December 2025 Special Meeting (BGE)
Nicole Dungee, RDA President, opened the meeting with a short description of the letter received by neighborhood residents from BGE about the project to construct the fence around the open area/planters adjacent to BGE substation.
Mike Argentino, Project Manager, communicated that they do want to work with neighborhood residents through the RDA. Described ongoing problem with homeless encampments, trash, drug paraphernalia, etc. BGE has decided to use the area for equipment storage, and so area is to be enclosed in chain link fence and made more aesthetically pleasing longer term.
Group questioned actual expense vs. figure of $40K/month. Project manager said that there is a lot of expense dealing with medical/biohazard waste.
Paul Rubenson mentioned that fence is not aesthetically pleasing and there is no timeline on the improved wall/fence. Per project manager, higher style wall will cost multiple millions and its not budgeted for this year.
Maia Tatinclaux asked if BGE has worked with the City on homeless problem. Baltimore PD and City Homeless Services have continued to promptly respond to neighborhood requests. The land is privately owned and so BPD is not authorized to force individuals to move. BGE would need to make such a request and they have opted against it.
Deb O’Neill asked about the timeframe for the longer-term plan. Project manager said it would probably be completed in 2029 or 2030. The wall has to be designed/engineered, permitted, etc. It is more complex because it needs to be high enough to avoid the need for barbed wire.
Gerri Salley asked about seating for the bus stop? Project manager confirmed that bus stop will not have access to planters – this area will be fenced in. BGE is willing to work with MTA on bus stop design/enhancements. They are also working with the Babe Ruth Museum.
Maia Tatinclaux asked about whether there can be a security guard instead of the fence? The project manager said that a guard would be more expensive than the current solution and it is not feasible.
Farzana asked about the trees in the planters. The project manager stated that there was no plan to take down the trees at this time, but that may change.
BGE project manager stated that they are ready to install the fencing as soon as the permits are granted by the City.
Comment on the trash that piles up at bus stop – BGE to reach out to MTA/City, we should also put in 311 requests.
Kathleen Gilespie ask about whether the longer-term plan will happen, what is the assurance that the long-term plan will be achieved. Project manager says it will happen, but in 2029 or 2030.
Yanir Qvirtmann expressed that we had no say in this solution, and now we’ll have to live with the fence and the barbed wire. Project manager expressed that the problem needs an immediate solution, and the fencing is the best answer for now. This fencing has been purchased and will be installed as soon as permitted. Barbed wire is required because of the height of the fence and the requirement to prevent people from accessing equipment to be stored behind the fence – substations require secure fencing.
Paul Rubenson mentioned that the fence is not going around the substation. The project manager mentioned that its driven by the immediate need, and will be fully addressed by the longer-term solution.
Deb O’Neill asked about plans to ensure community input. BGE said they will continue to reach out including for the longer-term design. Deb O’Neill commented that the RDA was excluding people.
Debbie Brain asked what will happen if someone gets over the barbed wire. BGE said that there will be “no trespassing” signs, and two cameras. The site will be monitored.
Clarissa Howison stated that many of the residents objected to the fencing. Also asked if we can see the accounting for the ongoing cleaning (of $40K+ per month). Project manager said that he can provide Federal regulations that dictate types of fencing – he will have to ask about the accounting.
Farzana asked about how BGE will protect curbing – how will trucks access the site? Project manager stated that the site has been used in the past without damaging curbing.
Queston from Zoom attendee – can barbed wire be disguised? Project manager will find out. If there is graffiti it will be removed.
Was it considered that Ridgely’s Delight is a historic neighborhood? Yes, but that will be solved with the longer-term plan.
Dayna Coyne asked if the fence can be beautified, maybe with a mural. It’s a long time to 2030. Project manager said no, not now.
James Quigley asked whether shrubbery or vines can be used to soften look of fence. Project manager will look into this.
Debbie asked where fence is going to be – planters will be inside of the fence.
Nicole Dungee asked if there were long term plans for the use of the property. Property is owned by BGE – they are not considering any sales of property. The area in question cannot be used for community needs – it needs to be available for the eventual substation buildout.
BGE is not part of Downtown Partnership.
Attendees
Maia Tatinclaux
Clarissa Howison
Julia Dumont
Nicole Dungee
Kate Leitkowski
Paul Rubenson
Joe Himpelmann
James Quigley
Bill Reuter
Michael Dumont
Lillie Hyman
Nazary Nebeluk
Yanir Gvirtzman
Jim Wright
Deb O’Neill
Zuri Ferguson
Chris Conlon
Dana Coyne
Kathleen Gillespie
Debbie Brain
Farzana Muhib
Gerri Salley
Rosalie Barrett
Mike Argentino, BGE Project Manager
Pamela J Querio-Brennan, BGE Supervisor Community Relations