‘Abandoned Properties’ Special Tax in Baltimore City Gets Review MDBAL, May 30, 2024June 14, 2024 Photo courtesy of Ann Petersen From Charm City Helicopter Tour album BALTIMORE – Baltimore’s City Council and Mayor Brandon Scott will have the authority to set a special tax rate for abandoned properties, starting June 1. The law, signed by Gov. Wes Moore during the previous legislative session is designed to prevent investors from paying low property taxes while “sitting” on vacant or abandoned properties. STREET ART at 425 North Howard at West Franklin Street in Baltimore MD on Saturday afternoon, 18 February 2017 by Elvert Barnes Photography Baltimore City has a 2.248 percent property tax rate and the proposed “abandoned property” tax is suggested to be 5 percent, although an exact tax rate has not been set. There are more than 13,000 vacant properties in Baltimore City, according to the Department of Housing and Community Development. Mayor Scott has laid out a $3 billion plan that aims to revitalize Baltimore City with a focus on improving East and West Baltimore sections. Baltimore City Council to review abandoned property tax – Courtesy DHCD Read more here. Donna Balancia Maryland
Donna Balancia First Green-Powered Bus Depot on East Coast Could Launch in Maryland in 2025 June 20, 2024October 30, 2024 By DONNA BALANCIA Montgomery County’s David F. Bone Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operations Center will be the first bus depot on the East Coast to feature green hydrogen production, and will be powered by solar and batteries. The project by EaaS provider AlphaStruxure is under construction and could be operational… Read More
Maryland Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Likely a 4-Year, Up to $1.9B Project – Officials May 3, 2024May 3, 2024 BALTIMORE – David Broughton, the Maryland Department of Transportation spokesman told The Associated Press on Thursday it will probably take four years and cost from $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The state’s treasurer filed an insurance claim on the same day as the… Read More
Maryland Pardon of Marijuana Convictions Ensures ‘Justice For All’ – Gov. Wes Moore June 19, 2024June 20, 2024 Release — Governor Wes Moore has signed an executive order pardoning 175,000 Maryland convictions related to the possession of cannabis, including convictions for misdemeanor possession of cannabis and certain convictions for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. The order represents the largest pardon for misdemeanor cannabis possession charges for any state… Read More