UPTON PLANNING COMMITTEE
2017 Annual Report
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
Upton a West Baltimore Community of Promise and Potential
The Best Is Yet To Come!
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
Table of Contents Upton Planning Committee Year In Review
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The Basketball Tournament
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UPC Community House
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2026 Upton Master Plan
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Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street Program
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Community Partnerships
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Financial Report
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Board of Directors
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Upton Planning Committee has successfully garnered over 3.5 million dollars to support Upton’s revitalization over the last 24-months!
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
2017 Year In Review For more than 40 years the Upton Planning Committee, (UPC), has been a leading community organization in central Baltimore City, Maryland. UPC works to halt and reverse the decline in the quality of life that Upton has faced in recent years. The Upton community is represented by seven neighborhoods, which together make up the Upton Planning Committee leadership: Etting Neighborhood Association, Heritage Crossing, Historic Marble Hill, McCulloh Homes, Northwest United Protective Association, Providence Neighborhood Association, and Upton West. The Historic Upton Neighborhood is located directly northwest of downtown Baltimore and adjacent to some of the City’s premier neighborhoods. The neighborhood is conveniently situated within close proximity to major job centers, cultural institutions, parks and recreational amenities, retail, public transportation, and a wide-range of other community services. 2017 has been a great year for the Upton Planning Committee, under the leadership of Wanda Best, Executive Director, and the Board of Directors. The organization has continued to lift up the Upton community by leading and facilitating opportunities for Upton neighborhoods to be strengthened. This year, UPC secured use of the Royal Marque “billboard” at Lafayette and Pennsylvania Avenue and is managing this important community public information platform.
UPC helped a Police Sub Station open in the Avenue Market, see page 7.
UPC continued managing the Garden’s of Hope community garden, see page 7.
UPC helped get resources to stabilize Public School 103 (PS 103), also known as the Henry Highland Garnet School, see page 8.
UPC and the Bethel Empowerment and Wellness Center coordinated the culmination of a 2-year master planning process that produced a 10-year Master Plan for the Upton Community, see page 10.
This annual report shares highlights from the years work and community engagement activities. UPC worked with The Basket Ball Tournament to coordinate a Day of Giving in Upton, see page 5. UPC managed the Historic Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street program, which coordinated a host of community UPC continued to manage 50 vacant lots in the Upton activities aimed at increasing traffic on the commercial community, see page 5. corridor, see page 12.
The Perrin Mitchell House, 828 N. Carrollton Avenue, was donated to UPC, see page 6.
UPC welcomed many external guests and facilitated several comprehensive community tours, see page 6.
It is expected that the good work of the Upton Planning Committee will be continued in 2018. 4
UPC significantly increased its revenue mix in 2017, see page 15.
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
Upton TBT Clean-up The Upton Community partnered with The Basketball Tournament (TBT), to host a Day of Giving on August 2, 2017 in Upton. Volunteers and players worked to transform Pennsylvania Avenue from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Fulton Ave through cleaning and painting projects. TBT is an annual, 5-on-5, single elimination basketball tournament. In 2017, 64 teams played for a winner takes all prize of $2 million. The semifinals and championship were held at Coppin State University in Baltimore, MD July 31st-Aug 3rd. The $2 million Championship games was played on Aug 3, 2017 and televised on ESPN.
Upton Adopt A Lot Program
Baltimore Police Class 17-03 helping clean up in the Upton community on Pennsylvania Ave. supporting TBT Day of Giving.
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UPC participates in the Care A Lot Program and manages 50 city-owned vacant lots, in the Upton Community.
Managing vacant lots is one way UPC is working to improve the living conditions in Upton. UPC strives to create peaceful spaces for everyone in the community to share. Managing vacant lots is improving the Upton neighborhood, while helping Baltimore City become a beautiful and productive place to live for everyone!
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
UPC Community Home Historic Mitchell Mansion ownership returns to Baltimore residents By Roderick Carter Willis I, News ULM
Sometimes big and significant things come in small packages. A brilliant diamond placed in a small jewelry box far exceeds the worth of its container. It is what’s inside that counts. And so it is‌A lady, small in frame but big of heart, has left the Upton community a gigantic and unique jewel and historic treasure.
