* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Schleifer
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Request for State Action - Reject the Proposed Sale of Two Buildings Owned by Baltimore Clayworks, Inc.
For the purpose of requesting that the Governor of Maryland, and the Members of the Board of Public Works of Maryland, reject the proposed sale of two buildings owned by Baltimore Clayworks at 5706 and 5707 Smith Avenue in the Mt. Washington community of Baltimore City, to ensure that they remain a vital part of the larger Baltimore Clayworks community and an asset for the Citizens of Baltimore City.
body
Recitals
Baltimore Clayworks has, within the past few months, suddenly changed leadership, shed long-standing board members and key artistic staff, and determined to sell its two buildings where its operations, classes, gallery, and the majority of its programs are conducted. However, Baltimore Clayworks has confirmed it has no specific plans as to how it will continue its charitable mission, including providing classes, programs, and facilities for the artistic community and the public after its proposed sale.
An Agenda Item is before the Maryland Board of Public Works for its meeting scheduled for July 5, 2017, to consider matters related to the proposed sale of the two Baltimore Clayworks buildings to an unknown third party, and for the Board of Public Works to approve the proposed sale and take such other action consistent with the requested approval.
These buildings are the critical asset for Baltimore Clayworks and a vital part of the larger Baltimore Clayworks community. The proposed sale is ill-considered and will most likely result in the permanent closure and extinction of the Baltimore Clayworks institution and its mission. In order to allow Baltimore Clayworks to continue to perform its important work as part of the Mt. Washington and of Baltimore City communities, the Members of the Board of Public Works of Maryland should reject the proposed sale and ensure that these buildings remain as assets owned by Baltimore Clayworks.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council requests that the Governor of Maryland, and the Members of the Board of Public Works of Maryland, reject the proposed sale of two buildings owned by Baltimore Clayworks at 5706 and 5707 Smith Avenue in the Mt. Washington community of Baltimore City to ensure that they remain a vital part of the larger Baltimore Clayworks community and an asset for the Citizens of Baltimore City.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Governor, the Comptroller of Maryland, the Maryland State Treasurer, the Mayor, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.