces, and a diversity of new and revitalized housing stock. While some of the programs and services that are desired and needed to support a more livable and viable community are not apparent in the proposed site plan to the left, these recommended initiatives are critical to

the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and are indicated in the Implementation section of the document within the Action Matrix as short- and long-term strategies for the community.

The content outlined in the following section includes Network Plans and Target Redevelopment Site recommendations. All recommendations provide strategies that address key topics that are important to the community. These topics include: Community, Housing, Built Environment, Safety, Health and Wellness, Education and Employment, and Transportation.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states, cities, towns, and neighborhoods are reflecting on the impacts of the health crisis, assessing strategies to improve the built environment, and implementing safety measures to protect their people. The pandemic presents an opportunity for the neighborhoods of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights to adapt, to meet the needs of the community, and ensure the health and safety of its residents. All recommendations and implementation strategies outlined in this document should consider temporary and/or permanent interventions that respond to the pandemic related to suggested physical improvements and supportive programs and services.

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PLAN

MASTER PLAN

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DESIGN PRINCIPLES The Design Principles establish appropriate design criteria and influence future development improvements. These defining principles incorporate best practices and strategies for creating a lively, walkable, and cohesive mixed-use community. The guiding principles for the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan include:

BRIDGE BARRIERS AND ESTABLISH GATEWAYSProvide clear and safe pedestrian links across I-95 and major arterials to better connect to nearby neighborhoods, community amenities, and important destinations. Establish gateways to create a stronger sense of arrival, improved wayfinding, and to better promote community identity.

ELIMINATE VACANT, UNDEVELOPED, AND UNDERUTILIZED PROPERTIESPrioritize vacant, undeveloped, and underutilized land for redevelopment opportunities, including the rehabilitation of existing buildings, new development, and/ or open space improvements.

PROVIDE A RANGE OF HOUSING OPTIONS FOR ALL AGES/ DEMOGRAPHICSIncorporate mixed-income residential through a range of housing types to strengthen the neighborhood fabric and provide a variety of options for the community. Consider the range of demographics and incomes, proximity to services and amenities, and intended mix of rental and ownership.

INCORPORATE A MIX OF USESProvide a wide-range of uses to serve a mix of incomes within the local and broader community. These development opportunities should be walkable from all four neighborhoods, provide the amenities and services desired and needed by the community, and promote a healthier and more thriving lifestyle.

PROVIDE A VARIETY OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACESCreate an open space network that incorporates a variety of public open space types, categorized by a hierarchy, creating strong pedestrian connections, and offering a range of passive and active recreation opportunities.

INCORPORATE COMPLETE STREETS STRATEGIESIncorporate streetscape improvements that prioritize the needs of pedestrians (including those with mobility impairments), bicyclists, and transit users.

ESTABLISH A STRONGER IDENTITY AND CELEBRATE COMMUNITYCreate a strong sense of place that promotes social cohesion and community building.

Photo Credit: Beyond Walls

Photo Credit: Walk Indianapolis

Photo Credit: Belvedere Square


The Network Plans focus on transportation and open space improvements at an area-wide scale and ultimately inform the strategies for the Target Redevelopment Sites and implementation.

In an effort to reconnect the roadway infrastructure that was physically severed from surrounding communities, to create a more robust system of connectivity, and provide safe routes to school, streetscape improvements and targeted intersection improvements are proposed and strongly encouraged. Bus routes should be more efficient and effective to provide greater access to a wide range of services, amenities, and employment opportunities. Truck route improvements and enforcement should

be implemented to limit future conflicts with surrounding residential uses. The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan also recommends gateway signage and wayfinding strategies to create a stronger sense of community identity.

The physical network of infrastructure improvements focuses on a strong pedestrian framework that links buildings with new, revitalized public open spaces, promoting a safe, healthy, walkable, and accessible community for residents and visitors to enjoy.

NETWORK PLANS

Photo Credit: Toole Design Group

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BUS NETWORK

OPEN SPACE NETWORK

BICYCLE NETWORK

STREET NETWORK



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REVITALIzATION PLAN AREA

GUSRYAN STREET SECTIONDANVILLE STREET SECTION

TYPICAL TWO-WAY STREET SECTIONHOLABIRD STREET SECTION

BOSTON STREET SECTIONO’DONNELL STREET SECTIONDANVILLE STREET DETAIL PLANDUNDALk AND kANE DETAIL PLAN

STREET SECTION CUT

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STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTSStreetscape and intersection improvements are recommended throughout the Neighborhood Revitalization Area to promote the principles outlined in the Complete Streets Ordinance recently adopted by Baltimore City. The Complete Streets Ordinance ensures that all streets provide safe and convenient accommodation for potential users, prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. Complete Streets recognizes that crossing the street, walking to shops, cycling for recreation, or taking a bus to work are equally important to driving. The street sections and plans are conceptual in nature and should be meant to inform any future DOT improvements in accordance with the Complete Streets Ordinance.

The streetscape recommendations in the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan primarily focus on arterials that currently and are projected to have a high volume of pedestrian traffic, associated in part to students walking and/ or biking to school. These streets include O’Donnell Street, Boston Street, Gusryan Street, Danville Avenue, and Holabird Avenue. All of the streetscape improvements, excluding Holabird Avenue, maintain the existing curb-to-curb distance. The incorporation of bicycle facilities, curb bump-outs, buffered sidewalks,

integrated stormwater management, street trees, parallel parking, and operable lighting to promote safe, comfortable, and convenient access for all users was considered for all streets and should be for any future streetscape improvements.

Regarding bicycle facilities, on streets where the posted speed is 25 mph or less, the use of shared lanes is preferred. On streets where the posted speed is greater than 25 mph, bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, or shared-use paths should be used to accommodate safe bicycle movement. At 25 mph or less, bicyclists can safely travel with motor vehicles and “Share the Road” signage should be installed. Streets envisioned to have a maximum posted speed of 25 mph are intended to have shared lanes that accommodate both motor vehicles and bicycles. Alternatively sharrows may be considered.

Intersection improvements along Dundalk Avenue at Danville Avenue (East) and Kane Street prioritize safe routes to and from school. Specific recommendations include the incorporation of crosswalks, curb bump-outs, pedestrian refuge areas, handicap accessible curb ramps, and the potential for a HAWK crossing signal.

TRANSPORTATION NETWORK1. DUNDALK AVENUE AND KANE STREET INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS

2. DUNDALK AVENUE AND DANVILLE AVENUE (EAST) INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS

Dundalk & Kane Intersection ImprovementsDundalk & Kane Intersection - Existing Conditions

Dundalk & Danville Intersection ImprovementsDundalk & Danville Intersection - Existing Conditions

INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS

For Illustrative Purposes Only

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Neighborhood Revitalization PlanFEBRUARY 08, 2020





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Currently, the Dundalk Avenue and Kane Street intersection is challenged by large areas of underutilized surface parking and multiple curb cuts creating an unattractive gateway and not conducive environment for pedestrians. Identified by the community as a priority intersection, streetscape improvements to limit curb cuts, incorporate bike facilities, buffer sidewalks, and add lighting, and incorporate crosswalks is recommended. A traffic analysis study is also recommended to determine if the intersection at Kane Street and Dundalk Avenue should be modified to a T-intersection.

Currently, the Dundalk Avenue and Danville Avenue (East) intersection is primarily used by students accessing schools. While streetscape improvements have been made along the length of Dundalk Avenue, crosswalks have not been integrated at this intersection. To promote pedestrian safety and safe routes to schools, crosswalks and either a HAWK crossing signal or traffic signal are recommended. A traffic analysis study is recommended to determine if a traffic signal is warranted.



3. O’DONNELL STREET SECTION IMPROVEMENTS

O’Donnell Street - Proposed Improvements

O’Donnell Street -Existing Conditions

STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS


O’Donnell Street - Existing Photos

O’Donnell Street at Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School (Looking East)

O’Donnell Street at Bonsal Street (Looking East)O’Donnell Street at Interstate Avenue (Looking East)

6’5’ 6’10’ 10’17’-6’’ 17’-6’’ 4’3’ 5’ 5’ 5’4’5’

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Existing photographs of O’Donnell Street looking east at the Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School (top), typical residential/ cemetery frontage at Bonsal Street (bottom - left), and the China Bus Depot at I-95 (bottom - right).

