BWCO February Meeting

Better Waverly Community Organization (BWCO) is for the foreseeable future holding its monthly board of directors meetings virtually via Zoom which Better Waverly residents are welcome to attend. The meetings run from 6pm to 7:30pm on the second Tuesday of the month. Invitations and links to join are posted in advance on the BWCO website, BWCO Facebook page and Better Waverly Next Door site. The next meeting will take place Tuesday March 9, 2021.

Attending the February 9th meeting were BWCO officers and directors – Sonja Merchant Jones, Will Cannady, Sharon Neely, Debra Evans, Joe Stewart – and also special guests – Captain Jeffrey Shorter, Northern Police District, Gina Clay, Community and Juvenile Services Liaison, Baltimore City States Attorneys’ Office, Odette Ramos, 14th District City Councilperson, Regina Boyce, 43rd District State Delegate.

Gina Clay reported on the Junior States Attorney Program, Sentencing Review Unit, Community Court Watch and You’re Not Alone Together We’re Stronger. In you are interested in learning more about any of these programs, contact Gina Clay directly at 443-263-8120 <gclay@stattorney.org>.

Regina Boyce gave an update on state legislative activity. She sends out email blasts to constituents and can be reached at 410-841-3476 <regina.boyce@house.state.md.us>.

Odette Ramos gave an update on city council activity and the District 14 COVID 19 Work Group. She noted that BCDOT would provide a public update about the ongoing Greenmount Avenue Streetscape Project at 5pm Thursday March 3. She can be contacted at 443-801-8137 <odette.ramos@baltimorecity.gov>.

Jeffrey Shorter gave a crime and safety report and noted that each police district now holds a monthly meeting to facilitate an increase in community engagement opportunities for neighborhood association presidents, elected officials and district residents. Northern’s virtual meeting is at 7pm on the second Wednesday of the month. The Captain can be contacted at <jeffrey.shorter@baltimorepolice.org>.

Sharon Neely gave a treasurer’s report and a report on Better Waverly Mutual Aid (BWMA) currently providing weekly food boxes to 200 Better Waverly households. To reach BWMA contact <betterwaverlymutualaid@gmail.com> 410-635-0688. 

Debra Evans reported that 901 Arts continues after school online programming, free meals, free books and homework help. Check the front window for details at 901 Montpelier Street or call 410-366-2252.

Residents are urged when reporting abandoned cars, illegal dumping, dirty alleyways, etc. via 311 to save the service request number and to alert our councilwoman about the problem including the service request number and a description of the complaint.