I just finished testifying before the Baltimore City Board of Estimates and I left both disappointed and concerned. The City is proposing to lease a facility to house portions of the activities currently conducted at the Training Facility located at the corner of Park Heights Ave and Northern Parkway. I understand that a temporary move is needed, but don't agree with the way the situation is being handled.
Discussions regarding the Training facility have been ongoing for years, but to just move it without any plan, next steps, or community input for the current building is just wrong. To add insult to injury, what is being proposed is that over 10 million dollars of taxpayer funds be used for a buildout and a 5 year lease.
The location chosen will even cost the City $78.00 per month, for EACH parking space! Clearly, they picked a location that is not cost effective.
Can you imagine how far those funds could go toward renovating existing Baltimore City owned properties?
As we try to attract over a half-billion dollars of private equity to revitalize Pimlico Race Course property just down the street, what kind of message does this send to potential investors? This sends the message that Baltimore City can’t even maintain and manage the properties it already has.
Another vacant building is not what Baltimore needs. During my testimony today, I requested the BOE request a report on the future of the training academy site within 60 days. After public input and before the trainees move out in December.
Discussions regarding the Training facility have been ongoing for years, but to just move it without any plan, next steps, or community input for the current building is just wrong. To add insult to injury, what is being proposed is that over 10 million dollars of taxpayer funds be used for a buildout and a 5 year lease.
The location chosen will even cost the City $78.00 per month, for EACH parking space! Clearly, they picked a location that is not cost effective.
Can you imagine how far those funds could go toward renovating existing Baltimore City owned properties?
As we try to attract over a half-billion dollars of private equity to revitalize Pimlico Race Course property just down the street, what kind of message does this send to potential investors? This sends the message that Baltimore City can’t even maintain and manage the properties it already has.
Another vacant building is not what Baltimore needs. During my testimony today, I requested the BOE request a report on the future of the training academy site within 60 days. After public input and before the trainees move out in December.
Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer, who represents the neighborhood that currently houses the academy, thinks the relocation was mishandled.
With all the city-owned property we have, why are we paying these kinds of figures to be in a non city owned location midtown Baltimore?said Schleifer, who is also chair of the public safety committee.
The academy means a lot to his constituents — people feel safer when they see trainees jogging through their neighborhood, he said, and when young children observe the recruits, it helps them to imagine themselves as officers one day.
“To simply pick up and move without public conversation is just unacceptable,” Schleifer said.
With all the city-owned property we have, why are we paying these kinds of figures to be in a non city owned location midtown Baltimore?said Schleifer, who is also chair of the public safety committee.
The academy means a lot to his constituents — people feel safer when they see trainees jogging through their neighborhood, he said, and when young children observe the recruits, it helps them to imagine themselves as officers one day.
“To simply pick up and move without public conversation is just unacceptable,” Schleifer said.
The Baltimore Sun
The move will allow the department to expand its academic facilities and allow more recruits to pass through each year, police say.
As a dedicated Ravens fan, the annual home opener ranks high on my to do list. However, my dedication to community takes priority. Last year a construction mishap caused a local synagogue’s roof to collapse. This synagogue, affectionately refered to as “Rabbi Taubs Shul,” is one that I would often attend services at in my youth and is a staple to the Baltimore Jewish community. Today is their “home opener” as they dedicate their newly rebuilt facility. The Ravens will have to wait, today the choice was clear! It was a great day!
A friend forwarded a photo of volunteers gathering at ground zero on 9/12 and as I looked closely at the photo I recognized my cousin dressed in his EMT safety gear. It is that strong commitment to public safety that has always been part of my family and more importantly our community’s very fabric. As we pause to remember those innocent victims and heroic first responders who lost their lives 18 years ago on 9-11 it is important to also acknowledge the dedicated first responders and volunteers who continue to put their lives on the line daily responding to those in need.
#NeverForget
#NeverForget
Resurfacing Work to Begin Along
Cross Country Boulevard
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation would like to advise motorists that roadway resurfacing work will soon begin along a portion of Cross Country Boulevard.
