Council Introduces Legislation to Help Boost Number of Public Safety Officers Living in Baltimore City

Gathered around a podium Monday morning at the Steadman Fire Station top City Officials announced that they would support new legislation to give a property tax break of $2,500 a year to local police officers, firefighters and sheriff's deputies, if they own a home in the city.

President Bernard C. “Jack” Young and Chairman Eric T. Costello introduced the legislation at Monday’s City Council meeting.

Speaking at the press conference, Mayor Catherine Pugh and City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young were accompanied by Commissioner Davis, Chief Ford, Sheriff Anderson and members of the City Council.

Council President Young, long a champion of creating the tax credit, said that it would be a useful retention and recruitment tool.

“Having more of our city’s public safety officials reside in Baltimore makes great sense from a fiscal standpoint, and will go a long way toward building better relationships between officers and the public they’re sworn to serve,” Council President Young said.

This legislation comes as a result of attempts in recent years to draw more police officers in particular to live in the city. They hope this will go towards improving the relationship between the department and the community.

To view a copy of the legislation, please visit www.BaltimoreCityCouncil.com

Baltimore City Democratic State Central Committee Vacancy

The Baltimore City Democratic State Central Committee, is presently accepting resumes to fill one position as a voting member on the 43^rd District State Central Committee.

To apply, one must be a registered Democratic voter in the State of Maryland, must have resided in the 43^rd Legislative District for at least one (1) year and be 18-years of age or older.

Resumes for consideration must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, September 19, 2017. All resumes must be sent to:

Beatrice Brown, District Chair

Baltimore City Democratic State Central Committee

P.O. Box 23762

Baltimore, Maryland 21203-5762

Interviews will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, at Venable Community Room at Stadium Place, 33^rd. Street and Ednor Road, Baltimore, MD 21217; beginning at 6 p.m.

Applicants will be notified of their specific interview times.

The six (6) elected voting members of the 43^rd District State Central Committee, will vote publicly after all interviews have concluded.

If you have any questions, please contact Beatrice Brown at (410) 323 - 5928 

Spreading the word about a tax program designed to help low-income seniors 

Older adults living in Baltimore City may be eligible for a homeowner’s tax credit.

If you are at least 62 years old, have an annual income lower than $40,000 and have owned your home for a decade or longer, you can take advantage of this credit due to a local supplement to the state’s Homeowners’ Tax Credit Program.

This local supplement comes as a result of legislation passed last year by the Baltimore City Council. Sponsored by Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young, the credit is designed to help keep older adults in their homes and avoid foreclosure.

"From a financial standpoint, it makes total sense to do everything in our power to keep low-income older adults in their homes and out of poverty. It’s good for seniors and beneficial to neighborhoods that would avoid the adverse impact of additional foreclosures," said Council President Young.

The tax break will vary depending on several factors, including income and the value of the home.

It is estimated that more than 6,200 properties are eligible for the extra credit so find out if you qualify today.

For more information and to find an application please visit the Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation website at http://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Homeowners%27-Property-Tax-Credit-Program.asp

YouthWorks Needs Your Help

Please help YouthWorks reach its goal of offering summer employment to 8,000 Baltimore City youth. 

Here’s how:

Become a Hire One Youth Employer - Baltimore’s private-sector employers can hire great workers this summer through the Hire One Youth strategy. Interview responsible and motivated 16- to 21-year olds and select at least one to hire. Youth participants get a high quality work experience. You add a prepared employee. For more information, please sign up at baltimorecity.gov/hireoneyouth or contact Harriett Diles at 410-396-JOBS (5627) or Hdiles@oedworks.com.

Become a YouthWorks worksite - Government agencies, non-profit organizations and community groups that would like to serve as YouthWorks worksites can register online at youthworks.oedworks.com. Young people would be placed in summer jobs with your organization and you would provide supervision and mentoring.

Make a tax-deductible donation - Online donations can be made through the Baltimore City Foundation, Inc. at baltimorecityfoundation.org. Choose MOED - YouthWorks 855-00. Checks can also be made payable to Baltimore City Foundation/YouthWorks and mailed to MOED, 101 W. 24th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.

