The Abundant Housing Act
After introductions, the meeting kicked off with a discussion of Councilman Ryan Dorsey's Abundant Housing Act. The text of the bill can be found here.
The part of the bill that is receiving the most attention is a change to the housing code which will allow the conversion of some properties into multi-family dwellings.
If the property is 1,500 square feet or more, it can be a 2-unit dwelling
If the property is 2,250 square feet or more, it can be a 3-unit dwelling
If the property is 3,000 square feet or more, it can be a 4-unit dwelling
Properties can also add an additional dwelling if they are located close to public transit, a grocery store, and a main street.
The attendees discussed the pros and cons of the bill. After discussion, a majority of attendees voted to have PPNA write a letter addressed to Councilman Zeke Cohen expressing opposition to the Abundant Housing Act as it currently stands. The letter will be added to this blog post when it is finished.
BGE Installation of External Gas Regulators
Attendees discussed BGE's initiative to replace current gas regulators and install new external regulators. Most of these regulators are on the front of houses because that's closer to where the original internal regulators are.
There is currently a class action lawsuit underway to prevent BGE from installing these external gas regulators and prevent them from shutting off gas to residents who refuse to let workers into their homes. Currently, a judge has issued an injunction to BGE to halt all work.
The attendees voted to have PPNA write a letter in support of the lawsuit. Individual citizens who want to join the lawsuit can do so at this link.
The Public Service Commission will hold a hearing on this issue on August 15 at 10 am at 6 St. Paul Street on the 6th floor. Residents can submit a public comment at this link. Comments should reference docket number 9711.
Community Announcements
Delegate Robbyn Lewis presented and talked about the Livable Streets Coalition which will be meeting on August 19 10:30 am - 12:00 pm in the basement of the library (the same place where PPNA's meetings are held). You can RSVP here.
We heard from Sokol Baltimore who are recruiting for gymnastics classes: https://www.sokolbaltimore.org/
Shaya Williams from THREAD told us about their work mentoring students. See their flyer here.
Alex Walinskas came to talk about the work being done by the Baltimore Development Corporation.
And Emily Rosen of the Enoch Pratt Free Library announced a new free grocery store to be run out of the Southeast Anchor Library location. There is a launch event on July 28 which you can sign up for here.