MIDTOWN – MOUNT ROYAL AVE STREETSCAPING

There was a DOT Public Meeting on the Midtown / Mount Royal Ave Streetscaping Plan — October 3, 2017. Several issues occurred during this meeting, which are outlined in my letter to DOT, attached below.

Below are files relevant to this project:

 

Read more

PROPOSED CUTS TO THE CIRCULATOR

I am disheartened by the recommendation to cut service to the Charm City Circulator, especially the elimination of the Banner Route. The Circulator has been a shining example of how public transportation should work with reliable, safe, and clean service. It has been wildly successful and has converted many car-reliant residents into regular Circulator riders.  

While I firmly believe that eliminating these routes is short-sighted, I recognize the budget constraints and the lack of support in increasing the parking tax to fully fund the Circulator’s operations. Given that the system was to be funded on parking taxes and not on general funds, it is clear that either new funding source needs to be identified if parking tax rates cannot be increased. Read more

COSTELLO’S CHARTER AMENDMENT ON AUDIT REFORM

Through audit reform, our City government has a unique opportunity to further reduce property taxes and improve the quality and scope of City services. That is why I am asking your support for Ballot Question I (“aye”, not “one”) when you go to the election booth in November.

As you may know, prior to joining the City Council, I was an Auditor with the US Government Accountability Office. This experience has given me a deep appreciation for the benefits to be gained through effective performance and financial auditing.  Read more

BALTIMORE CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S CITYWIDE ZIKA PLAN

Attached please find the Health Department’s Citywide Zika plan along with two informational sheets about the Zika virus.  The Citywide plan summarizes the Health Department’s strategy, developed in coordination with over 20 city agencies as well as our state and federal partners, to ensure a strong response to the threat of Zika.

 

Read more

COSTELLO, KRAFT, & COUNCIL PUSH FOR STORMWATER ACTION

Baltimore City

For Immediate Release, June 8, 2016

Costello, Kraft, & Council Push for Stormwater Action

On April, 18th 2016, Baltimore City Councilman Eric Costello (11th District) introduced two City Council resolutions that call for public hearings, one to collect information on how the City is spending its stormwater management fee, the other to investigate ways to move stormwater-related projects forward as quickly as possible. A public hearing on this topic will take place today (June 8, at 5pm) in the City Council Chambers on the fourth floor of City Hall, and will be chaired by Councilman Jim Kraft of the Judiciary & Legislative Investigations Committee. Read more

BGE OPERATION PIPELINE – SOUTH BALTIMORE II

Starting on Monday, May 16, BGE will be working on Randall St, Marshall St, Covington St, and Webster St, all south of Fort Ave, to install a new gas main. Service installations to individual properties are expected to on or around July 12 on E Randall St at Marshall St. Residents will be informed of when this will begin via door hangars. To schedule the exact date of the new service installation, please contact the number on the door hangar. Read more

THANK YOU

Thank you to the voters of the 11th District for rewarding me with a full four year term. I am truly humbled by your overwhelming support.

Thank you to the four candidates who ran against me. You challenged me to work harder than I could have ever imagined, and I will take that same level of effort into my first full term. It is refreshing to see other young leaders that share my same passion for Baltimore City, and I believe you all have very bright futures. Read more

BALTIMORE SUN ENDORSES COUNCILMAN COSTELLO

I am proud to announce that today I was enthusiastically endorsed​ by​ The Baltimore Sun to continue as Councilman of the 11th District (full print version below.)

A staple of our City, T​he Sun has always stepped up to the task of keeping constituents engaged and informed during each Election. Read more

MINIMUM WAGE LEGISLATION CO-SPONSORSHIP

I have added my name as a co-sponsor of this important legislation. I share the belief that hard working hourly employees deserve a living wage. To that end, I applaud the intent of this bill.

However, I have some reservations and concerns about the implementation and impact the legislation may have on Baltimore’s small business community and its overall competitiveness when compared to surrounding jurisdictions.

I look forward to a thoughtful and inclusive dialogue in which all stakeholders have a seat at the table. It is my sincere hope that the introduction of this legislation will result in a robust discussion and debate on this critically important issue.

UPCOMING FOOTRACES ON SOUTH BALTIMORE PENINSULA

I realize that footraces on the South Baltimore Peninsula, specifically in Locust Point, have created some issues blocking residents in the neighborhood, and thus becoming a point of contention. I met on Friday (04/08) with Charm City Run (the organizer for at least three races) to discuss concerns and ensure there is ingress / egress for Locust Point residents.

Specifically, there are three upcoming footraces which impact Locust Point, the first two which allow ingress / egress from Locust Point, the third which I am still working on getting modified:

Read more