Mrs. Lily Tsui graciously donated the building she originally purchased as a personal investment, to the Upton Planning Committee, a community organization dedicated to uplifting the people it serves. The property located on 828 N. Carrollton Avenue, once owned by the late Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, had fallen into disrepair and was Lily Tsui & Wanda Best purchased by a woman who wanted to own a part of civil rights history. She saw a diamond in the rough. Under the leadership of Wanda Best, UPC Executive Director, that diamond in the rough, was rented and transformed into a museum, elegant office, and community planning space. The building has new life and serves as a centerpiece in the community representing a catalyst for the revival of an old and historic neighborhood. After seeing how Upton Planning Committee has transformed the property, the watchful eye of an investor turned into the heart of a philanthropist. 6
And so it is, Lily Tsui a woman small in stature, made what turned out to be an a giant donation of monumental and historical significance. The Northern Virginia restaurant owner is at peace with her decision to part with her investment and is certain that the property is in the right hands. On December 29, 2017, the deed to the property was transferred to Upton Planning Committee. Mrs. Tsui is a true visionary, whose heart and spirit of Philanthropy transcends race, color and gender. Her gift of this valuable piece of property represents a supreme sacrifice of love and respect for the life’s work of Parren J. Mitchell.
Community Tours Upton is an urban community of interest for many who visit Baltimore. UPC hosted tours for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation. These tours highlighted the strengths and challenges in the Upton community.
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
Thurgood Marshall’s Elementary School Stabilization
Upton Police Sub Station UPC supported the opening of a Police SubStation at the Avenue Market. The Police SubStation is located at the front of the Avenue Market and provides a constant law enforcement presence in the building. The presence of the Police Sub-Station has been a welcomed addition to the Avenue Market and is helping to deter crime in the immediate vicinity on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Gardens of Hope UPC manages the Gardens of Hope a community garden located on the 1200 block of Shields Place in Upton. The Wells Fargo Foundation funded the rebuilding of the Gardens of Hope.
UPC worked with Baltimore Housing to support the stabilization of Public School 103 (PS 103), also known as the Henry Highland Garnet School following a fire.
PS103, a landmark in the Upton community of West Baltimore, is significant to the nation for its role in the education of Thurgood Marshall, one of the most influential Americans of the 20th century. Marshall is known for his leadership in the desegregation of the nation’s public school system, as well as for his service as the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The UPC Westside CDC is creating a viable rehabilitation plan for the building that will allow the legacy of Thurgood Marshall to be forever preserved.
Currently, there are a total of 16 active gardeners and a waiting list. Garden plots are free, but all gardeners must sign an agreement to maintain and water their plots. 7
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
Upton 2026 Master Plan The Upton 2026 planning process was designed to capture vital information to better understand the neighborhood’s progress since the last master plan was developed in 2005 while engaging Upton residents and stakeholders in a process of collective reflection. A formal feedback process on the Historic Upton Neighborhood Master Plan was implemented and comments were incorporated into the final plan. All of the Upton neighborhoods are fully supportive of the Master Plan Framework. The City Planning Department, DHCD, and Vacants to Value have reviewed the Master Plan and are very pleased with the level of detailed redevelopment and specific planning recommendations. The Historic Upton Community, (HUN), master planning process explored the state of Upton in 2005 and the state of Upton in 2016 through data analysis of current housing statistics, area demographics, and market analysis of commercial and residential sales, social service and education statistics, and community crime statistics. The HUN master planning process included a robust community survey process and physical dwelling assessment. Phases 1 and 2 focused on research and data gathering, community mobilization, trust building, and information and data analysis. Phase 3 was about community cohesion, visioning, and systematic planning. The Planning process culminated with the creation of a comprehensive 10-year community development plan. The Upton Master Plan outlines goals and strategies in 5 critical community development areas. The Master Plan implementation process has established workgroups to shape and monitor plan implementation activities in each area. Quality of Life A community’s quality of life is directly influenced by the level of supports, opportunities, and services available. This workgroup will monitor a range of “quality of life” strategies, including but not limited to: healthy food access; quality educational opportunities; quality healthcare; and reduction of crime and blight. Housing/Community Development Upton will preserve affordable housing so that barriers 8
to entering the residential market for lower income homeowners and renters are mitigated as the local housing market improves. This workgroup will monitor goals and strategies for attracting and sustaining housing investment for households with a range of incomes, ages and physical challenges. Land Use and Infrastructure The inclusion of safe and connected streets, trails, green space, parks and trees contribute to the character, health and safety of a community. This workgroup will monitor initiatives or projects that will increase the Upton community’s access to green spaces, parks as well as protect and preserve natural resources and increase public safety in the Upton Community. This workgroup will monitor projects that are envisioned to strengthen the transportation network that affects the Upton neighborhood.
