WARD 3: "ANNAPOLIS IN MINIATURE"

Community Outreach and Resources | "Walk Parole" Brochure | Development Projects

CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIR MANTRA

By law, the Public Safety Committee shall consider matters affecting public safety in the City.
The Public Safety Committee shall review all proposed amendments to Title 11 (Public Peace,
Morals and Welfare) and Title 12 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the City Code. First and foremost:
The public’s safety is paramount. Moreover, as this legal obligation relates to the community’s
residents, businesses, and visitors, the public’s safety, including the public’s peace, morals, and
welfare is best assured when its residents are: 1 – healthy (including environmentally); 2 -
informed (i.e., educated); 3 - meaningfully engaged in the enhancement of our professional and
volunteer workforce; 4 - good money managers of their finances; 5 - residing in safe and
affordable housing communities; 6 - mobile (i.e., easily able to access adequate and affordable
transportation when needed); 7 - pursuing social, community, entertainment, the arts, historical,
and recreational activities; 8 - as well as possibly choosing to enlighten themselves spiritually.
Therefore, the Public Safety Committee is committed to working as “One City”—a City that
values everyOne; and where "HEALTHY LIVING STARTS HERE".

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND RESOURCES

In order to get a very good idea of what wide range of services that these SCMC organizations and agencies offer, please check out our monthly meeting on YouTube which was held on February 12, 2020—a very robust discussion with area organizations about the resources that they provide to our community: https://youtu.be/UG-vc0PkfCw . And see a photo of Mrs. DeeDee Rivers, at GreenScape 2021 in Chambers Park (right). Mrs. DeeDee is a retired nurse, and the SCMC representative from St. Anne’s Episcopal Church—the church that has “adopted” and worked tirelessly in the Clay Street community for over 20 years.

“ONE Caring ANNAPOLIS” (OCA) is a component of the SCMC. It was formed as a result of the tragic murder of Mr. Edward Seay in June 2019—nationally and professionally known widely as “Tre da Kid”. OCA focuses on year-round spiritual enlightenment outdoors, as well as at area houses of worship. See the SCMC’s “ONE Caring ANNAPOLIS” banner (above).

The Street Corner Ministries Coalition (SCMC) was co-founded in 2016 by Annapolis products: Retired AACPS Educator and Minister Sharon Mackell, former HACA Director Melvin Colbert, Annapolis Recreation and Parks Staffer Archie Trader, and your Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell Charles. This organization consists of approximately 35 area groups and agencies. The purpose is to assist, “adopt”, our communities that need extra support. Twelve communities have been adopted in the City. For example, the Annapolis Gardens community was adopted approximately 3 years ago by St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Annapolis. Father Randy Callender, and members Mrs. Karen Neale and Mrs. Barbara Arthur, attend community meetings, assist with community and holiday events, and are available for spiritual and community guidance.

Comm and Outreac

"WALK PAROLE: A SCAVENGER HUNT FOR HISTORY" BROCHURE

Available for Download

“Walk Parole: A Scavenger Hunt for History” brochure—a brochure developed and in cooperation with, among others, “Let’s Move: America’s Move to Raise A Healthier Generation of Kids”, the signature initiative of First Lady Michelle Obama; 8,200 steps = 4.25 miles as noted on the brochure

Walk Parole

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

When Ward 3 decides to meet with a developer or owner or representative in anticipation of developing a significant parcel of property, over the past 7 years, we have developed and followed a certain protocol that works for our needs. As you can readily see, we have been very organized and strategic in our efforts to follow the 2009 Comprehensive Plan, “Preserve and Enhance Community Character”, which is always listed first as the “main idea” in the document; and “Chapter 3 – Land Use & Economic Development”, which is always listed first as the Chapter in the document. And as is evidenced by the following developments, Ward 3 has consistently followed both of these firsts. As such, we created the document: “City of Annapolis, Ward 3, Template/Protocol".

MAIF (Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund) Building, 1750 Forest Drive

In 2015, Ward 3 was initially approached about the renovation/refurbishing of the old MAIF
building in Ward 3. The adjacent Heritage community was very concerned about density, public safety,
and impact on their quality of life surrounding this building, which directly abuts their tightly knit
community. After several meetings/communication with the developer and his team, and the residents,
this large building was completely and tastefully renovated, and the tenants have been carefully chosen.
The grand opening and tour of this new facility was held in February 2019. And the surrounding
neighborhood is pleased.

Monarch Academy, an Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) Contract School

In November 2015, Alderwoman Pindell Charles was contacted by AACPS that the headlines for the next day’s edition of The Capital newspaper would indicate that the Monarch Academy would be located in Ward 3 in the old Capital newspapers building on Capital Drive. Needless to say, the Alderwoman was shocked and shaken. From there, and as time went on, the GPCA ELT and community residents submitted a series of very public challenges to the Superintendent that were serious, mainly surrounding a wide range of public safety matters as it relates to students and staff, residents, and motorists. Nevertheless, this school opened in September 2017, with a series of public safety issues still lingering. The installation and operation of the traffic signal at West Street and Gibralter Street in May 2020 has mitigated many of these challenges. It should be noted here that the yearly request from the City to the State for this traffic signal had been ongoing for approximately 20 years. The Alderwoman was bound and determined that the necessary traffic studies, resources, and funds ($225,000.00) would be available for this project—the City, County, State, and developer all working together for the benefit of everyone, which was unprecedented.