O’Donnell Street is fronted primarily by cemeteries, sides of single-family attached homes, and Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School. Currently, the street right-of-way consists of two lanes of traffic with parallel parking on both sides. Sidewalks along the east side of the cartway are directly adjacent to the curb and not buffered. With students accessing this street daily, on-street bike facilities and buffered sidewalks are recommended to promote safer routes to school. Parallel parking will be removed on both sides to accommodate the proposed improvements. Where parking is most desired/ needed adjacent to the school, additional parking recommendations are suggested in the Action Matrix.

Typ. Typ.

Curb-to-Curb Dimension Curb-to-Curb Dimension

4. BOSTON STREET SECTION IMPROVEMENTS

5. GUSRYAN STREET SECTION IMPROVEMENTS

Boston StreetProposed Improvements

Gusryan Street - Proposed Improvements

Boston Street Existing Conditions

Gusryan Street - Existing Conditions



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For Illustrative Purposes OnlyFor Illustrative Purposes Only

Recent streetscape improvements have been made to Gusryan Street from Boston Street to Cardiff Avenue with the incorporation of on-street bike facilities. The remaining portions of Gusryan Street should extend these bike facilities along the west side. Along the east side, a continuous planting zone with curb bump-outs at intersections should be provided to appropriately buffer sidewalks, incorporate tree planting, maintain existing parallel parking, and slow traffic.

Recent streetscape improvements have been made to the length of Boston Street. The street consists of a median with two lanes of traffic and parallel parking and bike facilities on both sides. Sidewalks are directly adjacent to the curb. A shared-use path is desired at the sidewalk level along the north side of Boston Street. Parallel parking will need to be removed to accommodate the shared-use path. The shared-use path should be a minimum of 10 feet in place of the existing sidewalk. Curb bump-outs are recommended at the intersections along the south side of Boston Street to incorporate tree planters, maintain existing parallel parking, and slow traffic. While on-street bike lanes are currently being maintained along Boston Street, in the future there may be an opportunity to relocate these facilities to an off-road mixed-use trail as this would provide for improved pedestrian and cyclist safety while at the same time maintaining on-street parking.

Typ. Typ.


Typ. Typ.



6. DANVILLE AVENUE SECTION IMPROVEMENTS

7. TYPICAL TWO-WAY RESIDENTIAL STREET SECTION IMPROVEMENTSTypical One Way Residential(Brown St.) - Proposed Improvements

Typical Two Way Residential(Brown St.) - Existing Conditions

Danville Street -Existing Conditions

Danville Street -Proposed Improvements



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Danville Avenue is a typical one-way residential street with parallel parking on both sides. Since Danville Avenue provides direct access for students walking to school, a bike lane along the southern side is recommended in place of parallel parking. Tree planting along both sides is also strongly encouraged with curb bump-outs and ramps along the north side at intersections.

A typical two-way residential street consists of two lanes of traffic with parallel parking and sidewalks directly adjacent to the curb on both sides. Curb bump-outs to appropriately buffer sidewalks, incorporate tree planting, maintain existing parallel parking, and slow traffic should be integrated along both sides at intersections.

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Curb-to-Curb Dimension

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8. HOLABIRD AVENUE SECTION IMPROVEMENTSHolabird Street - Proposed Improvements



Holabird Street - Existing Conditions

Holabird Street - Existing Photos

Holabird Avenue at Elrino Street (Looking East)

Holabird Avenue at Pumphrey Street (Looking East)Holabird Avenue at Kane Street (Looking East)

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Holabird Street - Proposed Improvements



Holabird Street - Existing Conditions

Holabird Street - Existing Photos

Holabird Avenue at Elrino Street (Looking East)

Holabird Avenue at Pumphrey Street (Looking East)Holabird Avenue at Kane Street (Looking East)

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Holabird Avenue currently consists of five lanes with three lanes eastbound and two lanes westbound. Commercial front the northern side of the cartway with industrial along the south side. The street is challenged by numerous curb cuts along the commercial side and sidewalks that are not sufficient widths and directly adjacent to the curb.

Holabird Avenue has the opportunity to become a vibrant main street that supports the commercial uses that front along it. To create a more conducive environment, streetscape improvements should include limiting curb cuts along the northern side and consolidating five lanes of traffic to four lanes including a right-turn and left-turn lane. The streetscape should be rebuilt by adding a planted tree zone, curb bump-outs and ramps, pedestrian crossing with high-visibility crosswalks, street lights, and signage. On-street parallel parking should be located along the north side to support the existing and future businesses. A physical median in the turn lane at intersections should be considered.

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KEY PLAN Underpass Lighting Neighborhood Boundary

Overpass Signage Revitalization Plan Area

Neighborhood Signage 1/2 Mile - 10 Minute Walk

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GATEWAY + UNDERPASS IMPROVEMENTSThe study area is adjacent to I-95 creating barriers to movement and visibility along the north and west sides. Gateways into the community are defined by underpasses at Dundalk Avenue, Kane Street, O’Donnell Street, Boston Street, and Holabird Avenue. The underpass conditions do not provide a sense of arrival or safe experience for pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists. Currently, there is a lack of lighting and little to no buffer with sidewalks directly adjacent to the curb or non-existent.

To create a more compelling gateway into the community, a safe and more comfortable environment for all users, and to improve wayfinding for strong neighborhood identity, various improvements are recommended. Below is a key plan indicating appropriate strategies and specific locations for underpass lighting, overpass signage, and neighborhood signage and wayfinding. Precedent images are used to provide a visual representation and to illustrate the intended application of each strategy. They are not provided to suggest a specific style or design.

KEY PLAN Through Truck Route Restricted Truck Route 1/2 Mile - 10 Minute Walk Restricted Route: No trucks 7pm to 7am Neighborhood Boundary

Local Truck Route Revitalization Plan Area

TRAFFIC CALMING SOLUTIONS

DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE

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TRUCK ROUTE IMPROVEMENTSTruck traffic is common in the community due to the presence of the Port of Baltimore as well as large industrial and auto-oriented businesses located to the north, south, and west of the study area. Key access points to the community are the I-95 interchanges, with trucks making their way along Interstate Avenue to the various businesses they serve and the Travel Plaza directly west of Medford’s residential blocks. Based on community feedback, some truck drivers inappropriately use weight- and class-restricted neighborhood streets.

In an effort to reduce and enforce truck access, several strategies should be implemented. Comprehensive and consistent signage should

be located at and along streets that are closed to trucks that are not making local residential deliveries. Following traffic analysis and adequate performance confirmation, a road diet should be implemented along Holabird Avenue to reduce the number of travel lanes, limit high speeds, and improve safety for all users. Two-way street calming strategies, such as pinch points or chicanes, should be implemented at the western end of Boston Street to discourage continued access. General education, outreach, and enforcement by the Port of Baltimore, local businesses, and the Baltimore City Police Department should be facilitated to ensure truck use of designated roadways and facilities and to reduce truck use on restricted residential streets.


A simple diagram or map should be created and distributed by the Port of Baltimore and local businesses to ensure truck use is occurring along designated roadways and to provide appropriate routes to access the interstate system (left).

Photo Credit: The Lighting Practice

Photo Credit: Architects Magazine

Photo Credit: Pigtown Main Street Facebook

Photo Credit: Town of Woodstock Virginia


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The open space network should be functional, versatile, and sustainable. It should be built as a shared amenity that will support all four neighborhoods, complement the surrounding built environment, and establish a strong identity that serves the community.

The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan open space network suggests a strong pedestrian framework that links buildings with inviting public spaces, promotes a walkable and accessible community, and improves connectivity to adjacent parks, trails, schools, and neighborhoods. At the heart of the community will be the Central Park to support active and passive recreation, outdoor educational amenity space, and to provide opportunities to foster a

sense of neighborhood identity. In addition to the Central Park, a series of smaller, public open spaces will be developed to provide a variety of open space types, sizes, uses, and designs.

Each public open space should be thoughtfully designed to create a series of unique places that link to one another and surrounding destinations. Within the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, open space improvements will include a range of neighborhood greens, public plazas, linear greens, and a dog park. Each should be designed with safe, defensible space in mind. The network should offer a wide range of amenities and outdoor spaces for residents and visitors to gather and enjoy.

