Current Priorities
Mount Vernon has recently been called an “activist” community by the Baltimore Sun, and the MVBA is indeed at the forefront of all major issues impacting our community.
Hereafter are the main issues the MVBA is working on:
Creating a Master Plan for Mount Vernon
This plan will echo the city's Master Plan that was finalized in 2006, but will be specific to the needs of Mount Vernon. The development of Mount Vernon's master plan will take place in 2006 and early 2007 with input from all community stakeholders. Issues to be included in the plan are: transportation, street scaping, rezoning, and prioritization of the city's capital improvement fund.
Representing the Community in the Development of the State Center Project
The State Center development is now in the planning process and will be built on 27 acres adjacent to Mount Vernon on the west side of Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Encouraging Good Development and Outstanding Preservation
MVBA works every day with developers who are seeking to renovate old properties or pursue new construction in Mount Vernon. MVBA encourages, supports and assists developers and homeowners alike in pursuing high quality rehabilitations and innovative new construction through its Development/Zoning Committee and Architectural Review Committee. Mount Vernon is also highly visible in lobbying for the continuation and expansion of the state historic tax credit programs which will come up for renewal in the 2007 legislative session.
Representing Mount Vernon in Major Mass Transit Planning
Plans are being made at the state level for alterations and additions to bus, light rail, and commuter train systems. All of these will impact Mount Vernon as a major transit hub in the center of the city. MVBA represents the interest of Mount Vernon in development of these vital links to our community.
Working for a More Efficient and Effective Midtown Community Benefits District
Mount Vernon joins three other communities in funding the Midtown Community Benefits District (MCBD) through an additional property tax paid by both commercial and residential owners. The MCBD is charged with providing cleaning and safety services in these four communities. As tax revenues rise with higher property values and assessments, Mount Vernon's representatives to the Midtown board are working with Midtown's Administrator and other board members to direct these revenues so that they will have maximum impact in Mount Vernon and the other neighborhoods.