February 2026 Community Meeting

1. Special Guest Speaker Zeke Cohen, City Councilman:

   Zeke Cohen’s Background & Education

• Former school teacher.
• Raised concerns about how school environments shape expectations and outcomes for students.
• Emphasized the importance of safe, welcoming educational spaces that support student success.
• Served 8 years representing District 1.

  Public Safety & Community Progress

• Reported that the past year saw the lowest homicide rate in Baltimore’s history, credited to collaboration among the Mayor’s Office, State’s Attorney, Police Department, and community neighborhoods working together.

  Energy Costs & BGE Oversight

• Major priority addressing high BGE utility bills.
• City Council priority includes:
  • Establishing stronger public utility oversight.
  • Reviewing multi-year rate plans.
  • Reining in infrastructure spending and improving accountability.

    Permitting & Government Efficiency

• Significant issues identified with the city permitting system, with basic permits taking 12–18 months.
• Planned series of oversight meetings aimed at improving efficiency and accountability within permitting agencies.

  Mental Health & Public Safety – “Healing City Act”

• Initiative focused on improving responses to mental illness and substance use.
• Recognition that not all emergency calls require police response.
• Goal is to allow police to focus on crime while developing clinically trained mental-health response teams.
• City Council reviewing models from Durham and Denver, including co-response teams combining clinicians and police officers.
• Emphasis on faster crisis response and improved continuity of care.
• Concerns noted about aging infrastructure and insufficient service coordination.

  Economic Development

• State funding allocated for development projects around Camden Yards.

  Charter Review Committee

• Charter Review Committee materials distributed (by Jeff – Zeke Cohen’s assistant).
• 10,000 signatures required to place an item before the committee.
• City Council, including Public Health Chair Councilmember Felicia Porter, is engaged in the charter review process.
• Discussion focused on identifying outdated policies and exploring modernization opportunities for Baltimore governance.

  Questions and Responses:

  Bill 25-0066: The bill proposes eliminating single-family zoning in residential districts citywide and allowing up to four dwelling units on a single residential lot. Zeke noted that public hearings are open to residents and stated he is open to considering amendments.

  Baltimore City Board of Estimates:  Discussion focused on ongoing reform efforts, including proposals to remove the voting authority of the Mayor’s two appointees or to abolish the board entirely, based on the view that it has fulfilled its original purpose.

  BGE:  Concerns about pricing and the disruption expected from planned infrastructure upgrades, including street excavation and the possibility of routing projects through residential streets rather than along a direct path such as Russell Street. Zeke acknowledged these concerns and said he would raise them with Kumar Barve, who chairs a related committee. He also noted an upcoming BGE hearing in two weeks, invited public participation, and encouraged residents to attend.

  Mental Health and Housing Questions about mental health challenges across the city, particularly the disconnect in services for people experiencing homelessness and the need to better bridge gaps in support.  Zeke emphasized support for a “Housing First” approach in Baltimore, highlighting the city’s commitment to assisting unhoused residents by prioritizing stable housing as a foundation for addressing mental health and other needs. He discussed ongoing efforts to remediate and revitalize vacant properties through Baltimore’s vacant reinvestment initiatives, with goals outlined for the next five years.

1. Conflict of Interest Statement
   Members of the Ridgely’s Delight Association must be free from inappropriate influences or from situations or relationships that have the potential to bias their actions.  Accordingly, members are asked to identify, for consideration, any circumstances in which they have a relationship that could impair (or be perceived to impair) their impartiality with a given topic, or when a person’s duty to one group conflicts with their duty or responsibility to another.  This could include having other interests or relationships, like decision-making authority with competing neighborhood organizations, financial interests, or any relationship that could be perceived to impair their judgment when acting on behalf of the Ridgely’s Delight Association.
    
2. Quorum
   Quorum is (2/3)*20=13 , 21 are in attendance.
    
3. Conway Park Update - Khadeen Grant, South Baltimore Gateway Project
   Construction work is currently paused due to weather but remains on schedule for completion in the spring. During the pause, the team is reviewing permits and ordering park furniture. Work will resume once temperatures consistently reach the 40s. Plans include installing electric poles and string lights, which will require BGE to run electrical lines. Portions of the gravel lot will be temporarily inaccessible during this work. Updates will be shared with Nicole.

   Questions and Responses:

   BGE infrastructure work impact on park improvements - They are aware of preliminary discussions with BGE but that no final decisions or official plans have been announced; conversations with BGE are ongoing.

   Tree Relocation Sledding Area - Residents were asked not to move trees because they are under warranty, but to report concerns so staff can evaluate relocation if necessary. Residents were asked to share the sledding location so adjustments can be considered.

   Permits Status and Bench Orders – Resident expressed interest in ensuring benches are designed with dividers to discourage sleeping. It was confirmed that plans have already been shared and no changes have been made since the last discussion.
    

4. Vote for 2026 RDA budget
   https://ridgelysdelight.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/RidgelysDelight2026Budget+.pdf
    
5. Finance Budget Update - Billy Hufnell
   The 2025 budget was increased from $3,700 to $3,950. The additional $250 has been allocated to support National Night Out. This represents the only budget increase.
   ​
6. Announcements/Updates

• Community Improvement:  $500 is available to support community improvement projects. Proposals may be submitted to the Ridgely’s Delight President by email or presented at a community meeting.
• Las Chamas Food Truck (Sunoco) - Diana Bermejo. Hours 9:30 am to 11pm.
• Orioles Opening Day Letter of Support from Ridgely’s Delight for Section 771 and Babe Ruth Museum:  The request seeks the same permits as last year. A motion was made with no opposition.
• Neighborhood Sign:  The new neighborhood sign has arrived in Baltimore. It was crafted in Eutaw by a former Baltimore resident who provided the work at a reduced cost. The sign is currently at the installation facility and will be installed once weather conditions allow.
• Happy Hour 5:30 pm – The Starting Lineup Bar and Grill.

Attendees

Guest Speakers: 

Zeke Cohen (City Councilman)

Khadeen Grant (South Baltimore Gateway)

Diana Bermejo (Food Truck)