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
Economic/Business Development Sustainable communities provide employment and business development opportunities for residents and merchants and consider opportunities for sustaining and strengthening vulnerable households. This workgroup will work with the Pennsylvania Avenue Mainstreet Program on goals and strategies for improving the community’s economy, including our local business district and connecting the local workforce to job opportunities.
Community Engagement Quality communication and established relationships with residents and community groups is important to equitable community development. Thus, it is vital that the community is part of this revitalization process and remain informed of the efforts associated with it. This workgroup will monitor engagement and awareness efforts to keep community stakeholders engaged in the revitalization process.
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Master Plan Partners The Historic Upton Neighborhood Planning Team was led by The Community Builders, Inc., a leading nonprofit developer bringing 50 plus years of experience in urban redevelopment. The team included local leadership and direction from Upton Planning Committee and the Bethel Empowerment and Wellness Center.
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
UPC Westside CDC UPC has launched the UPC Westside CDC to facilitate implementation of the Upton Master Plan and support community revitalization efforts on the Westside. The UPC Westside CDC will manage CORE resources garnered to support development and rehabilitation efforts in Upton and beyond. The UPC Westside CDC will facilitate and coordinate economic and community development efforts in Upton, Harlem Park, Sandtown Winchester, Penn North and The Pennsylvania Avenue Mainstreet.
UPC Project CORE Awards On January 5, 2016, Governor Larry Hogan and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced Project C.O.R.E., a four year partnership to remove blight through demolition or stabilization to serve as the catalyst for redevelopment, reinvestment, and stabilization in Baltimore City. The goal of this partnership is to improve economic opportunity, encourage redevelopment, and improve quality of life in Baltimore City neighborhoods. Project C.O.R.E. is designed to address the needs of the existing community and will result in safer and more attractive neighborhoods, create more jobs, provide more green space, and improve quality of life as well as increase the number of affordable housing for the benefit of existing residents. In 2016, UPC received a $640,000 Project CORE reward to support the rehabilitation and development of 11 houses in the Historic Marble Hill Community; and 7 houses on Dolphin Street. In 2017, UPC received a $2,200,000 Project CORE reward to support an Upton homeownership initiative and the stabilization of the Lenox Theatre on Pennsylvania Avenue.
2016 Project CORE Award Presentation
Community Legacy Awards UPC received two Community Legacy Awards in 2016 and 2017 for a total of $300,000 to support the rehabilitation of the Bethel Empowerment and Wellness Center located in the Historic Marble Hill community. 10
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
Upton Developer Guidelines
Community Meetings UPC MONTHLY MEETINGS
UPC has developed a Design Review Process that has been implemented in the Upton Community to coordinate individual buildings or projects, which were often constructed at different times, into a harmonious whole. It is the purpose of the Upton Community Design Review Process to prevent poor quality of design in the interior and exterior appearance of buildings erected and/or rehabilitated in the community. The goal is to promote and protect the health, safety, comfort, and general welfare of the community, to promote public convenience and prosperity, to conserve the value of buildings, to promote the community’s heritage, and to encourage optimal use of community resources. Upton’s developer guidelines highlight homeownership as a priority in the Upton Community. The guidelines also define a set of Community -Centric Design Metrics that all developers are asked to consider and provide their willingness to support including Increased Homeownership; Local Employment; MBE/WBE Inclusion; Trade Skill Building Supports; and Community Supports. UPC manages the design review process and all residential, single-family, multi-family and commercial development within the Upton Community of West Baltimore are subject to the community design guidelines. Developer Meetings The Upton Planning Committee hosts monthly developer meetings which have informed the communities design review process. Developer meetings provide a forum for developers to share proposed community projects and get feedback on their design ideas.
