Sean Burnett

The event marked the official ribbon cutting for a brand new playground facility at Leon Day Park, serving the Rosemont and Franklin Tan communities. The project was funded through state and local parks and playground infrastructure funding, with thanks extended to Senator Hayes and Councilman Bullock for their partnership in expanding resources for young people on the west side of the city. Discussion highlighted the collaborative design process involving local youth from the K Hill Rec Center. Speakers also emphasized honoring the legacy of Leon Day, a Baltimore native and Negro League Baseball Hall of Famer. Mention was made of ongoing historic investments in recreation facilities, including numerous playgrounds, pools, and rec centers across the city.

The community meeting focused on the East Cold Spring Lane traffic calming project, specifically the segment between Overland Avenue and Grenen. The discussion covered the project background, which was initiated due to speeding concerns and the infeasibility of photo enforcement due to sight lines. Key agenda items included recapping previous votes from meetings concerning Morgan Park and Lauravville options, incorporating community input into a new design (Concept Three), and outlining next steps. The proposed design involves narrowing travel lanes using buffer areas to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety. Specific design adjustments discussed included moving stop bars closer to intersections, daylighting at corners (maintaining no-parking zones for sight distance), and refreshing pavement markings near Grenen Avenue. Community members raised significant concerns regarding reduced visibility caused by proposed parking buffers, especially during peak traffic hours, construction, and special events, arguing that the narrowed lanes combined with parked cars would exacerbate safety hazards when entering/exiting side streets. The presenter acknowledged these concerns and noted that further investigation into crosswalk locations and enforcement strategies would follow Phase Two traffic study work extending to Harford Road.

The meeting provided an overview of ongoing initiatives supporting complete streets efforts, including updates on projects for the year. Key discussions covered the annual report, which will cover the previous two years and is expected in August. A significant legislative update involved the passage of an act making it a violation to cross into a bike lane without yielding, carrying a fine or prison sentence for violations causing injury or death. Project spotlights included a partnership with MTA for bus lane automated enforcement using stationary cameras, preparation of an RFP for this system, and the ongoing installation of the last mile connection for the Harford Road separated bike lane, which is nearing completion. Quick build program updates detailed safety treatments at Preston Street bump outs, North A and Lyen bus lane protection, and safety improvements at the Alan and 33rd intersection. The committee also discussed internal training at DOT focused on improving compliance, safety, and sustainability in project design. Public commentary raised concerns regarding traffic calming request processing via 311 and the impact of lane reductions for bike facilities on emergency vehicle response times, particularly on 28th Street.

The meeting discussed a traffic calming plan for Glenmore Avenue, focusing on resident concerns and a proposed solution to remove existing speed humps and install chicane traffic calming designs. The discussion covered the definition and benefits of chicanes, including improved safety for pedestrians and better ADA and emergency access. The proposed design involves maintaining a single lane in each direction with alternating parking. The meeting also addressed community outreach efforts and questions about the effectiveness of chicanes, the potential for all-way stops, and the use of flex posts to mark shifts in the roadway.

The meeting covered updates on Baltimore's dockless vehicle program, featuring presentations from Spin and Lime. Discussions included the program's goals, such as setting clear expectations for operators, standardizing access, ensuring vehicle safety, and providing transportation alternatives. Performance data from January to March 2025 was reviewed, highlighting ridership statistics, average trip distances, and CO2 savings. The equity program was spotlighted, noting media and academic attention on the distribution of routes and the impact of equity zones. Proposed changes to rules and regulations were discussed, including removing the locking device requirement for bicycles, clarifying vehicle requirements in equity zones, and allowing for remote fleet shutdowns. Lime was granted a fleet cap increase due to compliance and high utilization rates. Upcoming community events and safety campaigns were also announced.