Starting on or about Wednesday, September 11, 2019 milling and paving work will begin along Cross Country Boulevard between Greenspring and Kelly Avenues. Temporary lane closures will be implemented daily between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day, weather permitting, and at least one lane of through traffic will remain open for motorists during construction. In addition, parking restrictions will be implemented in this area while the improvement work is being performed.
This roadway resurfacing project is expected to take up to twelve weeks to complete. Electronic message signs are now in place to alert citizens of the project. Motorists traveling in this vicinity should be on the watch for changing traffic patterns and should pay close attention to the posted parking restrictions. Citizens should also be aware of possible rough roadway surfaces due to milling activities as work in this area progresses.
The daily lane closures could cause traffic congestion and delays, so citizens are encouraged to plan additional commute time if traveling in this vicinity.
Cross Country Boulevard
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation would like to advise motorists that roadway resurfacing work will soon begin along a portion of Cross Country Boulevard.
Starting on or about Wednesday, September 11, 2019 milling and paving work will begin along Cross Country Boulevard between Greenspring and Kelly Avenues. Temporary lane closures will be implemented daily between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day, weather permitting, and at least one lane of through traffic will remain open for motorists during construction. In addition, parking restrictions will be implemented in this area while the improvement work is being performed.
This roadway resurfacing project is expected to take up to twelve weeks to complete. Electronic message signs are now in place to alert citizens of the project. Motorists traveling in this vicinity should be on the watch for changing traffic patterns and should pay close attention to the posted parking restrictions. Citizens should also be aware of possible rough roadway surfaces due to milling activities as work in this area progresses.
The daily lane closures could cause traffic congestion and delays, so citizens are encouraged to plan additional commute time if traveling in this vicinity.
Thursday, September 19th, 2019 at 9:08pm
“I’m among those who publicly asked questions and have not gotten any answers,” said @CouncilmanYitzy , chair of the public safety committee. https://t.co/89MUiBBcoP
“I’m among those who publicly asked questions and have not gotten any answers,” said @CouncilmanYitzy , chair of the public safety committee. https://t.co/89MUiBBcoP
Thursday, September 19th, 2019 at 3:59am
Right this moment there are 277 cars parked on the lots at the Training Academy. Under the new lease at UB, parking all these same cars will cost taxpayers $259,272 each year. https://t.co/wtQS5K8LN3
Right this moment there are 277 cars parked on the lots at the Training Academy. Under the new lease at UB, parking all these same cars will cost taxpayers $259,272 each year. https://t.co/wtQS5K8LN3
Wednesday, September 18th, 2019 at 9:10am
Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer, who represents the neighborhood that currently houses the academy, thinks the relocation was mishandled.
“To simply pick up and move without public conversation is just unacceptable,” Schleifer said. https://t.co/2jK9cey8w1
Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer, who represents the neighborhood that currently houses the academy, thinks the relocation was mishandled.
“To simply pick up and move without public conversation is just unacceptable,” Schleifer said. https://t.co/2jK9cey8w1
Wednesday, September 18th, 2019 at 4:52am
Thank you @MajorRichGibson of the Northern District for inviting me to their weekly intel meeting. It was enlightening getting a recap and updates on all major incidents in the district. You are appreciated. Keep up the good work! @BaltimorePolice https://t.co/TZG97cvF06
Thank you @MajorRichGibson of the Northern District for inviting me to their weekly intel meeting. It was enlightening getting a recap and updates on all major incidents in the district. You are appreciated. Keep up the good work! @BaltimorePolice https://t.co/TZG97cvF06
Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 at 11:06am
RT @CouncilPresBMS: The Public Safety Committee just voted unanimously in favor of our bill: Transparency and Oversight in Claims and Litig…
RT @CouncilPresBMS: The Public Safety Committee just voted unanimously in favor of our bill: Transparency and Oversight in Claims and Litig…
Monday, September 16th, 2019 at 9:18am
I was in contact with @BaltimorePolice this morning. I have requested increased patrols in this area and a thorough review of all available evidence. https://t.co/Z0AUeOD20c
I was in contact with @BaltimorePolice this morning. I have requested increased patrols in this area and a thorough review of all available evidence. https://t.co/Z0AUeOD20c