Baltimore plans to offer $2,500 a year property tax discount for police

The Taxation, Finance and Economic Development Committee unanimously passed legislation Thursday that would provide $2,500 in tax credits to public safety officials who own a home in Baltimore City.

“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 in a statement.

In Baltimore, the number of officers who live in the city has fallen. Roughly 80% of the city’s police force lives outside of the city. The legislation is designed to lure more police, firefighters and sheriff’s deputies to the city.

The legislation now advances to the full City Council for a vote and will be taken up at the October 30 council meeting.

Winter 2018 Service Change Public Hearings Schedule

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration gives notice of ten public hearings to provide interested persons the opportunity to comment on proposed service changes to CityLink, LocalLink, and Express BusLink routes. The proposed changes would become effective on or about Sunday, February 4, 2018.

Interested persons are invited to share their comments at a public hearing or in writing. The MDOT MTA will accept written comments through Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Comments may be mailed to MDOT MTA, Office of Customer and Community Relations, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. Alternatively, you may email your comments to HearingComments@mta.maryland.gov (link sends e-mail). Your name and address must be included with your comments to become part of the public hearing record.

Schedule of Public Hearings

Monday, November 13, 2017
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Enoch Pratt Free Library, Pennsylvania Avenue Branch*
1531 W. North Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
Transit to this location via CityLink Gold and Lime, LocalLink 85, and Metro SubwayLink
*Use of library meeting space does not constitute endorsement of this organization, this program, or its content by the Enoch Pratt Free Library.

Monday, November 13, 2017
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Baltimore County Public Library, Owings Mills Branch
Metro Centre at Owings Mills
10302 Grand Central Avenue
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Transit to this location via LocalLink 87 and 89, Express BusLink 106, and Metro SubwayLink

Tuesday, November 14, 2017
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CCBC, Essex Campus
Administration Building, Room 120
7201 Rossville Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21237
Transit to this location via LocalLink 56 and 62

Tuesday, November 14, 2017
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rita Church Community Center
2101 Saint Lo Drive
Baltimore, MD 21213
Transit to this location via CityLink Gold, and LocalLink 21, 22, and 54

Wednesday, November 15, 2017
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Baltimore County Public Library, North Point Branch
1716 Merritt Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21222
Transit to this location via LocalLink 62

Wednesday, November 15, 2017
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel, Grason Room
903 Dulaney Valley Road
Towson, MD 21204
Transit to this location via CityLink Red and Green, LocalLink 36, 51, 52, 53, and 93, and Express BusLink 102 and 106

Thursday, November 16, 2017
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Fairfield Inn, Lombard Room
101 S. President Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Transit to this location via CityLink Blue, Brown, Navy, Orange, and Purple, LocalLink 65, and Metro SubwayLink

Thursday, November 16, 2017
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Residence Inn Arundel Mills BWI Airport
7035 Arundel Mills Circle
Hanover, MD 21076
Transit to this location via LocalLink 75 and Commuter Bus 201

Monday, November 20, 2017
11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
AND
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
State Center Complex
201 W. Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Transit to this location via CityLink Lime and Yellow, LocalLink 54, 73, 94, Metro SubwayLink, and Light RailLink

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 was interview by 7 year old BellaGrace Annibal.

She presented to her first grade class a project on Council President Young and City Government.

Coming Up In Baltimore

Caroline Center CNA/GNA Program
Apply! November 13 - November 19
Ready for a professional career in healthcare? Caroline Center offers women living in Baltimore City the opportunity to pursue careers as: • Certified Nursing Assistants • Certified Pharmacy Technicians. We offer you: • A 15-week, tuition-free program leading to CNA/GNA & PT/CPhT certifications • A supportive learning community, career coaching & supervised externships • Enriched learning & excell. Caroline Center offers its scholarship-based program to women living in Baltimore City who are: • At least 20 years of age & qualify financially for enrollment • Graduates of an accredited high school or GED program • Drug-free & can pass a criminal background check. Winter Session Begins on January 3, 2018 and ends with the closing ceremony on April 12, 2018. APPLY: Applications are accepted online only at www.caroline-center.org during the week of Nov. 13 - Nov. 19 INFO: 410-563-1303 or carolinecenter@caroline-center.org.

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.