The next public meeting for the Middle Branch Master Plan will be: Planning Commission Hearing for Adoption of the Plan August 9, 2007 2:30 p.m. 417 E. Fayette Street, 8th floor Baltimore, MD 21202 Note: A photo I.D. is required to enter the building (All comments on the Plan must be received no later than August 6, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.) Please mark your calendars! Vision Statement Redevelop and revitalize the Middle Branch estuary and waterfront as a major resource by restoring and enhancing the natural ecosystem, creating waterfront recreational activities and establishing compatible, sustainable, mixed-use development. Goals Water Quality and Habitat- Restore and protect the Middle Branch estuary for wildlife habitat and improved water quality. Restore and protect the natural shoreline by protecting green space, planting new buffers, and restoring and creating wetland areas. Implement USACE Tidal Middle Branch Restoration Program for wetlands creation. Enforce Critical Area regulations and approved easements to protect existing habitat areas. Establish a comprehensive planting plan that includes surrounding hillsides, community open space and waterfront areas. Improve Water Quality to fishable and swimable levels Manage Floating Debris Build and maintain trash interceptors Educate public about storm drains and trash Increase street sweeping programs Improve Water Quality Incorporate advanced stormwater treatment techniques in all new development projects that treat 100% of the stormwater Promote cleaning Brownfield’s sites to reduce influx of contaminants into water column Continue to improve water quality throughout drainage basin of Middle Branch by implementing TMDL requirements. Open Space and Recreation - Develop a comprehensive open space and recreation system that complements and captures the unique qualities of the Middle Branch ecosystem. Maximize and protect public access to the waterfront at all waterfront sites. Capitalize on the unique nature of estuary as ‘safe harbor’ for non-motorized boating such as canoes, kayaks, rowing sculls and small sailboats. Discourage increases in motorized boating. Increase the number of fishing piers. Create a comprehensive recreational trail system that links communities, the waterfront, downtown and the Gwynns Falls Trail system. Build on the ecotourism potential of the area by identifying and documenting shore bird sightings, increasing waterfront educational programs and educational signage. Expand educational opportunities with the Environmental Magnet High School in Cherry Hill. Increase programmed activities at the parks and create park friends groups to increase a sense of ownership. Design and Development - Ensure that opportunities for economic development integrate and support the Middle Branch ecosystem, existing communities and the unique character and location of the Middle Branch. Encourage mixed use, higher density communities that take advantage of nearby transit and trail systems. Capitalize on the location of the Middle Branch to create a southern Gateway to the City that complements the Inner Harbor but is unique from it in character. Require that all new development incorporate green building techniques and sustainable site planning to minimize environmental impacts. Discourage development that does not positively relate to the environmental and recreational programs on the waterfront. Transportation - Develop a comprehensive access plan that assures all modes of transportation are represented in the redevelopment of the Middle Branch. Link bicycle and pedestrian trails throughout the waterfront to surrounding communities, transit stops, downtown and the Gwynns Falls Trail system. Assure light rail stops have safe access from the surrounding communities through the creation of sidewalks, intersection improvements and other traffic calming measures. Link new development to the downtown core and surrounding highway systems through new or improved ramps, driveways and signage systems Heritage and Tourism - Preserve historic, architectural and natural resources for public enjoyment and heritage tourism development. Identify historic, architectural and natural resources within the Middle Branch Area. Support preservation of resources through local designation by the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) for Historical Designation. Capitalize on the opportunities provided by the Baltimore Heritage Area Management Plan-Link to the Visitors Center, connect with National, State and City trail systems, develop site interpretation, and provide financial support.