reminder- last city council community work session tomorrow in Federal Hill!

Tiffany DeFoe

unread,

Apr 22, 2009, 4:40:09 PM4/22/09

to baltimore-live-...@googlegroups.com

Hey all- a reminder that the last scheduled City Council community work session is tomorrow evening in Federal Hill!

I've attached the time/place for tomorrow, and for the committee vote next Thursday, plus some info on amendments that the Council President has proposed. These amendments would improve somewhat upon the current draft of the bill, but it's not clear if they will be approved by the Council.

Thanks!

Tiffany

******

Upcoming- last Community Work Session, Hearing and Committee Vote

Community Work Session (SW)
Thursday, April 23, 2009, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Federal Hill Preparatory School, 1040 William Street

Hearing at City Hall and Final Vote of Committees
Thursday, April 30, 2009, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Clarence “Du” Burns Chambers, 4th Floor
RESCHEDULED FROM APRIL 29, 2009

****

Amendments proposed by Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

there are many more, these are just a few of the main ones...

Zoning code- allows entertainment as an "accessory use" in key districts
- Addition of LE as an accessory use in R8 - R10 and O-R - could be very helpful for some of the places we know and love...
- Addition of "dance halls" as a permitted use in all M zones

Section 10-18 Applications- elimination of "moral character", change in treatment of criminal history

the "moral character" investigation and required/unlimited criminal history investigation would be replaced by provision of an affidavit stating that the applicant/establishment will comply with laws, regulations, and license conditions, and a 'recitation' of any felony-level criminal record for the preceding 5 years.

Section 10-1: Definitions- narrows definition of live entertainment

- would reduce types of live entertainment that would require a license by eliminating categories not previously specified in zoning. eliminates: circus aerial, or acrobatic performance; poetry recital or book reading; performance art; "other" comedy (stand-up is retained).

Section 10-7: Board Composition- Mayoral appointments would include individuals active in local arts community and live entertainment industry
- of 2 Board members appointed by mayor, one must be "active in the local arts and culture community" and one must be "actively engaged in" and have substantial experience with the live-entertainment industry.

However, there does not appear to be a public hearing process for appointments (unless there is a process already required in the city charter- not sure)

Section 10-22. Posting; objections- would reduce radius for objections, increase Board discretion in requiring mediation/hearing following objections

radius for objections would be changed from 10-block to 750-foot.
10 or more objections would no longer force a mediation and hearing process; the Board can either choose a mediation/hearing process, or make a decision without one. (I think this will probably wind up being helpful to venues; but still think the objection system is a big problem overall)

Grandfathering section added

Whole new section would be added on grandfathering. established places "may qualify" for a 3-year initial license, provided they do not substantially change the nature or intensity of LE unless they apply for a new license. after the 3 year period, they would renew as other venues do.

Section 10-17 Classes and scope- consideration of how long a venue has existed

Consideration would be added: "the length of time the establishment has been in operation at that location and the nature of that operation"