The Upton Planning Committee, (UPC), is the umbrella organization coordinating revitalization efforts in Upton. UPC and the Bethel Empowerment and Wellness Center facilitated the 2026 Upton Master Planning process and are leading the implementation efforts. Upton community members are encouraged to participate in monthly UPC meetings, held every second Thursday of the Month, 6:008:00 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church located at 1401 Pennsylvania Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217. UPC does not meet in July and December.
UPTON DEVELOPER MEETINGS Upton has developed a set of developer guidelines outlining the communities development priorities. UPC coordinates a monthly developers meeting to discuss proposed community development projects and to strategize on community development efforts. If you are working on a development project or if you want to develop in the Upton community you are encouraged to participate in monthly developer meetings. Developer meetings are held every first Friday of the Month, 10:00 a.m. at the Pennsylvania Avenue Market located at 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217.
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For more information visit the UPC website at www.historicupton.com.
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
UPC Manages Pennsylvania Avenue Mainstreet The Upton Planning Committee assumed leadership of the Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street program in 2016. Under UPC’s leadership the Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street office has been relocated to the Avenue Market; established Coffee with Main Street on Wednesdays from 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM to provide technical assistance and workshops for merchants. The Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street is flourishing and the commercial corridor is being revitalized.
Promotion: Marketing the traditional commercial districts’ assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens, and visitors. Economic restructuring: Strengthening the district’s existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities and challenges from outlying development. Clean, safe, and green: Enhancing and creates a vibrant place, making space within the commercial corridor clean and green which leads to an inviting environment of safety and community gathering and participation.
The historic Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street Program is a community-based commercial revitalization project of Baltimore Main Streets, which provides customized support and public resources to designated neighborhood business districts. Working with dedicated volunteers, Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street has implemented the five-point approach committee structure.
Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street Committees meet monthly via tele-conference every second Tuesday of the month at the following times:
Design: Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging and supporting new construction.
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Clean, safe and green
9:00 AM–10:30 AM
Design
11:00 AM–12:30 PM Promotion
Organization: Building and consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process.
1:00 PM–2:30 PM
Economic restructuring
3:00 PM–4:30 PM
Organization
MAIN STREET CONTACT Phone: (410) 646-8744 Website: PA-Mainstreet.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaAvenueMainStreet
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Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
2017 Main Street Events Historic Pennsylvania Avenue-Main Street strengthened the commercial corridor by increasing foot traffic through hosting over eight community events and creating a positive atmosphere for shopping in the Avenue Market and on Pennsylvania Avenue.
The Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street hosted a Unity Jazz Festival in Legends Park on July 29, 2017. The event encouraged community members to come out enjoy good music and explore small business in the community.
Winter Wonderland event hosted on December 19, 2017, included face painting, a magic show, visit and photos with Santa Clause, crafts, treats, and a performance by the Furman L. Templeton Children’s Choir. The Merchants Association in conjunction with the Baltimore Public Market vendors within the Avenue market contributed food to feed the community during the Winter Wonderland event.
On August 2, 2017 the Main Street coordinated a Day of Giving on the Avenue in partnership with the Basketball Tournament. Open Mic Nights. The Main Street Program hosted several open mic nights featuring local artists at the Avenue Market. The Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street participated in Small Business Saturday on November 25, 2017. Small Business Saturday is a shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, encouraging people to shop at local small businesses in the community. Vendors were invited to sell at the Avenue Market, a jazz band performed, and patrons were able to participate in a small business scavenger hunt.
The Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street first Annual Christmas and Holiday Celebrations were hosted in the month of December at the Avenue Market. These celebrations included a Christmas Tree decorating contest; Donuts with Santa event; Miracle on Main Street: Winter Wonderland event; and Celebration of Kwanzaa event.
