Community Input
In November 2018, the 200 E block of 26th Street collapsed. Although this was a frustration and inconvenience, community members also saw this as an opportunity to improve the neighborhood.
We knew from our March 2018 community-led visioning process that neighbors wanted the block to be fun and safe for all ages. We knew that neighbors wanted more lights, more greenery, more art, and slower cars.
One proposed way to make that happen was to transform half of the street into a small park.
To assess community input, we created a survey in March 2019.
Paper surveys went out to every single house in the adjacent blocks (2500 and 2600 blocks of Guilford & Calvert, 300 E block of 26th Street) and were distributed in community association meetings (Harwood & CVCA)
The survey was also distributed electronically (Nextdoor & Facebook).
Of the 92 households who completed the survey, 88% (81 respondents) were in favor of the proposal. We partnered with the Charles Village Civic Association to collaborate with Baltimore City to carve out this space, which became known as the "26th Street Green."
On July 24, 2019 the CVCA coordinated a public 26th Street Green & Railway Corridor Maintenance Plan Charette. About 50 residents and community leaders, including representatives from Baltimore City, attended to discuss:
Allowed/Prohibited Activities
Long-term maintenance responsibilities & duties by season for the park
Responsibilities for special events at the park
Following the meeting, CVCA hired a consultant to draft a maintenance plan for the space.
Originally the plans were going to be presented and decided upon via in-person meeting, but due to COVID-19, community feedback was collected in April, 2020 by DOT via mail, phone, and online survey. DoT considered survey responses when selecting the final design concept for the space.
Want to have your voice heard in this community input process? There are lots of ways to get involved!