OPEN SPACE NETWORK


NEIGHBORHOOD GREENSNeighborhood Greens are typically 1/4-2 acres in size, are predominantly landscape, and feature a wide range of flexible spaces that can support passive and active recreation as well as neighborhood-organized events. They each should create a unique sense of place and have an individual, memorable character.

PLAZASPlazas are typically 1/8-1 acre in size, are predominantly hardscape, and have buildings minimally fronting one side. Plazas should be incorporated adjacent to commercial uses to ensure activation and serve as a hub for the community. Plazas promote opportunities for gathering and social interaction and may include outdoor dining, seasonal festivals, and farmers markets.

LINEAR GREENSSuch greens are typically 1/8-1 acre in size and elongated in one direction, are predominantly landscape, and have buildings minimally fronting one side, Linear Greens create visual interest and can help open views, promote pedestrian circulation, and can incorporate stormwater management and public art.

DOG PARKA meeting point for community residents and an off-leash play area for dogs. Dog Parks should be fairly flat sites; have accessible parking (potentially shared with nearby uses); provide water, shade, seating, and fencing; avoid conflicts with wildlife and sensitive habitats, and be buffered from existing residential to minimize impacts associated with noise and activity levels.


Photo Credit: Sasaki

Photo Credit: NNA Landscape Architecture

Photo Credit: Copley-Wolff

Photo Credit: Copley-Wolff

Photo Credit: Utah Daily HeraldPhoto Credit: OJB


TARGET REDEVELOPMENT AREASThe Target Redevelopment Sites are properties within each of the four neighborhoods that are well-positioned for growth and redevelopment based on location, current use, and surrounding development. For each Target Redevelopment Site, conceptual feasibility studies were produced based on the community’s visions. Each site is intended to act as a catalyst for economic development, driving continued revitalization efforts throughout the community, spurring additional public and private investment, and further enhancing the neighborhood’s livability and desirability. Each study is accompanied by precedent imagery, case studies, and recommended programs to support the human services that are needed to create a more livable community. The specific physical and programmatic recommendations are supported by the Action Matrix outlining key partners for implementation.

The Target Redevelopment Sites in the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan include:

1. O’Donnell Heights Neighborhood Redevelopment

2. Medford Health and Community Services3. Broening Manor Commercial Development4. Graceland Park Community Resource Center

and Gateway


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TARGET REDEVELOPMENT AREA


1. O’DONNELL HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD REDEVELOPMENTThe redevelopment plan for O’Donnell Heights has been designed as a mixed-use community that includes a range of civic, retail, flex space, and residential uses that will provide a mix of incomes and benefit the community. The proposed site design will be an extension of the Key’s Pointe Residences, building off of the existing street network and exemplifying the character found in traditional Baltimore neighborhoods. Walkable streets with sidewalks, open spaces, a network of connected blocks, and high-quality contextual architecture will restitch the neighborhood fabric and create an easily-accessible and desirable community.

At the primary intersection of Boston Street and Gusryan Street, a mixed-use node has been proposed to establish a central hub for the community and offer a range of services and amenities that benefit residents and visitors. To the west of this intersection is a three-story mixed-use building with ground-floor retail and community space. To the east is a commercial flex building offering opportunities for corner retail as well as a potential maker-space, shared workspace, or the like that supports educational programs and provides opportunities for creatives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.

At the heart of the redevelopment is a large Central Park that is tied into a broad open space network of smaller neighborhood parks, linear greens, and plazas that will serve the community and offer a range of active and passive recreation.

This redevelopment area will consist primarily of residential blocks providing a diversity of mixed-income housing options for O’Donnell Heights residents and new households. This area is envisioned to include a variety of townhouses and stacked flats, largely rental with the potential for market-rate, for-sale units. While the Key’s Pointe Phase 1 architecture included durable materials such as a high percentage of brick and metal porch roofs, these residential units seem a bit institutional

and foreign to traditional Baltimore neighborhoods. The residential for future phases of Key’s Pointe should be designed and importantly detailed to the reflect vernacular architectural character found in the surrounding community, including porches with free-standing and attached columns; full, proper trim; downspouts that are not attached to columns but to the house wall; and porch walking surfaces that are brick or similar. It is important that the cost per unit is not escalated from phase to phase (beyond typical inflation), but rather that a similar cost per unit is implemented with an ability for the developers to reallocate the cost (e.g, reduce the amount of face brick to improve the detailing). Below are precedent images that reflect the architectural character and style desired by the community.

Image of a two-story townhouse building (top). Image of a three-story multi-family building that incorporates ground floor retail (middle). Metro Heights in Mondawmin is an affordable housing multi-family building recently built in Baltimore City (bottom).

KEY PLAN

Neighborhood Park

Future Key’s Pointe Residences Development

Existing Key’s Pointe Residences Development

O’Donnell Heights Redevelopment Boundary

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The approximate location for the next phase of development for the Key’s Pointe Residences, Phase 2A, is identified in the plan.

The O’Donnell Heights redevelopment site consists of approximately 60 acres, including the recently built Key’s Pointe Residences (left - bottom). A majority of the site is undeveloped, with approximately 225 units of public housing remaining. The site is located between Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School and Holabird Academy and encompasses the O’Donnell Heights Community Center (seen in the top-left image).

Photo Credit: Merrill Gardens



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PERSPECTIVE AT BOSTON STREET AND GUSRYAN STREET (LOOKING NORTH) TOWARDS THE O’DONNELL HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CENTER



CENTRAL COMMUNITY PARKThe 5-acre Central Park will be a defining element and experience at the heart of the community. Situated at the core of the O’Donnell Heights neighborhood, the park is positioned adjacent to the O’Donnell Heights Community Center and centrally located to serve all four neighborhoods, midway between the two new K-8 schools.

The Central Park will be the primary open space and is envisioned to include a wide range of flexible spaces that can support passive and active recreation, much needed in the study area where virtually no public open space currently exists. Specific features include recreation fields, a flexible event lawn, a playground and play pods, a splash pad, and community gardens. The recreation fields, playground spaces, and splash pad are all amenities intended to encourage active play. The community gardens are planned at the northwest corner of the park, to promote access to and the availability of fresh produce to community residents. All are feature elements that will help to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for a wide range of residents.

Proximate to the mixed-use development proposed at the intersection of Boston Street and Gusryan Street, the southwestern corner of the Central Park will feature a hardscape plaza and potentially a small retail building to create strong visual connections to the open space. This corner of the park will act as an expansion of the adjacent commercial uses, sharing a synergy and attracting users.

Through the center of the open space is a Community Walk that will promote pedestrian connections between Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School and Holabird Academy and facilitate safe routes to school. The Community Walk will be a major thread through the site providing opportunities for a “learning landscape” where education space, ecology, and public amenity space coexist.

The Central Community Park concept plan emphasizes the importance of providing spaces for interaction, leisure, and recreation. It also takes into consideration how these spaces may directly affect the safety and comfort of its users. Park facilities are located around the perimeter of the park and along the Community Walk for greater sight-lines and surveillance. Programmed activities are encouraged during early morning and evenings to discourage unwanted activities. Sloping topography across the site is addressed through mass grading and the sculpting of the Community Walk. The use of large retaining walls are discouraged. Existing trees should be maintained if possible with a few new trees and primarily low-lying plantings to prevent the potential for dense tree canopies and lack of visibility. Pedestrian lighting and signage should be located around the perimeter of the park and at its core to increase the safety of the space and allow visitors to better orient themselves. Maintenance is also an important factor that can influence perceptions of the park and should be addressed through a maintenance plan.

The implementation of the Central Community Park is a high priority item for area residents and funding for this effort should take precedence. Funding for the Central Park will require partnerships between the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks (BCRP), the development team, and HABC and will require a coordinated funding outreach strategy (potentially involving grants and donations, to supplement BCRP’s CIP) and maintenance program. Initially, it is envisioned that the development of Key’s Pointe may support the grading, event lawn, and playground and BCRP the fields, however, it is important to note that no funding is secured to date. Park amenities may need to be constructed in phases based on funding availability.

“If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow. The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil.”

RACHEL CARSON THE SENSE OF WONDER, 1965

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A conceptual illustrative plan for the Central Community Park was produced indicating a range of spaces and programmatic elements to support the community (above). The park is centrally located between Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School and Holabird Academy creating strong and safe pedestrian connections between schools (left - left). It is recommended that Phase 1 of the Central Community Park includes perimeter streetscape, a flexible event lawn, a retail pavilion, a playground, and a splash pad (left-right).

