The 2020 Campaign Classroom – Part 2
As we move forward with the 2020 campaign, our Fellowship Program to engage young people interested in campaigns and local government is in full swing. Every chance we get, we turn our campaign office into a classroom to give them opportunities to learn from some of the best in the industry.
Today we were fortunate to have the amazing Dr. Mileah Kromer from the Goucher Poll teach Basics of Polling. She was followed by Jeff Amoros, Nick Blendy, and Matt Stegman, three of the best in the business, who shared the Fundamentals of Government Relations.
Looking forward to our upcoming classes on Communications, Field, Business Development, and Community Organizing. Our goal is to provide exposure and opportunities for our Fellows. If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved in our Fellowship Program, please send info to Patrick@CostelloForBaltimore.com
Basics of Polling
Fundamentals of Government Relations
The 2020 Campaign Classroom
When we launched our 2020 campaign, we began a fellowship program to engage young people interested in local government. We’ve built an incredible team of passionate people from local universities.
Every chance we get, we turn our campaign office into a classroom to give them opportunities to learn from some of the best in the industry. Today, we were fortunate enough to have Justin Lane provide Fundamentals of Constituent Services, followed by the amazing Sophia Silbergeld and Rachael Rice doing the Basics of Fundraising. Looking forward to our upcoming classes on Government Relations, Communications, Economic Development, Field, and Business Development. 
Electronic Scooters And Bicycles Pilot Program – Update
BACKGROUND
Baltimore City and the Department of Transportation (DOT) engaged in a 6 ½ month pilot period with both Bird and Lime for the use of dockless vehicles (electric scooters and bicycles), on August 15, 2018, which expires on February 28, 2019. DOT has stated that the purpose of this pilot project is to allow the City to evaluate the potential benefits to the City and feasibility of deploying dockless vehicles in the City and to better understand what rules / regulations / laws are necessary regarding their use.
Baltimore City Councils Unanimously Urges State Lawmakers to Adopt Criteria for State Center Development
BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTS RESOLUTION URGING STATE LAWMAKERS TO ADOPT CRITERIA FOR STATE CENTER REDEVELOPMENT
March 1, 2018, Baltimore, MD— After a year of dimming prospects for State Center redevelopment, a step forward took place this week.
The Baltimore City Council unanimously adopted City Council Resolution 18-0069R supporting the redevelopment of the State Center complex by urging state lawmakers to adopt the criteria that the surrounding communities have advocated for over 12 years.
Introduced by Councilman Eric T. Costello and co-sponsored by Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young and all Councilmembers, the resolution requests the General Assembly to pass, and the Governor to sign, HB 1286. This bill protects the participation and planning process of the communities in the State Center Neighborhood Alliance in any development effort going forward on the 28 acre site.
Costello and Reisinger Secure DOT Commitment to Make Immediate Repairs to VVM Bridge on S Hanover St
Councilman Eric Costello and Councilman Ed Reisinger (10th District) met with the Director of DOT on Feb 26th to discuss the details of DOT’s commitment to repair the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Bridge on S Hanover St and make the road surface safe again. There is a three phase plan which includes the following:
1- IMMEDIATE REPAIRS – the bridge will receive a 2″ layer of rigid asphalt which will be smooth and safe, and should last 2-3 years. This will be laid by no later than end-May 2018, weather permitting (the hope is that it will occur sooner). The entire bridge will be resurfaced, curb-to-curb, with the exception of the draw span. This repair should cost approximately $500,000 and take 7-10 days to complete.
2- MID-TERM REPAIRS – the bridge will undergo an entire “re-decking” with new concrete surface. Work on that will begin in Spring of 2019. This will include removing the new asphalt which is to be installed this spring, structural work beneath the existing concrete deck, and installation of a new concrete deck. These repairs should cost approximately $7-8 million. While it would have been ideal for this work to start immediately, due to the very unique structure of the bridge underneath the deck, significant design work is necessary before actual work may begin, and the design is slated to begin in next two months. We have begun discussions with DOT to ensure this design includes dedicated pedestrian and cycle lanes, although this has not yet been determined.
3- LONG-TERM REPAIRS – the bridge is currently undergoing a US DOT TIGER funded study which is expected to be completed by summer of 2018. Once that study is completed, an environmental impact study will be completed. Several options will be presented as a result of these studies and DOT will then make a determination on how to proceed — there is currently no answer on specific repairs to be made, costs, or time-frames.. Long-term repairs could cost approximately $60-100 million and take 6-9 years.
Media Coverage
- Feb 26, 2018 – Bridge Woes | Hanover Street bridge awaits temporary fix – Fox 45
- Feb 26, 2018 – Hanover Street Bridge repairs to begin this spring, transportation director tells city councilmen – Baltimore Sun
- Feb 21, 2018 – Councilman demands action for Hanover Street Bridge – Fox 45
- Feb 21, 2018 – Baltimore bridge rebuild cost to exceed $100M – Fox 45
- Feb 21, 2018 – Baltimore Councilman Says ‘100 Percent’ Hanover Street Bridge Is Dangerous – WJZ 13
- Feb 20, 2018 – Baltimore officials: Hanover Street Bridge rebuild will cost more than $100 million – Baltimore Sun
- Feb 19, 2018 – Councilmen call for emergency repairs to Hanover Street Bridge – WMAR 2
Update from CM Costello + CM Pinkett on Mt Royal Ave / North Ave Encampment
Update on Homeless Encampment at Mt Royal Ave / North Ave / I-83 Exit 6
Please note that this is a joint response from both Councilman Leon Pinkett (7th District, north of North Ave) and Councilman Eric Costello (11th District, south of North Ave (the subject of this response impacts residents of both districts in a significant manner).
Many of you have voiced recent concerns re: the safety, health, and sanitary issues associated with the growing homeless encampment at the intersection of Mt Royal Ave / North Ave / I-83 Exit 6. These concerns have been amplified in recent weeks as the encampment has continued to grow. At this point, we believe that due to the severity of issues associated with this site, the only reasonable course of action is for the City to lead extensive outreach services and develop a plan to help get the encampment residents off of the street.
South Baltimore Parking Study
The South Baltimore Parking Study, commissioned with Casino Impact Aid, covering the neighborhoods of Federal Hill, Federal Hill South, Otterbein, Riverside, Sharp Leadenhall, and South Baltimore is now available online here: South Baltimore Parking Study – Nov 13, 2017
Councilman Costello’s Testimony to the Kirwan Commission
TESTIMONY TO THE COMMISSION ON INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Commission on Innovation & Excellence in Education,
My name is Eric Costello and I am the Councilman for Baltimore City’s 11th District, which includes the Central Business District, Downtown’s Westside, Central West Baltimore, Midtown, and the South Baltimore Peninsula. I also Chair the City Council’s Budget & Appropriations Committee.
Costello and CP Young Introduce Public Safety Officer’s Property Tax Credit
Council to introduce legislation to help boost number of public safety officers living in Baltimore City
Legislation, co-sponsored by Councilman Costello and President Young, would offer housing tax credits to safety officials who reside in Baltimore
BALTIMORE, MD – President Bernard C. “Jack” Young and Chairman Eric T. Costello will introduce legislation at tonight’s City Council meeting that would establish a tax credit program that would provide public safety officers who reside in Baltimore with an annual reduction on their property tax bills. Read more
