Author: l.rose.danaczko
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Mr. Smith TRIES to Go to Washington
Last week was my first week of in-person classes at the University of Maryland College Park. That’s right. I have taken the plunge after a year of career exploration and am now pursuing my Masters in Community Planning at the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. And like any stubborn urbanist, I am trying to…
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This Post May be Transit-Habit Forming
New year, same beat: bringing you different perspectives on community engagement and placemaking strategies across the Greater Baltimore Region. People-centered policy was front of mind for civic and business leaders at: Baltimore’s Transit Future 2026 Legislative Kickoff on January 8 Co-hosted by economic development conveners, Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and Greater Washington Partnership (GWP), the…
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Facilitating Dialogue for People-Centered Neighborhoods
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Federal Hill Main Street district designated a car-free zone around Cross Street Market to allow for more outdoor, socially-distanced dining. In contrast to the commercial corridor’s nightlife and incidents of reckless driving, the area became a locus for pro-social community building with farmers’ markets, festivals, and outdoor fitness throughout the…
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Be the DJ: 3 Steps for Making Community Engagement a Vibe
Community engagement specialists are really DJs. [Record scratch] This metaphor came to me while attending The Vision is Yours: A Regional Placemaking Forum on regional placemaking last week. 1) The DJ promotes. Before they even spin, the DJ papers street light poles with neon flyers and hypes on social media the party of the year.…
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Gateway to Vacants or Federal Hill Main Street
At the South Charles at Hamburg Street intersection, a sign reads: “Welcome to Federal Hill (c. 1788). Enjoy!” Foreshadowed with this faded sign affixed to the vacant Shofer’s Furniture Clearance Center (shuttered in 2021), Federal Hill Main Street embodies COVID-recovery challenges. On the other side of the street, the vacant Shofer’s Furniture Store and recently…
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Olive Street Block Party: Paving the Way for Connections in Your Very Own Alley
Soon after my partner and I bought our house in Federal Hill, Baltimore, our elderly neighbor (who we had not had a chance to meet) passed away. Her family then sold the property to developers. Demolition quickly began for a gut renovation…and then crickets. Or should I say rats. You see, the pandemic had just…
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“Good BaltiMorning!” CreativeMornings and Vibrant Accessibility
CreativeMornings (CM), my favorite monthly event series in 247 global cities, brings together artists, advocates, and overall curious people to draw inspiration from interdisciplinary topics. I am always excited to attend the Baltimore chapter events (volunteer-run and hosted by Kira Wisniewski). Last Friday’s (Feb. 28) event with Jen White-Johnson, a neurodivergent artist and disability community…
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Baltimore Transit Riders Rally
When it comes to public transit, I adhere to the “use it or lose it” mantra. In fact, my friend recently called me “the bus lady.” Living in a city with all of my [privileged white YUPPIE] recreational destinations, appointments, and friends located within a 5-mile radius, I am usually arriving by bus, foot, or…
L. Rose Creative 