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3. PLAYGROUND + PLAY SPACEPlay is essential for children to develop social, emotional, and mental skills. Play can also have a major positive impact on a child’s physical development. Playgrounds and play spaces are important to promoting health and wellness within the community. These spaces should be well buffered from the street and highly visible to ensure the safety of its users.

1. RETAIL PAVILIONA retail pavilion offers opportunities for a small food kiosk and restrooms to support a wide range of events programmed in the adjoining Event Lawn and within the greater extent of the park. While potentially modest (e.g., a re-purposed shipping container), the retail pavilion should be designed as a feature element of the park, acting as a gateway, and sharing a synergy with the adjacent commercial to the south.

2. FLEXIBLE EVENT LAWNThis open space is a manicured lawn buffered by landscaped edges and seating to create a more enclosed and protected space. A covered stage is located at the northeastern corner to support opportunities for performances. While the pavilion may be installed at a later date, the lawn and the supporting utility infrastructure should be implemented with Phase 2 of Key’s Pointe.


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6. COMMUNITY GARDENCommunity gardens contribute to a healthy lifestyle by providing fresh, safe, affordable foods. Encouraging community members to get involved, improve their health, and increase their understanding of wellness is also a contributing benefit. A community garden is also a space that promotes an awareness of the environment, social opportunities, and can build a sense of community.

7. COMMUNITY WALKThis central walkway or promenade provides safe routes to school connecting north to Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School and south to Holabird Academy. The Community Walk provides opportunities to integrate a sensory path, fitness circuit, and/or sculptural art related to the neighborhoods’ history and culture, as well as environmental educational signage. Further, this central walkway and the adjacent landscape help to mitigate the sloping topography to flatten the eastern portion of the park for recreation fields, without the use and cost of site walls.

8. EDUCATION + ENRICHMENT ZONESThe park offers a variety of spaces providing opportunities for education and enrichment programs. These spaces are intended to engage a variety of ages and community groups and support activities related to health and wellness, environment awareness, and education.

9. RECREATION FIELDSThe fields provide opportunities to host recreational leagues within the community. Located along the eastern edge of the park, two U10 fields have been located within one larger U12 field offering multiple recreation opportunities for a variety of age groups.

4. SPLASH PADA splash pad is a recreation space that provides opportunities for community enrichment and socialization. Like playgrounds, these spaces should be well buffered from the street and highly visible to ensure the safety of its users. During the summer months, a splash pad can provide affordable opportunities for the general public to cool down, play outside, and have fun.

5. LEARNING CIRCLEA gathering circle directly across from the O’Donnell Heights Community incorporating a lending library and offering passive space for visitors to congregate, learn, and exchange ideas. At the foot of the space is a large existing tree, the Giving Tree, providing shade and shelter.

Photo Credit: East York Chronicle Photo Credit: Studio 39 Photo Credit: CBA LA/ Ed Wonsek

Photo Credit: Workability UCPSAPhoto Credit: Center City District Photo Credit: Christian Phillips Photography

Photo Credit: Carter


AERIAL PERSPECTIVE (LOOKING NORTHWEST) TOWARDS THE O’DONNELL HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CENTER AT THE CENTRAL COMMUNITY PARK



Existing photo looking east along O’Donnell Street at the vacant China Bus Depot (above).

Precedent image of an Urgent Medical Care facility (above - left) and a Comprehensive Resource Center focused on health, education, employment, and enrichment programs (above - right)

2. MEDFORD HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICESAlong the western boundary of the Medford neighborhood are larger retail, industrial, and auto-oriented uses that are proximate to I-95. A majority of these parcels incorporate a significant amount of surface parking that is, for the most part, underutilized offering opportunities for development that can better serve the community. In place of the surface parking lot north of the Best Western Plus Hotel, an urgent medical center and pharmacy are envisioned to provide added medical amenities and support for area residents. Eye care and dental facilities have also been suggested as needed uses within the community and could also be appropriate in this location.

The former China Bus Depot in the northwest corner of the Medford neighborhood is a two-story building that appears fairly new and an ideal location for a gateway element along O’Donnell Street. If acquired, it too provides opportunities for reinvestment that would better service the surrounding community.

Precedent images of Amazon Go Grocery (top) and Amazon Fresh Pickup (bottom)

3. BROENING MANOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTA large, vacant, and undeveloped property currently exists along Broening Highway one block north of Holabird Avenue’s commercial main street. Building off of the retail amenities along Holabird Avenue, this site is well positioned for uses that require significant parking and provide the community access to fresh foods and essential household items. A small-format grocery and convenience store are ideal tenants for this location.

Considering the surrounding businesses that are located in the area, Amazon could be a strategic partner and potential investor in providing a commercial use that provides healthy and

affordable foods. Amazon Go Grocery expands Amazon’s offerings beyond Whole Foods’ 365 brand providing a wider range of products that are more reasonably priced. The new grocery model offers the convenience of quick shopping times and both mainstream brand and local, organic produce. Amazon Fresh Pickup offers a smaller-format location where grocery items ordered online can be picked up for greater efficiency and convenience. With ease of access to I-95, the site provides opportunities to capture a wider market as well as serve the neighborhoods’ residents.

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Photo Credit: HKS Inc.

Photo Credit: Seattle Times

Photo Credit: Forbes.com


4. GRACELAND PARK COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER AND GATEWAYDundalk Avenue is a primary arterial and one of the main gateways into the community. At the northern end of Dundalk Avenue is a library site that is directly east of Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School. Currently, this building operates as a maintenance and storage facility for the Enoch Pratt Library system. In this prominent location, long term, an alternate location should be found for this use to allow for a facility that better serves the community.

A new Community Resource Center that is tailored to adult programs and family support is recommended here. Services focused on adult literacy, employment placement, ESL support, and senior services could be integrated and are desired by the community. Renovation and reuse of the building is suggested with facade

improvements that may include new windows, awnings, lighting, and signage. Site modifications incorporating outdoor amenity space and landscaping are suggested to promote community gatherings and accommodate outdoor meeting space.

Adjacent to the proposed Community Resource Center is a shopping center at the corner of O’Donnell Street and Dundalk Avenue. Some of the buildings appear neglected, are vacant, and /or accommodate uses that do not support the desires of the community. As a larger site, the shopping center has the opportunity to integrate a new small-format grocery with adequate parking. In the short-term, enhancements should be made to building facades, signs and awnings, and the building frontage. Additionally, landscaping (in pots, planters, or planting beds), furniture, and fixtures should be incorporated to promote a more active, welcoming shopping experience.

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTERA precedent image of a contemporary civic space similar to the aesthetic and architectural style suggested for the Community Resource Center along Dundalk Avenue.

RETAIL / GROCERY An Aldi, a small-format grocery store approximately 18,000 square feet, is ideal for the community. This prototype can be accommodated in place of a portion of the existing retail at the shopping center along Dundalk Avenue.

FACADE IMPROVEMENTSExisting photograph showing the commercial facade of the shopping center along O’Donnell Street at Dundalk Avenue (top). Former Parts and Labor business in Baltimore City. A simple, one-story brick building, it is a precedent that highlights the opportunities for commercial facade improvements in the community. (bottom)

GATEWAY SIGNAGEPositioned at the northern end of Dundalk Avenue, welcoming residents and visitors, and providing a stronger sense of arrival for the community.

Photo Credit: What Comm Museum

Photo Credit: Aldi

Photo Credit: Malaya Signs

Photo Credit: Parts and Labor


PERSPECTIVE AT DUNDALK AVENUE (LOOKING SOUTHWEST) TOWARDS THE PROPOSED COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER


IMPLEMENTATION

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ACTION MATRIXThe Action Matrix outlines a strategic approach to realizing the vision for the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The Action Matrix identifies priority initiatives and implementation strategies based on the recommendations outlined in the Network Plans and Target Redevelopment Sites.

The implementation strategies (actions) listed within the Action Matrix are divided into two categories: short term (0-5 years) and long term (5+ years). Actions are prioritized in the appropriate time frame table with a narrative description and identified agency, organization, and/ or business responsible for its implementation.

Each of the actions is also associated with one of the major themes that were important to the community throughout the project’s process. These themes include: Community, Housing, Built Environment, Safety, Health and Wellness, Education and Employment, and Transportation.

