ATA June 13, 2024 General Membership Meeting Minutes

WHEN: Thursday, June 13, 2024, 6-8pm

WHERE: Parks & People Stone House

The New Auchentoroly Terrace Association (ATA) held its General Membership Meeting in person at the Parks and People Stone House on Thursday, June 13, 2024, 6-8pm.

• ATA President Graham Coreil-Allen called the meeting to order.
• ATA member Dr. Daniel Hindman led an opening prayer.
• Brittany Cole introduced herself as the 7th District Baltimore City Council Constituent Services Representative for Councilman James Torrence.  
• DHCD Special Operations Team Director Cheryl Grace listened to resident concerns about multiple properties occupied by squatters, resulting in fires that are threatening the safety of residents living in adjacent homes. Grace explained she was here to support us and was coordinating with multiple city agencies to provide services and housing options to the squatters, clearing and then securing the vacant properties.
• Vanessa Beck, Joshua Spokes, and Ja’Heim Brodie of Baltimore Thrive shared a presentation on the idea of shifting local property taxes to a Land Value Tax, which they explained would increase taxes and thus financial pressure on owners of vacant properties to redevelop or sell their properties to someone who would redevelop the properties, while lower taxes for higher density properties, helping to stimulate more development of affordable housing.
• Lt. Anderson and Sgt. Burks of the Baltimore Police Western District shared public safety updates. Lt. Anderson said they were increasing traffic violation stops, doing business checks and working on a warrant initiative. A question about a recent homicide on Auchentoroly Terrace was met with limited information and deference to homicide detectives who were not present. Residents expressed concern over longstanding drug dealing operations in the neighborhood and associated violence which has not been effectively suppressed by the department. Sgt. Burks suggested residents request more citywatch cameras. 
• John Kwamya introduced himself as the new GMCC Assistant Director of Community Initiatives and Kevin Miller introduced himself as the new GMCC Assistant Director of Operations. John discussed the Clean Corp initiative and indicated that residents should send public locations in need of extra cleaning to him to pass along to the maintenance team, which will soon be making weekly visits in our area. They also encouraged residents to attend the next GMCC Community Meeting where BRNI grant proposals would be reviewed. The website to find out about upcoming GMCC events is https://www.greatermondawmin.org/events/month. 
• Realtor Deborah Sharpe and her associate Ashley introduced themselves as as part of a program called DevelopHER Baltimore, which supports women developers investing in Baltimore. They explained they were creating a developer co-op, expressed interest in learning about community needs, and stated they want to help revitalize our vacant  properties in a way that fits with the community’s vision.
• Good News Gallery / Community Announcements
  • John Kwamy and President Graham Coreil-Allen shared a recap of the Bmore Beautiful event held on June 8, 2024.
  • President Coreil-Allen reminded residents of upcoming ATA Community Clean Ups: 8/3/24, 11/9/24, Mayor’s Fall cleanup (TBA).
  • President Coreil-Allen also announced a free bike repair event at the July 3rd Druid Hill Farmers Market.
  • Donna Cypress shared about the grand opening of the new Third Space Jewish life and community center at the renovated Shaarei Tfiloh Synagogue. Cypress and Ms. Barbara represented ATA at the ribbon cutting where they met and promoted our community with Gov Moore.
  • Ms. Barbara Anderson-Dandy shared that the Wednesday Druid Hill Farmers Market would be hosting a Juneteenth Celebration with band.
  • Dr. Daniel Hindman shared that the old Westside Elementary School was mostly torn down in advance of construction of a new recreation center and park.
  • President Coreil-Allen announced the upcoming ATA election of officers in October and shared a call for an election committee chair and invited residents to consider running for offices.
• Meeting was adjourned.

Click here to download the meeting minutes.