* 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 Pinkett
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Creation of Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District
For the purpose of designating the Pennsylvania Avenue Corridor and surrounding communities within defined boundaries as the Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District.
body
Recitals
Whereas, The proposed Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District, a project of Baltimore City, includes the area bounded by: on the north, Fulton Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue; on the south Dolphin Street and Pennsylvania Avenue; on the east, Woodbrook Avenue, Druid Hill Avenue, Division Street, and Etting Street; and on the west, Bruce Street, Calhoun Street, Carey Street, Fremont Avenue, and Argyle Avenue.
Whereas, Pennsylvania Avenue has the potential to become a well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use area of the City in which a high concentration of arts and cultural facilities serve as the anchor attraction.
Whereas, The State of Maryland current does not have an Arts and Entertainment District uniquely dedicated to the cultural expressions of African Americans, and Pennsylvania Avenue has a highly concentrated African American population that once served as a destination for Black art and entertainment, and is therefore the perfect location for such a District.
Whereas, Redlining, blockbusting, and racial covenants have led to decades of impoverished Black communities across Baltimore City, which still experience systemic disinvestment.
Whereas, The Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District seeks to revitalize historic West Baltimore via arts and entertainment.
Whereas, Under State law the creation of the Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District will provide an income tax subtraction modification for qualified artists residing in the district, as well as authorize the City to grant a property tax credit for certain renovated buildings within the district to grant certain exemptions from the admissions and amusement tax.
Whereas, The creation of the District seeks to promote cultural and art-focused events, encourage equitable community development, preserve historic cultural sites, and facilitate area improvements that lead to the vitality of community-based, Black-owned enterprises, and Black-led artistic and cultural endeavors.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, that the Pennsylvania Avenue Corridor and surrounding communities within defined boundaries is designated as the Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Maryland State Arts Council’s Program Director of the Arts and Entertainment Districts and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.