The plan diagram to the left locates each of the actions that are site-specific. These actions are color coded to the appropriate time frame table. The actions that apply to or affect the full study area or are non-location specific are not shown on the diagram.

IMPLEMENTATION

COMMUNITYStrategies for creating quality communication and building established relationships to unify the neighborhoods and establish a strong community

HOUSINGOpportunities for attracting and sustaining housing investment for a range of incomes, ages, and physical challenges

HEALTH & WELLNESS Social benefits that support a person(s) well-being to create a positive, healthy, and thriving community

EDUCATION + EMPLOYMENTPrograms and services that promote positive change by cultivating educational opportunities and supporting professional development

SAFETYPublic safety initiatives that target a reduction in crime and ensure a more livable environment for the community

TRANSPORTATIONPolicies, strategies, and projects envisioned to strengthen the transportation network and promote a multi-modal environment

BUILT ENVIRONMENTBuilding and open space projects that support a mixed-use environment that promotes a wide range of amenities and activities that meet the needs of area residents


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SHORT TERM ACTIONS (To Be Completed Within 0-5 Years)# ACTION ASSIGNMENT/ PARTNERSHIPS DESCRIPTION REFERENCE1 Establish a Community Coalition » Dundalk Renaissance

» Baltimore City Department of Planning » Baltimore City DHCD - Community

Catalyst Grants

Establish a neighborhood-based, Community Coalition focused on revitalization efforts in Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights. The Community Coalition will help to improve communication between existing neighborhood organizations, associations, and CDCs and cultivate a stronger network.

The Community Coalition should be developed by the existing community groups and carry on the goals and vision statement of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Residents should represent a strong percentage of the board (with equal representation from each neighborhood) allowing for direct, grassroots participation in decision-making. The Community Coalition should also include representatives from area businesses, churches, institutions, and other key stakeholders. A brand should be created and adopted for recognition.

See the Introduction Section, pages 11-12 foradditional information

2 Develop a Community Website and Strengthen Social Media Platforms

» Newly-Formed CDC or Coalition Strengthen neighborhood communication by creating an online hub/ website for the CDC or Coalition (see above) establishing connections and the exchange of helpful information. Target specific audiences through social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor).

See the Recommendations Section, pages 48-49 for additional information

3 Public Safety » Baltimore City Police Department - Police and Youth Dialogue Circles and Police Commissioner’s Youth Advisory Board

» Neighborhood Watch » Amazon

The community, in partnership with the Baltimore City Police Department, should advocate for safer neighborhoods through improvements to the built environment and targeted initiatives to reduce crime. The community should prioritize signage, lighting, and the redevelopment of vacant and underutilized properties to support a more defensible community. Consider establishing a Neighborhood Watch so that residents are collaboratively working together to reduce crime. Continued partnerships with the Baltimore City Police Department are critical to building support and promoting positive relationships. The community should build on their relationship with the police department and take advantage of the programs they offer, such as Police and Youth Dialogue Circles and Police Commissioner’s Youth Advisory Board. The community should also consider camera surveillance as a tool to deter crime. Additionally, potential partnerships with Amazon and the police department are available to install Ring doorbell cameras at no cost to residents.

See the Existing Conditions Section, pages 34-35 for additional information

4 Integration of Crosswalks at Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School and Holabird Academy

» Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT)

In conjunction with the rebuilding of Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School and Holabird Academy and to promote pedestrian safety/ safe paths to school, high-visibility crosswalks should be incorporated across O’Donnell Street (at Gusryan Street, future Hornel Street, and Joplin Street), Cardiff Avenue (at Charlotte Avenue and Hornel Street), and Danville Avenue (at Charlotte Avenue and Imla Street).

5 Parking to Support Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School » Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) » Baltimore City Department of Planning

Incorporate additional parking (approximately 50 head-in spaces) along the north side of Hudson Street. Overflow parking can be accommodated along the east side of Joplin Street. The targeted properties are currently underutilized and owned by the City of Baltimore and Maryland Transportation Authority.

See the Recommendations Section, page 76 for additional information

6 Potential Future Rezoning » Baltimore City Department of Planning No rezoning is required for the recommended redevelopment, with the exception of commercial at the corner of Gusryan Street and Boston Street. Currently zoned Garden Rowhouse Residential District (R-6), the parcels indicated for mixed-use development at the northwest and northeast corners of the intersection should be changed to Neighborhood Business District (C-1) to allow for and encourage neighborhood serving commercial that is within walking distance of residential.


7 Development/ Construction of Key’s Pointe Phase 2 » The Michaels Organization » AHC Greater Baltimore » Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) » City of Baltimore Department of Planning » Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) » Baltimore City DHCD

The redevelopment of the former O’Donnell Heights public housing site starts with Phase 2 (vacant). Phase 2 should include a mix of housing, both rental and homeownership, to support a wide range of demographics and ages and to provide replacement housing for the O’Donnell Heights residents. Development to include streetscape improvements along Gusryan Street and Boston Street, new residential, and a flex/ mixed-use building at the corner of Boston and Gusryan Street. The investments to the Central Community Park listed below should be a public and private coordinated effort to encourage safe routes to school and set the stage for future investment. Recommended investments include: mass grading, perimeter streetscape (sidewalks, lighting, and trees), the Community Walk, and Splash Pad.



SHORT TERM ACTIONS (To Be Completed Within 0-5 Years)# ACTION ASSIGNMENT/ PARTNERSHIPS DESCRIPTION REFERENCE8 Maintenance and Upkeep of Existing Housing » Baltimore City DHCD

» Dundalk Renaissance Corporation - Senior Home Repair Program

Stabilize existing housing stock with programs to homeowners on a fixed income and elderly to maintain their homes


9 Streetscape Improvements along Gusryan Street » Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT)

» The Michaels Organization » AHC Greater Baltimore

In conjunction with the future phases of Key’s Pointe and to create a safer streetscape for pedestrians, install new sidewalks buffered by a planted tree zone, bump-outs at intersections, curb ramps, and pedestrian crossings with high-visibility crosswalks along Gusryan Street from Boston Street to O’Donnell Street. Include street lights and signage. Protected bike facility should be located on the western side of the right-of-way to build off of the recent streetscape improvements. On-street parallel parking should be located on the eastern side where feasible. A pedestrian crosswalk between the Central Community Park and O’Donnell Heights Community Center, along with additional speed tables to slow vehicle speeds, should be provided. Coordinate with property owners for any portions of these improvements that occur on private property.

See the Recommendations Section, page 55 forAdditional information

10 Intersection Improvements at Dundalk Avenue and Danville Street


Incorporate pedestrian-safety improvements at the intersection of Dundalk Avenue and Danville Avenue (East). Install new sidewalks and curb ramps at the corners of the intersection. Provide pedestrian crossings with high-visibility crosswalks across Dundalk Avenue and either HAWK signals or a traffic signal to promote pedestrian safety and allow adequate pedestrian crossing time. A traffic analysis study is recommended to determine if a traffic signal is warranted.

See the Recommendations Section, page 53 forAdditional information

11 Commercial Facade Improvements » Main Street America » Baltimore Development Corporation -

Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) » Dundalk Renaissance » Maryland DHCD

Encourage and incentivize exterior improvements to commercial uses along Dundalk Avenue and Holabird Avenue. Enhancements should be made to building facades, signs and awnings, and the building frontage. Additionally, landscaping (in pots, plants, or planting beds), furniture, and fixtures should be incorporated to promote a more active, welcoming building frontage.

See the Recommendations Section, pages 57 and 77 for additional information

12 Site Improvements to the O’Donnell Heights Community Center

» The Michaels Organization » AHC Greater Baltimore » Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) » City of Baltimore Department of Planning » Baltimore City Recreation and Parks BCRP)

Concurrent with the redevelopment of O’Donnell Heights, consider opportunities to leverage development funds to expand and make improvements to the existing O’Donnell Heights Community Center property. Recommended improvements include: renovations to the front stairs to minimize the appearance of walls, removal of curb-cuts along the front facade, improved fencing surrounding the community pool, landscaping, and the integration of a multi-purpose hardscaped space south of the building.


