Madison-Eastend Community,
The establishment proposed for 845 N. Luzerne Ave is not scheduled to be heard before zoning on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. The actual hearing date is May 3. 2022.
845 N Luzerne Ave is zoned as R-8, which allows for certain commercial uses. This address has history as a commercial property which gives it favor with the zoning board (BMZA). The Department of Planning (DOP) has suggested several avenues from which the community can approach their opposition with this proposed restaurant. The first suggestion and most important, is that the community should have a conversation with the owner. This will allow the owner to give more insight on what exactly they are proposing at the location. It also gives the community the option of establishing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the business to ensure that it operates within the parameters set forth by the MOU. If the establishment violates the MOU, their use and occupancy permit can be revoked.
Another option suggested by DOP was that the community be able to compile actual data about the location that shows how the new establishment could negatively affect the community. Examples they gave were that if residents can prove that increased parking would be detrimental to the community, or crime stats that show activity at that location or on that block.
DOP said that any opposition can be expressed via email to the BMZA or by actually showing up to testify at the hearing. I will update this section as information comes in about the hearing date, how to contest the use, and how to appear in person. As for now, this message is currently being displayed on the BMZA website:
On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, BMZA will return to in person hearings in City Hall, Board of Estimates Room 215. Dockets for March 22, 2022 and April 5, 2022 will still be virtual via Webex. NOTE - the virtual hearing on 4/5/2022 will NOT be shown live on Charm TV. In order to view the hearing live, you must register to attend. As more information becomes available regarding the in person hearing process, updates will be posted here. Any questions regarding in person participation please email bmza@baltimorecity.gov
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