A major change is coming to West Baltimore. What is now the unused end
of a highway will soon be remade. Payson Street, long divided by the Highway to
Nowhere, will be reconnected. New parking areas for commuters will be created,
so fewer people will park on neighborhood streets. And instead of two tall retaining
walls preventing your view, you will soon be able to see across to the other side.
As part of their longer term plans to rebuild the West Baltimore MARC station —
and begin to realize the MARC Station Area Master Plan, which the community
helped put together — the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is undertaking
a major demolition to the old I-170 extension between Fulton Avenue and Pulaski
Street. Work will include taking out the existing ramps, pavement and retaining
walls leading into the expressway. New on/off-ramps will be constructed at Payson
Street and after that, tree plantings, flowers, and safe walkways will complete
the transformation.
Look forward to this project starting up this summer! Overall, it should take
about two years to complete. In order to make sure that public health, safety,
and noise issues are taken care of, construction crews will be required to use
certain equipment and operate during certain hours of the day. Some changes
to the streets will also take place, so during construction there may be possible
lane closures and delays, too.
To make sure everyone has a chance to get their questions answered about
the project, the MTA has scheduled an Open House on Tuesday, July 20.
Please join us to find out more about this major project — you will have
the opportunity to:
• look over draft designs and see how the project could change your street
• see how the Red Line will fit in
• share your ideas about landscaping and art
• advocate for your community's needs
• learn about opportunities for community gardening
• bring your kids and grandkids to participate in children planning activities
Tuesday, July 20
5:30-8:30pm
Bentalou Recreation Center
222 N. Bentalou Street
www.wbmarcproject.com
STATION DESIGN IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Nominations are still being accepted to serve on the Red Line Station
Area Advisory Committees (SAAC)! You can participate in the process
by volunteering to serve on your area SAAC. For more information and
to sign up online, visit the MTA Red Line website.
Nominations are open until August 25.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please join us at one of Baltimore's many festivals to learn more about the
Red Line project. Representatives will be on hand to answer your questions.
Artscape July 16-18, 2010
Sunday Farmers Market Under I-83 August 1, 2010
International Festival August 7-8, 2010
Fest Africa August 14-15, 2010
View the full festival schedule.