13 Development of Community Dog Park » City of Baltimore Department of Planning and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP)

» Neighborhood Design Center

Coordinate with the City of Baltimore Department of Planning and the Department of Recreation and Parks to explore opportunities for a new dog park adjacent to the proposed Community Resource Center. The land is currently owned by the City of Baltimore. The targeted proposed site is adjacent to the I-95 off-ramp at Dundalk Avenue and is currently vacant. The site is well positioned for a dog park as it is a fairly flat site, has ample parking potential, avoids conflicts with wildlife and sensitive habitats, and is buffered from existing residential minimizing impacts associated with noise and activity levels.



SHORT TERM ACTIONS (To Be Completed Within 0-5 Years)# ACTION ASSIGNMENT/ PARTNERSHIPS DESCRIPTION REFERENCE14 Signage and Wayfinding Improvements » Dundalk Renaissance Corporation The communities of Broening Manor, Graceland Park, Medford, and O’Donnell Heights have

an opportunity to create a stronger identity and greater presence along I-95, Dundalk Avenue, and Holabird Avenue. Entrances to the neighborhoods should be visible from these bordering arterials and provide easy access and wayfinding for all users.


15 Gateway and Underpass Improvements » Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT)

Gateway signage should be provided at all I-95 underpasses that lead into the community and at the intersection of Holabird Avenue and Dundalk Avenue. The signage should announce primary entry points, establish identity, and welcome visitors. Underpass lighting should be incorporated at all underpasses to improve pedestrian safety at each of these locations.


16 Bus Stop Improvements » Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) - Beyond the Bus Program

» Neighborhood Design Center

Leverage Federal, State, City programs to plan, design, and construct bus stop improvements that enhance the comfort and safety of the riders and operators. Enhanced lighting, shelters, real-time signage, and comfort stations are all elements that can improve the transit experience. Priority stops include: Dundalk Avenue at Bushey Street, O’Donnell Street Cut Off (north) at the Travel Plaza, and at the intersection of Boston Street and Gusryan Street.

See the Existing Conditions Section, pages 29 and 33 for additional information

17 Streetscape Improvements along O’Donnell Street, Boston Street, and Danville Avenue


Opportunities for streetscape improvements to O’Donnell Street and Boston Street from I-95 to Dundalk Avenue and Danville Avenue from Broening Highway to Dundalk Avenue should include new sidewalks, curb ramps, pedestrian crossing with high-visibility or raised crosswalks, street lights, and signage. Sidewalks should be buffered by a planted tree zone. Curb bump-outs should be integrated along the south side of Boston Street to incorporate tree planters and maintain existing parallel parking. Bike facilities should be incorporated on all streets and where high vehicle speed or volumes warrant, protected facilities should be provided. On-street parallel parking should be maintained where possible. Improvements should be coordinated with adjacent property owners.

See the Existing Conditions Section, pages 54-56 for additional information

18 Truck Route Improvements » Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT)

Recommendations for revised truck movements within the community are based on creating a balanced transportation system. It is important to provide clear and direct truck access to the nearby industrial and large-scale businesses while ensuring residential neighborhoods are not impacted by safety concerns, high noise volumes, and negative health effects related to dust and emissions pollution.

Measures for improving truck access and circulation include: » Provide signage directing truck traffic at the I-95 off-ramps at Interstate Avenue. Secondary

signage should be placed at Interstate Avenue and Ponca Street and Ponca Street and Holabird Avenue.

» Create a chicane or pinch point with signage at the Travel Plaza and O’Donnell Street Cut Off preventing truck access along Boston Street

» Provide signage at the intersection of Broening Highway and Holabird Avenue to direct truck traffic between I-95 and the Port 95 Industrial Park and Holabird Business Park.

» Work with the Port of Baltimore and area businesses to educate truck drivers that serve their businesses on where the truck routes are and how best to access their businesses while avoiding residential areas.

» As improvements and new truck route signage are implemented, increase enforcement with warnings issued for a period of time (2-4 weeks) to encourage adherence to the designated truck routes.


19 Bus Route Improvements » Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Advocate for more frequent bus service and convenient routes that support passengers during rush hour, students commuting to school, and provide greater accessibility to neighborhood serving amenities (Johns Hopkins Bayview, shopping centers offering groceries and every day conveniences, etc.). Consider adding bus bulbs to enhance bus service and demonstrate transit priority.

See the Existing Conditions Section, pages 29 and 33 for additional information


SHORT TERM ACTIONS (To Be Completed Within 0-5 Years)# ACTION ASSIGNMENT/ PARTNERSHIPS DESCRIPTION REFERENCE

20 Wellness and Health Fair » Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Host an annual event in the Central Community Park that offers booths for a wide-range of community resources, including city agencies, voluntary organizations, and for-profit and non-profit businesses. The event offers a “one-stop shop” for residents to learn more regarding health awareness and education, lifestyle information and screenings, occupational health, safety, food service, and transportation through demonstrations and activities.


21 Home Buying and Ownership Resources » Baltimore City DHCD » Live Baltimore » St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center » CHAI Baltimore » Southeast CDC » Latino Economic Development Center » Dundalk Renaissance Corporation

To provide equal economic opportunity for all residents in the community, affordability assistance programs are important and should be provided. Such programs may include fiscal assistance, housing counseling, lending strategies, flexible underwriting, and backing by FHA’s mortgage insurance. Consider the envisioned Community Resource Center proposed along Dundalk Avenue as a potential location to offer these services.


22 Affordable Food and Fitness Programs » Maryland Department of Agriculture » Farmer’s Market Coalition » Baltimore City Public Schools - Fruit and

Vegetable Program » Hungry Harvest » Hands to Heart

A wide-range of affordable fresh food programs are offered throughout Baltimore City. Ensure that these services are offered in Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School and Holabird Academy. Target organizations that promote the elimination of food waste and provide/ deliver reduced-cost produce to low-income and fixed-income communities. Consider drop-off locations at the envisioned Community Resource Center, the proposed mixed-use node at Boston Street and Gusryan Street, or the new commercial/ flex space along Broening Highway. There are national non-profit organizations that offer fitness and counseling for people affected by addiction, poverty, and trauma that should be models for Baltimore City. Consider ways to replicate these programs to provide health and healing practices to the community. Attract these organizations to community events, such as the proposed Farmer’s Market or to the O’Donnell Heights Community Center or envisioned Community Resource Center.

See the Recommendations Section, pages 60-61, 64-73, 75, 76-79 for additional information

23 Drug and Alcohol Prevention » Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School

» Holabird Academy » Boy’s and Girl’s Club

To curb adolescent drug and alcohol abuse, the community is encouraged to attract drug education and prevention programs. Services should include targeting individuals in conditions and environments in which substance use occurs and providing direct support to prevent or delay addiction.

24 Drug and Alcohol Support Services » Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center » Dundalk Health Services, Inc. » Sheppard Pratt » Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) » Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

The community is committed to fighting substance abuse and continues to work to provide care for those who have fallen victim to drugs and alcohol. Organizations that offer personalized care for individuals dealing with drug addiction and substance abuse are critical to supporting this initiative. The community is encouraged to take advantage of the wide-range of programs that are offered in and around Baltimore City. These services may include outpatient detoxification, ongoing therapy, self-help programs, and educational programs. Services should include wellness and relapse prevention as well.

25 Mental Health Support Services » National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

» Baltimore City Health Department » Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center » Key Point » Sheppard Pratt

Based on the Community Health Assessment conducted by the Baltimore City Health Department, income plays a significant role in the health of Baltimore City residents. It is well documented that the level of income directly affects overall health. The community is challenged by a high percentage of low income households. To provide greater access to treatment and receive adequate care, it is recommended that the community leverage city services and local organizations to support those affected by behavioral and mental health.


SHORT TERM ACTIONS (To Be Completed Within 0-5 Years)# ACTION ASSIGNMENT/ PARTNERSHIPS DESCRIPTION REFERENCE26 After-School Care » Boys and Girls Club

» Living Classrooms - CARE Program » Local Churches

With Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School and Holabird Academy at the heart of the community, a large percentage of elementary and middle-school children are in need of after-school care and extended day programs. While the Boys and Girls Club provides these opportunities, it is a membership-based program. It is suggested that similar programs that do not require membership are attracted to the area and offered in the schools to lend additional, affordable support.


27 School Mentorship Programs » Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School » Holabird Academy » Baltimore Architecture Foundation -

Adopt-A-School » Law Enforcement Explorer Program

Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School and Holabird Academy should partner with local organizations to provide mentorship programs that engage and inspire students to pursue a wide-range of careers.