Towne Courts, 2010 West Street

In 2016, Alderwoman Pindell Charles was initially approached about developing a piece of property in Ward 3 located at 2010 West Street, nestled between Capital Drive and West Street. The Alderwoman, the GPCA ELT, the City, the developer, and a myriad of other representatives had limitless communication and meetings over a consistent 4 year period. Initially, the developer was proposing over 200 units for rental; density is always an issue. The property was zoned for retail on the first floor which we all knew would not be advantageous to businesses since anyone wanting to patronize these businesses would have to travel “off the beaten path”, so a change in zoning was necessary. Also, a plethora of issues arose during this time period, including the surprising knowledge that Gibralter Street was actually privately owned by the adjacent property owners (among many other odd situations that arose and needed to be attended to). Additionally, because of the time that had elapsed, taking the time to unravel and address these myriad of issues and others, including the increase in the price of steel, the time allotted to take advantage of tax credits had expired. The result is now 42 units, 2-story, for market rate rent. There are two “community benefits”: 1) The owner will provide a very aggressive informational campaign for residents who want to eventually purchase a home, i.e., “provide opportunities for first-time homebuyers, and support housing counseling for first-time low and moderate-income homebuyers and other housing issues.; and 2) The street in this community will be named for a prominent African-American resident (now deceased). We are anticipating a ribbon cutting hopefully in less than one year.

It is very important to note at this point, as referenced on pages 8-9 here, regarding the “2009 Comprehensive Plan Annual Report, City of Annapolis Planning Commission” (referred to here as the “2009 Report”): Report on Chapter 8 – Housing
On page 13, Policy 2 states: Support the Revitalization of Public Housing. Planning for the redevelopment of the Annapolis Gardens & Bowman Court complexes began [in Ward 3].”
On page 14, Policy 3 states: “Support housing programs that assist low and moderate-income households with homeownership and housing rehabilitation. … Prioritized objectives for housing and community development needs are: 1) Provide assistance to low-income homeowners for housing rehabilitation. 3) Provide opportunities for first-time homebuyers. 4) Support housing counseling for first-time low and moderate-income homebuyers and other housing issues. 5) Continue financial support to homeless shelter programs. 7) Provide assistance to supportive housing providers. 8) Support
improvement or construction of recreational facilities in low and moderate-income neighborhoods. 9)
Support vital public services that address the needs of children, youth and families and other initiatives
that promote family stability. 10) Provide support for economic development and creation of decent jobs. 11) Provide support and technical assistance for neighborhood revitalization and overall planning and administration of community development activities.” The Policy narrative continues on page 15: “The new Lighthouse Homeless Shelter broke ground on Hudson Street [in Ward 3].”

First, as one can readily see, the Towne Courts development entity has agreed to follow this 2009 Report as evidenced by numbers 3) and 4). Second, the “Ward 3: Annapolis in Miniature” document that was prepared by the Alderwoman likewise speaks to and aligns with this 2009 Report in the housing portion of the “Ward 3: Annapolis in Miniature” document. Third, on page 12 of this brief, it states: “As a result of the “Ward 3: Annapolis in Miniature” document that was prepared by Alderwoman Pindell Charles in November 2020, on February 11, 2021, the Alderwoman met with the City’s Director of Planning and Zoning and their Community Development Administrator, to discuss, for example, possible federal grant funding for Parole homeowners who may be interested in upgrading the outside/façade of their homes. And moreover, possibly utilizing the various professional trades within the Annapolis Design District to assist in these community housing efforts.” This directly addresses number 1 here: 1) Provide assistance to low-income homeowners for housing rehabilitation. Fourth, the Lighthouse Shelter is specifically named in the 2009 Report, i.e., 5) continue financial support to homeless shelter programs. And fifth, on page 9 of this brief, under the “Housing” section, it states: “Page xi states in part: ‘It [the Housing Chapter] recommends City support for efforts to provide housing that is affordable to workforce and middle income households. … The three policy recommendations in this chapter are: 1) Support development of housing affordable to workforce or middle income households. … 3) Support housing programs that assist low and moderate-income households with homeownership and housing rehabilitation.’” And this is exactly what the Towne Courts development addresses.

In a nutshell, in the City’s 2009 Comprehensive Plan, “Preserve and Enhance Community Character” is always listed first as the “main idea” in the document; and “Chapter 3 – Land Use & Economic Development” is always listed first as the Chapter in the document. And as is evidenced by these developments/projects, Ward 3 has consistently followed both of these firsts.

Traffic Signal at West Street and Gibralter Street

After multiple and decades-long traffic accidents (some reported, and some unreported) resulting in too many injuries and deaths, the Alderwoman coordinated with our State Highway Administration, our Anne Arundel County, and our City of Annapolis governments, and the developer of Towne Courts, to provide the necessary funds, $225,000.00, to install a traffic signal at West and Gibralter Streets. The ribbon-cutting by Mayor Buckley and the Alderwoman occurred on May 15, 2020, the signal was put “on flash” starting on July 7, 2020 (allowing motorists to become adjusted to this signal), and it became operational and was activated on July 11, 2020. It should be noted here that the City had been requesting this traffic signal yearly from the State for approximately 20 years, with a denial each year. From the President of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Annapolis, to her Sorors: “See message from Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell Charles [dated July 7, 2020]. If you have experienced issues at this intersection, help has come in the form of a new traffic light. We are thankful for Alderwoman Pindell-Charles and the City of Annapolis for addressing this need.”

Development Projects