Sean Burnett

The event was the 25th annual Civil Rights Breakfast. The speaker discussed the importance of community partnership, determination, courage, and a firm moral center in ensuring justice, dignity, and the protection of civil and human rights for every individual. Key discussion points included reflecting on the despair caused by events in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014 and the ongoing fight against injustice, the speaker's commitment as mayor to working collaboratively with the police department and community, and the necessity of building trust consistently between law enforcement and communities of color to avoid crises. The speaker also emphasized advocating for greater transparency and accountability for unlawful police conduct to protect the sacred bond between police and the community, noting that progress in public safety must be achieved through partnership to be sustained.

The City Council Appropriations Committee held a budget hearing for the fiscal year 2020 Parking Authority of Baltimore City budget. Key discussion points included the introduction of pay-by-cell phone services for metered parking, the introduction of paid-by-license-plate multi-space parking meters starting in July, and piloting virtual permit parking for residential areas. Capital projects for renovating city-owned garages were also noted. Performance measures discussed involved the climbing number of parking permits, including a potential new residential permit parking area in Riverside. Revenue per parking space was analyzed, reflecting garage leasing to Medeco and declining revenues due to ride-sharing impact and the performance of the Orioles. Council members extensively questioned staff regarding revenue loss from city-owned and city-permitted vehicles occupying metered street parking, the policy and potential abuse of official business permits (which cost $175 annually), and the feasibility of developing a batch payment system for city agency parking citations, which are currently processed manually. There was also discussion regarding establishing secure, on-demand access to the Residential Permit Parking (RPP) database for emergency relocation situations, requiring consultation with the City Law Department. Finally, concerns were raised about enforcement staffing levels within RPP zones versus other departmental responsibilities like street cleaning and 311 complaints.

The primary discussion involved an application for a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license (with provisions for outdoor table service, catering, and delivery) for the North Shed of the Broadway Market, located at 1640 Alexander Street. The applicant detailed adherence to capital investment requirements (over $500,000, excluding land/building costs) and the minimum seating capacity requirement (125 individuals). The application is presented as part of a city-supported redevelopment project owned by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and the Public Markets Corporation. The applicant noted extensive community outreach, including meetings with various stakeholders and community organizations, to address potential concerns. Opposing viewpoints were noted, specifically concerning the existing number of licenses in Fells Point, but the applicant emphasized the unique, anchor nature of this public market project, contrasting it with other local licenses. Food service is expected to be primarily food-based, meeting the 51% receipt requirement, with diverse food vendors already securing leases or letters of intent. The anticipated opening for the market is February 2019.

The board conducted its morning docket hearing covering regular items, new transfer, expansion, and hardship applications. Key agenda items included the transfer of ownership for a Class B D 7 beer, wine, and liquor license for Riverside Tap House, which involved testimony regarding the applicant's experience and community support from the South Baltimore Neighborhood Association. The board also addressed a hardship extension request for Triangle Liquors and Packaged Goods due to delays caused by bank loan transfers and extensive environmental studies. Finally, a 90-day hardship extension was granted for a transfer request concerning Ghani's Wine & Spirits after delays related to a boat transfer permit issue. The afternoon session addressed violations, specifically reviewing multiple incidents against Pratt Liquors and Bar related to general welfare and illegal conduct, including testimony regarding a fatal shooting on November 25, 2019, and another shooting incident on December 26, 2019, at the same location.

The Land Use Transportation Committee hearing centered on City Council Bill 17.0102, titled "Complete Streets." The discussion focused on requiring the Transportation Department to construct and operate a comprehensive Complete Streets transportation system and creating a Complete Streets Coordinating Council. Testimony highlighted the historical prioritization of cars over pedestrians and public transit, leading to issues of equity, danger (roads being nearly four times as dangerous as the state average), and economic costs. The bill aims to mandate adherence to national best practices, ensure interagency coordination, improve reporting standards, and incorporate equity considerations, referencing guidelines from organizations like the National Complete Streets Coalition and NACTO.