28 Education Readiness Programs » Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School » Holabird Academy » Boys and Girls Club » Head Start » Maryland Book Bank

School readiness is a child’s ability to possess the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning and life. Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are all essential ingredients of school readiness. The community should initiate Education Readiness Programs at the Boys and Girls Club and proposed Community Resource Center so that parents, caregivers, and family advocates can learn more about creating enriching and supportive learning environments for young children from a newborn to 5 years of age.

See the Recommendations Section, pages 64-73, 76-79 for additional information

29 Child Care » Local Churches » Y Preschool » Magic Moments » Bright Horizons » Kiddie Academy

Child care can be an enormous obstacle for working parents, especially single parents. To provide affordable child care options that maintain and sustain household incomes, it is important that the community attracts additional organizations to the area to lend support. These facilities should be located near major employment centers in the community to provide added convenience for working parents. Consider the envisioned commercial and flex spaces proposed along O’Donnell Street, Boston Street, and Broening Highway as potential locations for these services.


30 At-Risk and Out-of-School Youth Resources » Thread » House of Hope » Baltimore City Police Department

- Outward Bound Police Challenge Program

Socially marginalized youth can have weakened or severed family/ social ties, experience trauma related to violence and physical abuse, be exposed to drug or alcohol use at a very young age, and be vulnerable to unintended pregnancy and a number of sexual diseases. Targeting at-risk youth with positive youth development treatment methods that focus on the social, emotional, and academic development of an individual is important to reversing the negative psychological effects that come from these experiences. Provide services that may include support within the home environment, assisting with educational attainment, workforce development, and career advancement.

31 Adult Programs and Family Support Services » Maryland Family Network » Young Parent Support Center (YPSC) » Baltimore City Child Care Resource

Center (BCCCRC) » The Family Tree » Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) » Living Classrooms » Watch D.O.G.S.

Establish comprehensive family support and development programs that strive to strengthen families, promote quality child care, ensure healthy development of children through early education, and guide families toward self sufficiency and economic independence. Consider the envisioned Community Resource Center as a potential location to offer these services.


32 Job Training and Apprenticeship » Mayor’s Office of Employment Development

» Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP)

» Maryland Food Bank - FoodWorks » Second Chance » City Life Community Builders

Apprenticeships create pathways to well-paying careers for unemployed young workers through on-the-job training. Apprenticeships are run by employers, employer associations, and labor-management organizations. In exchange for this investment, employers receive a pipeline of skilled and committed workers. Consider the envisioned commercial and flex spaces proposed along O’Donnell Street, Boston Street, and Broening Highway as potential locations for these services.



SHORT TERM ACTIONS (To Be Completed Within 0-5 Years)# ACTION ASSIGNMENT/ PARTNERSHIPS DESCRIPTION REFERENCE33 English Language Services and Citizenship Preparation

Program » Catholic Charities - Esperanza Center » CASA » Baltimore City Community College

In an effort to support and better serve the large, Hispanic population within the community, academic and career-focused training should be implemented. The development of English language skills, basic math and reading skills, and customized career and job readiness training that prepare residents for entry-level jobs and job training opportunities are services that may be desired. Spanish language/ cultural classes for English speakers should also be considered. Outreach to determine needs of the community is recommended prior to leveraging city-wide services.


34 Food Pantry and Drives » Maryland Food Bank » Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School » Holabird Academy » Local Churches » KidzTable

The community should continue to build on the various food assistance programs within their community to minimize hunger and malnutrition. Organize opportunities across all four neighborhoods for food pantries, food drives, and other hunger relief strategies. Working collaboratively as a community to increase awareness of food and how it plays a critical role in health and wellness will help to unify residents and become more resilient.

35 Homeless Support Services » Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services » Local Churches » Baltimore Outreach Services » St. Vincent de Paul Baltimore » Weinberg Housing and Resource Center » Youth Empowered Society » Loving Arms, Inc

The challenges faced by the homeless are complex and multi-faceted. A community-wide coordinated approach to delivering services, housing, and programs is needed to end homelessness. The Mayors Office of Homeless Services has a mobile unit that should be deployed in partnership with other healthcare providers to provide wraparound services to those affected.

36 Prostitution and Human-Trafficking Support Services » City on a Hill Improvement Association (CHIA) » Safe House of Hope » The Samaritan Woman

Prostitution and Human-Trafficking is an issue and concern for the community. The community should attract organizations that specialize in helping victims of human-trafficking become an active part of a healthy community through education and training, and to provide support for their physical, mental, and emotional needs. An organization that offers a drop-in center and that conducts outreach is ideal.

37 Cleanup Program and Dumpster Day » Baltimore City Department of Public Works

» Baltimore Office of Sustainability - Waste to Wealth Program

» Great American Cleanup

Establish a monthly clean-up program that is community-led and a biannual Dumpster Day that is coordinated with the City of Baltimore. Large amounts of trash, abandoned buildings, and other waste - some of it hazardous - can become a breeding ground for rodents and intersections, cause pollution, and create unsanitary conditions that cause health problems. Both initiatives will focus on vacant and unkempt properties and lend support to residents to promote healthier living conditions. A commitment should be made to maintaining neighborhoods that are clean and safe places to live, work, and raise a family. Dumpster Day can be facilitated from the O’Donnell Heights Community Center or the envisioned Community Resource Center.

38 Cemetery Improvements » DHCD Code Enforcement » Baltimore City Department of Public Works

Maintaining the street frontage along the perimeter of all cemeteries is important for creating a cleaner and more welcoming environment. Consider opportunities to work with the various property owners to upgrade fencing, improve landscaping and screening, add lighting, and manage trash and debris.

39 Tree Planting Program » Tree Baltimore » Blue Water Baltimore » Main Street Maryland Program

Leverage local programs to facilitate the planning and planting of street trees along ROWs that are severely under-planted. Street trees not only beautify neighborhoods, they can improve air quality and protect human health, provide shade, reduce energy bills, increase property values, and improve water quality.

40 Urban Gardening Program » Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) - Baltimore City Farms Program

» Baltimore Office of Sustainability » Adopt-A-Lot Program » Baltimore Orchard Project (BOF) » Living Classrooms - Baltimore Urban

Gardening with Students (BUGS) » Community Greening Resource Network (CGRN)

Urban areas are centers for energy consumption and a key source of greenhouse gases. Incorporating urban gardens and farms can help to stimulate the local economy, improve public health by restoring access to healthy local food, and protect the environment by minimizing the effects of greenhouse gases and encouraging composting. The community should promote opportunities for urban gardens and associated programs by targeting vacant, unkempt, and underutilized properties. Urban gardens should be incorporated into the proposed Central Community Park. Consider other opportunities in the open space network throughout the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Local resources should be contacted to lend support constructing, growing, and providing educational programs in association with the community’s desire to promote urban sustainability.


41 Reclaiming Vacant Properties » Baltimore City DHCD » Adopt-A-Lot Program

In a commitment to strengthen and beautify the community, vacant properties should be targeted for infill redevelopment opportunities and/ or public open space. Prioritize these initiatives in Broening Manor which has many vacant properties and a lack of open space.


LONG TERM ACTIONS (To Be Completed In 5+ Years)# ACTION ASSIGNMENT/ PARTNERSHIPS DESCRIPTION REFERENCE1 Create a Central Community Park Steering Committee » Baltimore City Recreation and Parks

BCRP) » Community Coalition

The Central Community Park Steering Committee should be developed by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) and the Community Coalition to carry on the goals and vision established of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The Committee will lend input and guidance regarding the design and construction of the Central Community Park. Residents should represent a strong percentage of the Committee (with equal representation from each neighborhood) along with representation from area businesses, churches, institutions, and other key stakeholders.


2 Design and Construction of Central Community Park » HABC » City of Baltimore Department of

Planning » Baltimore City Recreation and Parks

(BCRP) » The Michaels Organization » Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center » Kaboom! » Boys and Girls Club

Design and construct the new 5-Acre Central Community Park. The implementation of the Central Community Park is a high priority item for area residents and funding for this effort should take precedence. Leverage local organizations to donate and develop components of the Central Community Park. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center is encouraged to donate and build the Event Lawn and Stage. Kaboom! would be an idea partner to build the Playground/ Play Pods. Boys and Girls Club is encouraged to build the Learning Circle. The Community Gardens can be a collaborative effort between the community and a number of local organizations that specialize in the design/ build of the beds and can provide some plant materials. Baltimore City Recreation and Parks should be responsible for the recreation fields.

