Among its attractions and quirks, Bolton Hill has become an epicenter for Halloween celebrations, luring child (and adult) trick-or-treaters from much of central Baltimore. Residents, often costumed, decorate and sit on their stoops (frequently with a cocktail), ready to dole out candy. John Street neighbors host pumpkin-carving. And this year’s celebration on Mason Street between Lanvale and Lafayette streets was simply spectacular.
With colder weather ahead, BHCA’s president, Lee Tawney, did a deep dive into city laws and ordinances to find out who is responsible for what when it comes to sidewalks. What he found underscores that property owners bear most of the burden for dealing with snow, ice and related neighborhood issues.
Mark your calendar! The 69th BHCA Festival on the Hill will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 am to 5 pm, in the 1300 block of Bolton Street and on Lanvale Street between Park Avenue and Mason Streets. Of course, many volunteers are needed and donor-sponsors are appreciated. Contact Festival@boltonhillmd.org to participate.
A series of fires in the 200 block of West Lanvale Street, seemingly caused by an electric power surge or other electrical aberrations, has left a family homeless and others on edge. BGE says it is working hard to figure out what happened.
Angus Smith joined the U.S. Postal Service in 1968 as a clerk, left, and returned as a letter carrier in 1988. He has spent much of the last half century on his feet with a mailbag or in a postal van, delivering mail to Bolton Hill and vicinity.
The Brass Tap, a popular craft beer and bar food spot on Mt. Royal Avenue, has closed for good. August 31 was its last call.
Owner Barry Lowenthal told The Bulletin that he had asked MCB Real Estate, which in 2022 purchased the Fitzgerald Apartments building on Mt. Royal Avenue where the bar has operated for nearly a decade, to reduce the rent. “We negotiated in good faith,” Lowenthal said, “but we couldn’t reach an agreement.”
Our Third Annual Bolton Hill Community Potluck will be held on Saturday, June 27, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Sumpter Park. The bounce house will be back for the kids, along with lots of bubbles, and we can’t forget about the pony rides!
Bolton Hill Nursery has an imaginative new outdoor classroom and “playscape” for its children – a collaboration between the historic neighborhood nursery school and childcare facility and a little-known program within city government.
Meet Jacori Burke, recently assigned as the director at Mt. Royal Recreation Center. He “grew up” in Baltimore City’s rec center system and brings a wealth of experience on what a neighborhood rec center can provide it’s neighborhoods.
“Community. It’s more than a word; it’s a feeling that overwhelms when people choose to spend their valuable time to help.” That’s what Mt. Royal Elementary/Middle School Principal Steve Skeen said after he sent out a cry for help with shoveling snow after Baltimore City Public Schools announced the end of snow days and re-opening the schools.
