The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m.

WELCOME:

Everyone in attendance was given the opportunity to read the minutes of the 3/13/2006 meeting.  The minutes were approved without objection.

The Treasurer's report was read and approved without objection.  The current account balances are: General account $380.47, Greening Committee account $994.96; Children's Festival account $512.64, Hollins Hall account $2,455.46, Strategic Planning account $46.97, Total: $4,390.50.  The changes since the March meeting were: payment of $425.00 to Consolidated Insurance Center for the general liability insurance policy annual premium (General), and payment of $62.65 to Bob Harwick to reimburse for purchase of a wheelbarrow and work gloves in connection with neighborhood cleanups (Greening); and receipt of $8.00 in dues (General).

The Recording Secretary discussed the requirements for becoming a "member" of this organization in order to vote and hold office, and emphacized the importance of signing the sign-in sheet so that attendees will be given credit for attending meetings.

SPEAKERS:

Johns Hopkins, Charles Duff and Catherine Brown of Baltimore Heritage and Jubilee Baltimore spoke about home renovation assistance their groups offer.  Their focus is on helping people who already own and live in homes, not on renovating vacant properties; and on helping people make basic repairs (roof, furnace, etc.), rather than exotic or elective repairs.  They solicit grant money from private and govern-
mental organizations and distribute the money to qualified applicants.  They also help people with homes in historic districts obtain historic tax credits for repairs (20% rebate on money spent to improve the property).  You must apply to Baltimore Heritage for assistance before you start the work on your home; assistance will not be granted retroactively.  Contact Baltimore Heritage at (410) 332-9992 or e-mail hopkins@baltimoreheritage.org. 

Betsey Waters, proprietor of In the Garden, 1429 W. Baltimore Street, spoke to us about her business.  She sells live annual and perennial plants, containers for planting and potting materials, and can also plan a garden for you.  She opened this business in May, 2005.  The business is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  Phone number: (410) 233-3922.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Development Committee reported on the joint Hollins-Roundhouse/Union Square charrette that was held on April 5.  This was attended by about 80 people who were led in discussions about changes they want to see in the neighborhoods and other changes they are concerned about.  The charrette was organized because the Board of Union Square believed that the Development Committee was not being inclusive enough in soliciting ideas about development.  The Development Committee continues to meet weekly to work on guidelines for developers and other matters.

The Homesteading Event Committee reported that the City's homesteading event is scheduled for June 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The City will be selling 21 now-vacant houses near Hollins Market.  On June 17, realtors will show the properties, bank representatives will be on-site to assist with loans, and Baltimore Heritage will be on-site to assist with historic tax credits.  The City is expecting thousands of potential buyers to attend, and Mayor O'Malley will also make an appearance.