Clarion Newsletter July 2015

June 13 Tree Planting and Invasives Event

Thanks to the 25 volunteers who participated in our final event of spring 2015 on Saturday, June 13th.  We planted 19 trees, including 9 large trees on Charles Street and removed six large bags of invasive species along Guilford Avenue.

Thanks to the Charles Street Development Corporation and the University of Baltimore for all of their work on the Charles Street plantings.  Thanks also to TreeBaltimore and its Weed Warriors program for helping us identify and remove invasives.

Finally, thanks as always to Midtown Baltimore’s Midtown Green team for helping pick up trees, supplies, and tools for the event and working to keep our young trees watered all summer.

Grant and Tree Donations

We are excited to announce that MVBA has received a second grant of just under $10,800 from the Chesapeake Bay Trust to allow us to create 60 new tree pits around the neighborhood. Look for work to start on the pit creations in late summer.

We are still always in need of donations to purchase mulch, compost, and gator bags for our trees, so please consider making a donation to the tree effort at the MVBA website at this link or by sending a check to the Mount Vernon-Belvedere Association at 1 E Chase Street, #2, Baltimore, MD 21202 with “MVBA Trees” in the memo line.  All contributions are greatly appreciated!

econd Annual Window Box Competition Returns

We are happy to announce the second annual Mount Vernon window box and planter competition. This competition is divided into three categories: Residential Single Family, Residential Multi Family and Institutional/Business.

All submissions are due by July 31st. Email competition@mvba.org to nominate yourself or a neighbor. Please provide your name, address, category, and the best number to reach you.

Zoning Variance Approved for The Room

At the June general meeting, operations director at Creative Alliance and Mount Vernon resident Andre Mazelin presented his concept for a cafe at 800 Saint Paul Street called The Room.  The proposed menu would consist of light fare, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and artisan cheese plates.  Beverages would include coffee, tea, local craft beers, and a minimal wine list for on-site consumption. The target audience is the local artistic community, students, and young professionals.

After discussion, including concerns about late night hours, potential noise, loitering, and presence of a new liquor license in a predominantly residential block, a vote was taken, and the MVBA members present at the meeting overwhelmingly supported the concept with the understanding that the MVBA liquor committee would work with the licensee to establish an MOU outlining reasonable hours of operation and future disposition of the liquor license should Mr. Mazelin not be involved in the operation of the cafe at that location.

Because the former Red Emma’s location had been dark for some time, it was necessary for Mr. Mazelin to reapply for a zoning variance to use the space as a cafe.  The variance was approved at a July 14th BMZA hearing with the condition of no alcohol sales for off-premises consumption.

Next step is the transfer and conversion of a Class A license to a Class D license for the Saint Paul Street location.  The liquor committee is planning to meet with Mr. Mazelin to discuss the MOU and operating conditions.  The architectural review committee will also meet with Mr. Mazelin to discuss proposed signage and exterior treatments.

Other Liquor Happenings

Chase Wine and Spirits
Located at 247 West Chase Street, has made a request to MVBA to consider removing the restrictions on their license for the sale of miniatures, half-pints and pints of liquor.  A meeting has been set up with the owner and several neighbors nearby to discuss the request, but generally, the residents on nearby Tyson Street are opposed to lifting the restrictions.

Spotlight on the Prime Rib

The Best Prime Rib in the U.S.! Ranked the #1 Steakhouse in DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia by Zagat, they have been serving the highest quality cuts of meat and seafood for more than 40 years. Our Greenberg potato skins are world famous, and they have one of the finest selection of wines in the city.

Designed by brothers Buzz and Nick BeLer to evoke the elegant supper clubs of 1940’s Manhattan, The Prime Rib Restaurant opened in Baltimore, Md. in 1965.

The Prime Rib quickly became a favorite destination. Their menu of prime meats, fresh seafood and thick chops was as appealing to diners in the 1960’s as it is today. Everything about The Prime Rib, from our tuxedoed waitstaff, top quality food, and live piano and bass music nightly was intended to make every occasion feel like a special one.

In 1976 their second location in Washington D.C. soon established itself as the top power spot in the Nation’s Capital.

Their third location opened in Philadelphia’s Warwick Hotel in 1997. Just a block from historic Rittenhouse Square, it also garnered top honors including “Best Steak” from Philadelphia Magazine

New Grocery Store Planned

Streets Market & Café, a gourmet grocer, is planning to open at Charles Street at Saratoga at the former location of Fresh & Greens, which closed at the end of 2013.

The store markets itself as a specialty market, with a cafe menu and selection of organic and everyday goods.  With so many apartments nearby,  there is a need for a grocery store in the area.

Gay Pride Festival Returns July 25

At the last minute, the Pride Festival had to make major changes to the event due to the demolition of the former Chambers building next to the parking lot at Charles and Eager Street.

MVBA has been trying to determine the details of the changes, but the most significant change is that the Festival parade will now travel up Cathedral Street from the Washington Place west park area and pass by a reviewing stand at Eager and Cathedral. While not confirmed, it is understood that the parking lot at Charles and Eager will not be used, however, the main stage will still be present at Charles and Eager.  It is also not known where Charles Street will be blocked at the southern end, but believe it could be at Read Street.  In addition, according to a map provided to MVBA, it appears that the Lippman parking lot behind Eddies Supermarket will be used.  Repeated attempts to verify the changes were not answered via representatives of GLCCB, the event sponsor.

City Finds Home found for Homeless Man at 1007 N Charles

FYI/positive news! It has been reported that the man who lives in the doorway at 1007 N Charles Street was given a home by the city! He has been homeless for 7 years and will soon have a roof over his head. He’s very excited and getting ready for his move so he has a lot in his doorway at the moment. Of course the city is taking a while and EMAILING him. Mind you, he is proudly learning how to read, but he’s getting there.

If you would like a copy of the printed newsletter, click  2015-07.pdf