Out & About in Baltimore

On Monday, Council President Young gave remarks in support of the Federal DACA ( Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program. Mayor Pugh and Commissioner Davis were also in attendance along with members of the City Council. 

The Republican president announced last week that he would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in six months.

Photo by Mark Dennis

Coming Up In Baltimore

Buying Into Baltimore "Trolley Tour"
September 23, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Buying Into Baltimore Trolley Tours are homebuying incentive events. They offer participants a chance to meet with real estate experts and community organizations, take a tour of Baltimore neighborhoods, preview homes for sale, AND become eligible for $5,000 in down-payment and closing cost assistance toward the purchase of a home, anywhere in Baltimore City! The Buying Into Baltimore "Trolley Tour" takes place twice annually: once in the spring or summer and once in the fall. Thirty incentive awards are available through each event. Individuals ready to make their home purchases and apply for an incentive, as well as those just beginning to research the home-buying process, will benefit from this fun and informative event! Event registration fee is $10.
 

Women On The Move Empowerment & Networking Event
October 5, 6:00 p.m.
Horseshoe Casino
Do you know an aspiring young woman who has potential? Why don't you help her move from potential to power! Women on the Move Empowerment & Networking  event is her opportunity to get connected! Presented by Associated Black Charities enjoy an exciting program with inspiring speakers, mentor, networking, awards presentation, & vendor displays. Tickets are $50 per person. Purchase tickets at www.abc-md.org/events

FRESH at the Avenue
Every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Avenue Market, 1700 Pennsylvania Ave
Proudly selling produce grown in 21217. Featuring produce from local farms. Quality prices!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake
Volunteers Needed!
www.biglittle.org/volunteer
Becoming a mentor is easy. Mentoring is about real relationships that help young people overcome obstacles and thrive. From education to extracurricular activities to community engagement, young people benefit from mentoring. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake Community One-to-One Mentoring Program connects young people with caring adult mentors. Matches are provided with professional supports, inclusive of a case manager, and monthly low to no cost activities. We ask that volunteers commit to mentoring a child for a minimum of one year and to plan two to three match activities per month. To apply contact Leticia Sharp at 410-243-4000 or visit www.biglittle.org/volunteer to complete an online application . Visit Big Brothers Big Sisters on Facebook: BBBSGreaterChesapeake, Twitter: @bbbsgc and instagram: bbbsgc.

Online Homebuyer Education Course
24 hours a day/7days a week
www.ehomeamerica.org/
Looking to buy a home? Don't just take your best shot, make it a slam dunk! eHome America can help make your homebuying experience a winning experience! Learn what you need to know about the homebuying process, on your own schedule, from any computer. The cost is low, but the information is invaluable. Visit us at www.ehomeamerica.org/ for more information, or to register online. Information courtesy of Steven C. Kinney of the GO Northwest Housing Resource Center on 2300 Garrison Blvd., Suite 140. For more information e-mail skinney@go-northwesthrc.org or call 410-947-0084.

GO Northwest HRC Free Foreclosure and Prevention Counseling
Every Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM by appointment only
2300 Garrison Boulevard, Suite 140
This workshop is for individuals who are behind on their mortgage and/or facing foreclosure. Free workshop and free parking! Appointment is required. Call 410-947-0084 x104 for more information.

HomeFree USA
www.homefreeusa.org
1056 West Baltimore Street
HomeFree USA uplifts Baltimore communities and empowers families. Resources include homebuying guidance, credit help, mortgage advice, and rebuilding communities. For more information call 410-878-1405 or visit www.homefreeusa.org.

Adult Education Classes in Baltimore City
Baltimore City Community College
Locations throughout Baltimore City
The Baltimore City Community College and the Housing Authority of Baltimore City will offer Basic Skills (Pre GED) Classes at the following locations: Eager Street Homes, 709 E. Eager Street; Gilmor Homes, 1515 Vincent Court; O'Donnell Heights, 1200 Gusryan Street; Pleasant View Homes, 201 N. Aisquith Street; Westport Homes, 2343 Norfolk Street; Brooklyn Homes, 4140 Tenth Street. You must be at least 17 years of age to enroll. For more information call 410-396-3212.