This is Timmy yo, the gringo
in a pulled low Kangol…
So, its been an incredible few months. We were fortunate to be presented with opportunities to extend projects further than the year prior and that felt very, very good. Clay is Good sticker campaigning kind of good, not that I ever stuck one of those stickers under your noses on your various walks around Annap. All of this could not have done without the help of a Clay Street veteran Kirsten Green. Send a big ups to Kirsten for holding down the Clay site, modeling, organizing email correspondence, and basically assisting in any way possible. She is tireless hardworking woman. Her path will no doubt lead her to whatever success she desires. Much respect.
Thank you Kirsten.
and another thing…
Some have asked me over the course of the last week or so, if would seriously consider a run for the Mayor of Annapolis. Thank you but, I am not needed in that position. Annapolis needs someone who is genuinely thinking about Annapolis when making decisions. From my vantage point on Clay Street I could not break my bias and represent for the greater whole.
very cool, Timmy keeps it really real as keynote speaker at the annual banquet on affordable housing…Annapolis mayoral candidate Trudy McFall on the intros in video 1 and outros on video 2
Timmy Grins the editor and purveyor of this site was named to the City of Annapolis A&E District’s board of directors. He will be joined by others from around the community in creating the shape of the new city designation.
This video taken March 17th at the county council hearings for the decision on passage of the A&E designation is in large in part why he was named:
STATE OF MARYLAND OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES NEW
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS
Annapolis and Hagerstown designated, Hagerstown expanded and recertified.
BALTIMORE, MD (May 27, 2008) –To further stimulate local business activity, Governor Martin O’Malley today announced that the cities of Annapolis and Havre de Grace have been selected to join the State’s vibrant Arts and Entertainment District program. He also announced that Hagerstown has been approved for expansion and recertification.
Administered by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development through the Maryland State Arts Council, the program provides local and county governments with myriad tax benefits designed to stimulate economic development and enhance and increase the number of artists and cultural enterprises clustered in designated areas. Maryland was one of the first states in the country to develop an Arts and Entertainment District program on a statewide basis.
“The development and expansion of the Arts and Entertainment Districts enhances the quality of life for residents, business owners and artists while showcasing, preserving and promoting Maryland culture,” said Governor O’Malley. “I am pleased to award this designation to the cities of Annapolis and Havre de Grace – along with the expansion of Hagerstown – to stimulate economic activity and enhance the Arts in their communities.”
Annapolis and Havre de Grace become the State’s 16th and 17th Arts and Entertainment Districts, and the first in Anne Arundel and Harford counties respectively. Hagerstown becomes the only district to apply for and receive recertification since the program was founded in 2001.
Under the guidelines of the State’s Arts and Entertainment program, the Secretary of the Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) can designate up to six districts each calendar year, but only one per county. As part of the designation’s benefits, artists working in the districts can receive an income tax break. Developers who create spaces for artists to live and work can be exempt from paying certain property taxes on the value of the renovations for up to 10 years. Designated districts are exempt from admissions and amusement taxes.
“With this designation, Havre de Grace will have the tools to further attract individual artists and arts and entertainment related businesses, adding to the cultural resources already available,” said DBED Secretary David Edgerley.
“I am thrilled to receive the exciting news that the City of Havre de Grace has been chosen as Maryland’s latest Arts and Entertainment District,” said Havre de Grace Mayor Wayne Doughtery. “Everyone knows us as the decoy capital and as a scenic waterfront community with a heritage that dates back to 1782, but we have it all – wonderful artists and galleries, B&Bs, antique stores, specialty retail and great restaurants. I know our Arts and Entertainment designation will contribute to our growing success as an arts destination.”
There are 15 other designated arts districts in Maryland, including Baltimore City’s Station North and Highlandtown, Berlin, Bethesda, Cambridge, Cumberland, Denton, Elkton, Frederick, Hagerstown, Salisbury, Silver Spring, Snow Hill, Prince George’s County’s Gateway District and Wheaton.
“We are extremely proud of this program which has garnered national attention over the past year as an innovative tool for community revitalization,” added Maryland State Arts Council Deputy Director Elizabeth Carven. “With these designations, Maryland will have 17 districts in 12 counties and Baltimore City, each providing a unique experience for the visitor and resident alike.”
The next application deadline will be October 1, 2008. Applications must be submitted to the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, an agency of DBED. The application packets will be available online on the Maryland State Arts Council website at www.msac.org. For more information, contact Elizabeth Carven at (410) 767-8831.
More About the Approved and Expanded Districts
• Anne Arundel County – Capitol City Cultural Arts District
Targeting artists, arts and cultural enterprises and marketing the anchor tenant, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, the District includes the projected 2010 opening of the Bates Magnet School for the Arts and abuts the central business district, currently a successful retail, arts, cultural and historic area. Included in the boundaries are the Anne Arundel County Boys and Girls Club with an onsite gallery and arts classes. The housing stock directly adjacent to the district offers affordable housing for artists. Annapolis Department of Economic Affairs will provide staffing and administration.
• Harford County – Havre de Grace, Arts by the Bay
Havre de Grace’s A&E District is located in the historic downtown core. Projects include the Signature Sidewalk, historic signage, Washington Street Streetscape and Hutchins Park. Sixteen historic properties have been renovated as restaurants, Bed & Breakfasts, offices, retail and a Visitor’s Center. Proposed state and local capital improvement projects include a boat pier and development of the Stackhouse waterfront property. The City is a designated Maryland Main Street and certified Historic District. The management team – comprised of government, business and artists – will act as a committee of the Main Street program and report directly to their Board of Directors. The City has capitalized on the tourism value of their waterfront and will benefit from the influx of BRAC employees to the County and surrounding areas.
• Hagerstown Arts & Entertainment District (Expansion and Recertification)
Hagerstown’s application was approved for an expansion and recertification. The expansion significantly increases the mix of affordable housing and creates new opportunities for arts enterprises. Since the 2001 designation, Hagerstown has enjoyed much success. The first affordable artist studios became available in early 2008 and another 21,000 square foot will open later this year. Two new assets scheduled for completion include the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts – a public high school, including a black box theater, gallery, music rehearsal area and dance room – Fall 2009 and the City Theater – a 200-seat theater and upper floor ballroom – Fall 2008. Since their original designation, the City completed University Park, seen the Maryland Theatre expansion, and initiated many special events and festivals.
This was started for those that live and breathe on or around Clay Street in Annapolis, Maryland but, we invite everyone who has an interest, would like to help, or wants to learn more about Clay Street to come on in and get involved..