The Miracle on Main Street:
The Christmas Tree Decorating Contest showcased the talents of nine neighboring schools and nonprofit organizations. The winning Christmas Tree participant received a pizza party.
Main Street partnered with Baltimore City, Western, and Central District Police Departments to host a Toy and Coat Giveaway at the Avenue Market on December 22, 2017. Over 100 toys and coats were distributed to needy children in the community. The Celebration of Kwanzaa event on December 28, 2017 was moderated by Dr. Charles Dugger. The event explained the seven principles of Kwanzaa and how they relate to the history of the Upton community. MAINSTREET STAFF Marion Blackwell Main Street Manager
Donuts with Santa was hosted on December 2, 2017 and provided an opportunity for 36 children and 15 Mom’s to visit with Santa and share their Christmas list.
Sharlene Paul, MPA Main Street Marketing and Social Media (University of Baltimore Graduate) 13
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
Pennsylvania Avenue Mainstreet 2017 Highlights
Main Street Mission: Empowering Business. Empowering People.
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Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
UPC Partners
UPC Financial Profile
Special thanks to all of the partners who are working with UPC and the Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street. Our work could not happen without your support! Adrian Harpool Group Avenue Market Merchants: Bakery, Deli, Chinese Food, Fresh Fried Chicken and Fish Baltimore City Police Department Baltimore City Recreation and Parks Baltimore Toolbank Bethel Empowerment and Wellness Center BMoreNews Brick by Brick Solutions
Chris Breakfast
Upton Planning Committee has worked to diversify the organizations funding mix. Over the last 24 months UPC has been successful in garnering resources from the State Government to support Upton’s community revitalization. UPC’s 2017 budget was $898,000.
City Markets (Avenue Market) Commercial Interiors Cornell G. Jones and Margaret Jones Cuties on Duty Episcopal Housing
State Government represent 87% of the UPC Budget . UPC received $790,000 from Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development to support homeownership and community development in the Marble Hill and NUPA. City Government represents 10% of the UPC Budget. UPC received $88,000 from Baltimore Department of Housing and Community Development and the Mayor’s Office to support UPC operations and the Main Street Program. Donations represent 2% of the UPC Budget. UPC received $15,000 in donations to support community activities. Corporate Sponsorship represents 1% of the UPC Budget. UPC received $5,000 from corporations to support UPC activities. UPC anticipates that the budget will continue to grow as the organization seeks resources to implement the Upton 2026 Master Plan and leverage initiated community revitalization efforts. 15
Furman L. Templeton Academy Harrison Development
JS Plank and DM DiCarlo Family Foundation Juice It Kevin Brown LA Finney Group Morgan State University, School of Urban Planning Open Society Institute PenCor 09, LLC Pennsylvania Avenue Merchants Association Providence Baptist Church Save A Lot Seeny University of Baltimore, School of Public Policy Wells Fargo Bank Wells Fargo Foundation
Upton Planning Committee
2017 Annual Report
UPC Board of Directors LEADERSHIP
MEMBERS
Darroll Cribb President
Deacon Mertha Allen Providence Baptist Church
Atiba Nkrumah Historic Marble Hill Neighborhood
Norma Green Upton-West Neighborhood Association Vice President
Cory Brown Domestic and International Planner
Harry Preston Educator
Ernest Green Provident Neighborhood Council
Larry Rosenberg Co-Chair, Bethel Empowerment and Wellness Center
Mr. James Hill McCulloh Homes, President Resident Council Secretary Kali Madden Northwest United Protective Association Treasurer
James Hamlin Pennsylvania Avenue Redevelopment Corporation Avenue Bakery, Owner
Arnetta Simms Etting Street Community Association
Officer Charles Lee Baltimore City Police Department
Wanda Best, Ex-Officiao Executive Director Licensed Dietitian/Nutrition (MD), MPA
UPTON PLANNING COMMITTEE 828 N. Carrollton Avenue Baltimore, MD 21217 410-646-8744 www.historicupton.com