DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Kettler is the Develloper for the new townhomes to be built in Greektown. (Not to be confused with Athena Square... a separate project being built by a different Developer.)

I was able to speak with Richard Keiler, who is the Project Executive in charge. Mr. Kieler was very kind and forthcoming with information concerning the project.

Kettler presented thier plan to Baltimores' Urban Design and Architecture Review Panel on December 9th, however their preliminary plans were rejected, and Kettler was given suggestions on how to improve their plan.

Having adjusted thier plans in accordance with the UDARPs' suggestions, Kettler expects approval following their next presentation on January 27th.

Upon approval, Kettler expects to begin construction of Phase 1 in the Spring of 2011.

The amended plan for Phase 1 of the project consists of 121 new townhomes to be built between Fait and Foster streets. (Ultimately the project will be developed from Foster St. all the way down to O'Donnell St.)

There is a commercially zoned parcel facing O'Donnell St. but there are currently no plans for that tract.

As you can see in the site plan, the new town homes will front Foster Ave. and Macon street will continue through the new community. I am quite pleased with this plan because I would have expected the new homes back side to face Greektown, however they do not and are integrated with the existing community.

Sketches of the proposed homes have been completed for Kettlers presentation to the UDARP. While Kettler awaits approval on the proposed homes they are unable to share examples of what they may look like due to the proprietary nature of that information.

Upon approval, Kettler expects to begin construction of Phase 1 in the Spring of 2011.

Looking at the aerial view below, you can get a better idea of the project area. I copied the Ketler site plan into it's respective area, as well as the existing Athena Square site plan. The area boxed out in yellow will be developed by Kettler as well, with more townhomes, but the details concerning those phases of the project are not available at this time.

1ST COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP OF 2010

Residents were lucky to have mild weather on the day of the clean-up, and were quite productive on the North Side of the Community where residents came out in force!

IT'S CHRISTMASTIME IN THE CITY!

After noticing some exceptional light displays in the neighborhood I wanted to post pictures for all to see. Fact is that it's 20 degrees outside and most of us are enjoying the warmth of our homes and not giving a second thought to what is going on outside.

This year, in what was a Greektown first some residents on the 500 block of S. Lehigh St. had the idea of stringing lights from their second floor window to the house across the streets' 2nd floor window, essentially "decking the block"

Soon after some neighbors on the 400 block of Lehigh St. followed suit and created their own street display:

It's such a great idea and it brings the holiday spirit to the entire block. This this adornment serves our community in immeasurable ways. To some passers by it may seem to be just another light display, however I believe the lights symbolize something greater. They have a  quaintness about them that is indicative of the homes and of the residents themselves, and serve as art more than decoration.

It’s a literal and beautiful example of what can be accomplished when neighbors work together.

Also showcased are some other great displays found in the neighborhood!

A GARDEN GROWS IN GREEKTOWN

This past spring, the Greater Greektown Neighborhood Association (GGNA) and the students of John Rurrah School worked to adopt a vacant lot in our community and turned it into a garden. They took advantage of the DPW's Adopt-A-Lot Program and were able to have their plan come to fruition with a neighborhood grant from PNC bank. They also received free soil, mulch and compost from the City as well as the Parks and People foundation. The GGNA was also able to utilize the Community Greening Resource Network’s tool bank, and also had some volunteer help from the Master Gardner program. Talk about using your resources!

It took a lot of planning, dedication, and manual labor to make the garden come to fruition, and we greatly appreciate their efforts, as well as their commitment to re-plant next year.

Now, that neglected piece of land is an asset to the community.

These types of things make a neighborhood much more viable, and desirable to live in. It is essential that we continue to make these types of improvements to essentially put out a welcome mat to new residents. That is what will make our community thrive. Do nothing and the all too common evils of an urban environment will take over.

You can learn more about the DPW's Adopt a lot program by clicking here.

Have a look at what they did!!

Before:

 After: