Spring Market Center Newsletter

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Spring Cleaning on theWestside

Downtown Shuttle Revived

In an effort to reduce congestion, free-up parking spaces and increase inter downtown commerce, Baltimore officials propose to revive a downtown shuttle bus service. The shuttle would offer free or highly reduced fares and include three downtown circular bus routes. Funding for the shuttle would be paid in part by increased taxes on daily and monthly parking spaces.

Saratoga Street-Scape—A Fresh Look

Baltimore City will be seeking bids for the Saratoga Street-Scape Project. The work will include: new sidewalks in gray concrete, lights, furniture and flower pots. Merchants will be advised of the construction schedules and the Association will make special provisions to assist the merchants ( current with RBDL fees) during construction.

East-West Transit Line Coming to Proposal Finish Line

The M.T.A. is in the final evaluation period of examining the various modes and pathways of the proposed 12-mile east-west transit line connecting theWoodlawn area of Baltimore County with Downtown Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Bayview. These may be viewed at the project’s website, www.baltimoreredline.com. If you have any concerns or wish to express concerns about potential impact to your business, please contact:

Judy Boulmetis
Secretary, Market Center Association
318 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD, 21201

All correspondence will be forwarded to the M.T.A. Redline Citizen’s Advisory
Council.

Facade Improvement Program

The Facade Improvement Program provides design assistance and up to $10,000 in matching grants for qualified Downtown property owners to improve their storefronts. Since the program began in 2001, more than 90 projects worth more than $9 million have been completed. Currently, 22 projects worth $1.2 million are in progress with another 11 projects, worth $2.2 million, in the planning stages
Call 410-837-9305 for more information.

Preakness Crab Derby!

It’s post time at Lexington Market! Join us May 15th for the most hilarious of Preakness Events. Cheer for your favorite local celebrity as they actually jockey blue crabs to the finish line. No crab mallets allowed! Using spray bottles and long sticks with balls attached by string, celebrities race on their hands and knees to finish first. It’s absolutely ridiculous! The winner takes home a “purse” of $500 to the charity of choice. Don’t miss the brightest jewel in racing's quadruple crown! For more information call (410) 685-6169.

G. Krug & Son—
Five Generations of Superb Craftsmanship in Baltimore

Many companies boast of quality products and experience. Some even dare to label
themselves as “the best” in their respective fields. However, when put to the test, some fall short of their declarations. A few don’t even come close. Such is not the case for G. Krug and Son.

The Market Center Merchants Association is honored to applaud the endeavors of its
long time member. This family-owned business is one of the oldest companies in
Baltimore, but it also holds a distinction that no other can claim. It is the oldest ironworks factory in the country. Two years from now, G. Krug and Son will commemorate a monumental milestone. They will celebrate 200 years in business. Never have they closed down and you will find them at 415 West Saratoga Street in Baltimore – the same location they opened for business in 1810.

You probably have experienced the genius of their work with wrought iron. The Krug’s signature “Otterbein” style can be seen in Otterbein Methodist Church, John Hopkins Hospital, The Baltimore Washington Monument, Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and many other significant landmarks. Owned by 5th generation Krugs, Peter and Steven, G. Krug and Son’s reputation is undeniable. Upholding the integrity and craftsmanship of their forefathers, this elite company works diligently to provide durable and beautiful ironwork.

Market Center Shopping Bags Available

Market Center has Free shopping bags available for merchants who are current with their RBDL fees. The large poly bags are white and have the Market Center logo on both sides. Bags are bundled in sets of 200.Any merchant requesting bags needs to
contact PDA Marketingat 410-788-2007.