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks is currently investigating the opportunity to accommodate a larger regional facility. Possible features may include: ice rink, natatorium, and multiple sports fields as an indoor facility. The Steering Committee does not feel this amenity is appropriate for the community. If located within O’Donnell Heights, this facility should be additive and not impact the 5-Acre Central Community Park.


3 Development/ Construction of Key’s Pointe Subsequent Phases » The Michaels Organization » AHC Greater Baltimore » Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) » City of Baltimore Department of

Planning » Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP)

Continue the expansion of Key’s Pointe for replacement housing for all O’Donnell Heights residents. The remaining development should include a mix of housing, both rental and homeownership, to support a wide range of demographics and ages. Key’s Pointe should also integrate a network of open spaces to better serve the community with a variety of public parks.


4 Farmer’s Market » Maryland Department of Agriculture » Farmer’s Market Coalition

Baltimore City’s farmers markets provide fresh, local produce and accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offering opportunities for low-income community members to access and afford these local foods. A farmer’s market is suggested for the community to not only provide greater access to healthy food options, but also to create a forum for gathering and help unify the community. Consider hosting this event in the proposed Community Park, at the O’Donnell Heights Community Center or at the envisioned mixed-use node at Boston Street and Gusryan Street.


5 Renovation and Reuse of the Old Library along Dundalk Avenue » City of Baltimore Department of Planning

» Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC)

» Department of General Services

Currently, the building functions as a maintenance and storage facility for the Enoch Pratt Library system. The community feels strongly that the building should be a public use that becomes a shared amenity for all four neighborhoods. An alternative storage location should be found for the current use and the building should be renovated and reused. Renovations to the interior space and exterior facade of the building to support a Community Resource Center is strongly suggested. Outdoor space should be provided around the perimeter of the building to promote community gatherings and accommodate outdoor meeting space.



LONG TERM ACTIONS (To Be Completed In 5+ Years)# ACTION ASSIGNMENT/ PARTNERSHIPS DESCRIPTION REFERENCE6 Proposed Broening Highway Commercial Redevelopment » City of Baltimore Department of

Planning » Amazon

Adjacent to the Baltimore City Fire Department, with easy access to I-95, visibility from Holabird Avenue, and within walking distance to a wide-range of neighborhoods, consider leveraging opportunities with local businesses to offer commercial conveniences. Options that provide greater access to fresh foods and household items should be prioritized. Consider conversations with Amazon to test Amazon Go Grocery and Amazon Fresh Pickup. Amazon Go Grocery expands Amazon’s offerings beyond Whole Foods’ 365 brand providing a wider range of products that are more affordable. The new grocery model offers the convenience of quick shopping times and both mainstream brand and local, organic produce. Amazon Fresh Pickup offers a location where grocery items ordered online can be picked up for greater efficiency and convenience. Options for fresh produce and healthy food options should be prioritized.


7 Consolidate Curb-Cuts along Holabird Avenue » Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT)

» City of Baltimore Department of Planning

Consolidate curb cuts along Holabird Avenue, from Broening Highway to Dundalk Avenue. City of Baltimore Department of Planning and DOT should work with private property owners, targeting corner and/ or larger properties with multiple access points. Explore providing direct access from secondary streets and opportunities for connecting parking lots between properties. This includes (from west to east) the Royal Farms, the Royal Auto Repair, Vinny’s Cafe, Holabird Tire and Auto, Traveler’s Lounge, Jimmy’s Seafood, SGK, the shopping center at Manor Avenue, and the BP Gas Station.


8 Streetscape Improvements along Holabird Avenue » Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT)

Along Holabird Avenue, between Broening Highway and Dundalk Avenue, improve the street section by consolidating five lanes of traffic to four lanes including a right-turn and left-turn lane. Rebuild the streetscape by adding a planted tree zone, curb ramps, pedestrian crossing with high-visibility crosswalks, street lights, and signage. On-street parallel parking should be located along the north side to support the existing and future businesses. Gateway signage should be incorporated at Broening Highway and Dundalk Avenue to establish a sense of arrival to the retail main street.


9 Utility Improvements along Holabird Avenue » Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) » City of Baltimore Department of

Planning

Prior to implementing the streetscape improvements for Holabird Avenue, investigate relocating or burying the above-grade utility lines. If deemed feasible, coordinate the streetscape and utility improvements to limit the duration of impact on Holabird Avenue businesses. Phase improvements to allow alternative access via secondary streets, Eastbourne Avenue, and alleys throughout construction where feasible.


10 Proposed Commercial Redevelopment at Dundalk Avenue and O’Donnell Street

» City of Baltimore Department of Planning


Coordinate with existing property owners to determine opportunities for redevelopment of a portion or all of the shopping center at the intersection of O’Donnell Street and Dundalk Avenue. Consider uses that heavily support the surrounding neighborhoods. As a larger commercial site, it is well positioned for a small-format grocery store.


11 Streetscape Improvements along Charlotte Avenue (Gusryan Street South)


Opportunities for streetscape improvements to Charlotte Avenue, from Cardiff Avenue to Holabird Avenue, should include new sidewalks buffered by a planted tree zone, curb ramps, pedestrian crossing with high-visibility crosswalks, street lights, and signage. Bike facilities should be located on the western side of the right-of-way to build off of the recent streetscape improvements along Gusryan Street. On-street parallel parking should be located on the eastern side where feasible. Coordinate with property owners for any portions of these improvements that occur on private property.


12 Senior Mobility/ Transportation Services » MTA - MobilityLink Program » Partners in Care » GoGoGrandparent

Various public and private services exist to support the independence of older adults in Baltimore City communities. Transportation is important to allowing seniors to age in place and have the ability to remain connected and provide access to medical care and basic needs. The community should take advantage of the services being offered locally, such as specialized transit service, shared rides, and on-call vehicles accessed and monitored without a smartphone.


LONG TERM ACTIONS (To Be Completed In 5+ Years)# ACTION ASSIGNMENT/ PARTNERSHIPS DESCRIPTION REFERENCE13 Employment Placement » Mayor’s Office of Employment Development

» Maryland New Directions » Catholic Charities - Our Daily Bread » Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare » Humanism » Center for Urban Families

Employment placement programs assist in identifying an individual’s interests, assess their skills and abilities, and advise them on in-demand jobs and potential training opportunities. Many also offer recruiting events, workshops on resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search activities. Consider the envisioned Community Resource Center proposed along Dundalk Avenue as a potential location to offer these services.


14 Adult Literacy Programs » Strong City Baltimore » South Baltimore Learning Center » Lift

The community should strive to bring about positive change by cultivating literacy, developing greater educational opportunities, providing ESL support, and offering training for critical workforce skills in adults. Adult literacy programs can advance opportunities for residents, reduce poverty, and improve public health by providing technical assistance, professional development, and training. Consider the envisioned Community Resource Center proposed along Dundalk Avenue as a potential location to offer these services.


15 Autism and Related Disorders Support » Division of Vocational Rehabilitation » Kennedy Krieger Institute - CARD » Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center » Humanism

Autism is a developmental disability characterized by varying degrees of social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Early identification and intervention can greatly improve a child’s life. It is recommended that more accessible resources be made available to the community that provide diagnosis opportunities, youth services for special education, social and medical support, adult services including post-secondary programs and employment, and advocacy.

16 Subsidies for Alternative Modes of Transportation » Lime Scooters » Velocipede Bike Project » Bike Maryland

It is important that the community is given greater access to a wide-range of amenities and employment opportunities that are offered throughout the city. In addition to public transportation, there are other affordable transportation options that should be leveraged. Lime has created an equity program that provides low-income individuals with heavily subsidized rides that should be utilized. In partnership with Baltimore-based bike organizations, the area should also establish a community bike shop that restores second-hand bikes, provides workspace for education and training, offers employment opportunities, and bike giveaways to low-income families.

17 Provide Protected Bike Facilities Along Dundalk Avenue » Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT)

On streets where the posted speed is greater than 25 mph, bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, or shared-use paths should be used to accommodate safe bicycle movement. Long-term streetscape improvements to Dundalk Avenue should consider the removal of unprotected bike lanes and incorporate protected bike facilities.


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NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PLANDonnell... · envision, and create recommendations for the study area. 1 The History of Canton Railroad Company: Artery of Baltimore’s Industrial