Charles Village Civic Association
Land Use Committee
CVCA endeavors to promote, protect and advocate the needs, interests and concerns of residents, tenants and property owners regarding neighborhood issues, such as zoning, liquor board, housing code and building code enforcement, sanitation, public safety, education, public transportation, traffic, parking, beautification, commercialization, recreation, revitalization, economic and community development.
The CVCA Land Use Committee meets monthly to review new and continuing items on Zoning, Planning & Liquor Board Hearing Schedules.
On behalf of CVCA, the Land Use Committee represents the interests of residents, owners and tenants of residential and commercial properties located in Charles Village in working with businesses, institutions, and government:
... to preserve, enhance, and promote the quality of life in the historic neighborhood of Charles Village in Baltimore City,
... to preserve its architectural integrity and otherwise to promote the interests of residents, owners and tenants of residential and commercial properties generally.
... to work in partnership with local government to keep residents, tenants and property owners informed about municipal decisions and activities which may have an impact on Charles Village.
CVCA Land Use Committee
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Land Use committee?
The Charles Village Land Use Committee addresses issues regarding Zoning, Liquor Licenses, New Development and Rehabilitation Projects, Public Spaces and Transportation in Greater Charles Village.
What does the Land Use committee do?
Reviews City Zoning and Liquor License Appeal case-by-case in advance of scheduled hearings. Facilitates community input for new development and rehabilitation projects impacting the City Zoning Code.
Is the Land Use committee part of Baltimore City government?
No.
Who’s on the Land Use committee?
Volunteers with expertise in planning, architecture, design and real estate from across Greater Charles Village.
When does the Land Use committee meet?
Monthly on as-needed basis
How do I contact the Land Use committee?
Please call Sandy Sparks, Chair, 410-980-5844 or e-mail srsparks@verizon.net. Sandy looks forward to discussing projects from the start and the opportunity for the Land Use Committee to offer helpful advice.
Are Land Use committee meetings open to the public?
Yes
Please call Sandy Sparks, Chair, 410-980-5844 or e-mail srsparks@verizon.net for info about the next meeting.
I’m new to the neighborhood. How does the Land Use committee help me?
The Land Use Committee strives to protect and enhance the quality of life for Greater Charles Village with a strong reputation of consistent and helpful reviews over many years.
I’m doing work on my property. Am I required to get approval from the Land Use committee?
Only if a Zoning Appeal is required.
What is a letter of support?
Neighborhood businesses and residents with projects requiring a zoning appeal, may request a letter of support from CVCA via the Land Use committee. Letters of support or opposition are only issued in response to a scheduled Zoning Appeal Hearing after the CVCA Board votes. The Land Use Committee may also decide to take no action.
What does it cost to get a letter of support from the Land Use committee?
No cost.
Does the Land Use committee issue permits?
No.
Does the Land Use committee issue liquor licenses and zoning variances to neighborhood businesses?
No.
Who do I talk to about a problem with a neighborhood business or resident?
Email charlesvillagecivicassoc@gmail.com for help connecting to the appropriate resources. Or call the Land Use committee chair, Sandy Sparks, at 410-980-5844.
What is the NCV PUD?
North Charles Village Planned Unit Development, created by City Council Ordinance in 1996 with Design Review Guidelines for the Charles Village Retail District. For more information, visit our NCVPUD page
What is the difference between the PUD and the Land Use committee?
The North Charles Village PUD Design Review Committee includes representatives from the surrounding communities and meets as needed to review specific projects. Sandy Sparks, chairs the committee.
Project Updates
3117-3121 St. Paul Street Retail/Residential Apartments Development
Service Center@ 2507 N. Howard Street
Seawall Development has a fully designed and permitted project at 2507 N. Howard St. (formerly Brick & Board) that will provide four floors of 64 apartment units atop two floors of commercial office space and a small retail space on the Howard Street storefront of the building. Seawall has signed a lease with a lead tenant for the first floor of the building and is moving forward toward the start of construction.
Some minor preliminary construction items related to utilities in Mace Street will continue the last week of January. The last week of February/first week of March are targeted to begin to gear up for demolition of the existing structure in order to begin constructing the new structure. Matt Pinto, with Seawall, will be sure to keep everyone posted, particularly Howard Street and Maryland Avenue neighbors about when fencing and securing the site for the construction activities begins.
Charles Village community members are encouraged to reach out to Matt Pinto with questions.
Matt Pinto
2600 N. Howard St.
Baltimore, MD 21218
443-315-3141
