Newsletter
The District Bulletin

Charles/25th Urban Renewal Ordinance News

On January 18, 2002 the Charles/25th Urban Renewal Ordinance became law. After a two year process including nearly fifty meetings and countless revisions of the document it has been completed. This means that there are stronger protections in place for the many historic buildings in the area, and design guidelines covering exterior rehabilitation and new construction so that everything blends with the historic structures. Finally a community review process was established to guide the future of the neighborhood.

The next step is to form the community review panel which will review the proposals that are made. The panel will consist of two representatives from the Old Goucher Community Association, one from the Charles Village Civic Association, one from the Old Goucher Business Partnership, one from the Charles Village Community Benefits District, one from a non-profit entity, and two business owners. The panel will also include non-voting members from the Baltimore City Planning Department, the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation, and hopefully an architect. These people will meet monthly to review any proposals that involve substantial exterior changes to a building or proposals for new construction. The associations have been asked to provide a representative to the panel.

The panel will then set ground rules for how it will attract the other members who are not from designated associations. This panel will guide itself. The benefits district will assist the panel in gathering information and helping the panel prepare for meetings. All meetings will be open to the public. The Community Review Panel will be in place shortly. If you would like to learn more about it or would like a copy of the ordinance please call Pauline Davis at the benefits district at 410-235-4411, ext. 13.