City Council President Voices Concerns Over Baltimore's Main Streets

Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen has raised alarms regarding the state of the city’s Main Streets, emphasizing that significant improvements are necessary for local businesses to thrive.

During a recent Board of Estimates meeting, Cohen expressed his concerns, stating, "I do not think they are, by and large, in healthy shape right now." He highlighted issues such as large commercial property owners failing to lease their spaces, which hinders opportunities for small business owners.

Cohen suggested that property owners who leave their properties vacant should face higher tax thresholds, advocating for a more proactive approach to renting out spaces to support local entrepreneurs.

Additionally, Cohen criticized the prevalence of smoke shops in the area, which he believes sell harmful products. He urged commercial property owners to be more selective about the types of businesses they allow in their spaces, particularly those that may pose risks to community health.

In response to concerns about smoke shops, Mayor Brandon Scott recently signed legislation that restricts their operation within 750 feet of parks, schools, and recreation centers, while also phasing out existing shops in those locations.

Cohen also noted that the immigrant community has been adversely affected by federal policies, stating that some business corridors have suffered due to actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Main Streets program, which consists of nine independent nonprofits aimed at supporting local businesses, has faced challenges due to staffing changes, according to Cohen. He mentioned that the program's recent move to the Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy and Development has contributed to instability.

Council Member Zac Blanchard, who sponsored the smoke shop legislation, acknowledged that there is significant room for improvement in the city’s Main Streets. He noted that the City Council and the mayor’s office have approved increased funding for the Main Streets program, raising annual allocations to $85,000 for each organization, which is more than triple previous amounts.

Blanchard is also working on a proposed “Small Business Bill of Rights” that would place maintenance responsibilities on property owners and simplify building codes to assist new businesses. He highlighted new state legislation that offers property tax credits for leases with small businesses in Main Street areas, aiming to incentivize property owners to foster vibrant commercial districts.

The mayor’s office stated that the new law will enhance Main Streets corridors and promote equitable economic development.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).