The Latest news At WNADA - Spring 2025 Edition

Spring 2025

West Baltimore is on the rise. The team and I are energized by the energetic spirit and important work that collectively is building a better future for West Baltimore.   From our legislative work to sustain WNADA for future years to the increase in development interest, WNADA continues its commitment to strengthening trust in West Baltimore neighborhoods.

We are fortunate to be in a region where the opportunity for development growth is supported by community engagement and intentional inclusion of diverse audiences.  Our comprehensive neighborhood plan is phase one in creating a map that will incorporate programming and structure that addresses the challenges of misinformation.



West Baltimore is directed toward innovation and practical approaches to retaining existing businesses in residents as well as fostering relationships for our future.

We appreciate your trust in us as a resource for economic empowerment in West Baltimore.

Chad Williams

Executive Director, WNADA

SMART Intersections Coming to West North Avenue! 

The SMART Intersection infrastructure project is funded and led by WNADA, in collaboration with the National Transportation Center at Morgan State University (MSU), the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT), and Baltimore Department of Planning. 

The project is currently in the permitting phase working through BCDOT to receive the necessary permits and connect the new technology to the traffic signals at five intersections along West North Avenue; Mount Royal Terrace, McCulloh, Penn North, Fulton, and Bloomingdale. 

 WNADA and its partners will use this anonymous information to improve the corridor’s safety, accessibility and commercial viability. Over time, the data will be used to evaluate pre- and post-development changes and provide multi-modal traffic volume data to attract new investment around these high-volume areas. 

West North Avenue & Druid Hill – McCulloh Transit Access and Pedestrian Safety Improvement (TAPSI) Project

Fall 2024 concluded the community engagement phase of the project where the project team hosted events to educate the community about the transportation project and collect feedback about artwork, placemaking priorities and final design priorities. A Community Engagement Report summarizes these events and highlights feedback received during this phase of the project. A notable theme from the campaign found the community prefers artistic motifs that celebrate the rich history of the neighborhood and honors residents past and present. This was incorporated into the permit application to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation submitted in early January, 2025. Now that the permit application is under review, we anticipate a 2-3 month review process and if approved, will begin installation thereafter. 

Unity Park Avenue 

Midtown Community Benefits District’s Unity @ Park Avenue project has experienced a slight hiccup that is delaying its originally anticipated groundbreaking to late summer 2025. Not to worry, this project team is doing its due diligence to ensure it finds the appropriate park steward in perpetuity. As this is ongoing, the team has completed the 100% design phase of the project in January and will begin the procurement and approval process in Spring 2025. 

 Transport Economics Fast Facts! 

What exactly is “transit-oriented development”? It is urbanism at its finest and requires compact, mixed-use development within a half-mile of a high frequency transit service (think subway, rail, or rapid bus). The compact design makes walkability a key component of successful TOD areas. When these planning disciplines merge the economic and environmental returns benefit the community in profound ways and create vibrant, desirable places. 

According to the Federal Highway Administration, “the potential benefits of TOD include increased land values, new prime retail spaces for businesses to attract customers, increased higher-density development and up-zoning, increased foot traffic and visibility to customers for businesses, and new development subsidies to improve and maintain community infrastructure.” 

Meaning, development that maximizes proximity to public transportation has a greater economic return because residents, visitors and businesses can rely on the public’s investment in transportation. This is one of the major reasons why WNADA is utilizing the planning and development strategy around these critical transit nodes.

Housing

2836 Presbury – Rebirth Redevelopment 

2836 Presbury was a home subjected to arson and subsequently boarded up, contributing to blight within the community. The home fell into tax sale and sat unoccupied for years. Rebirth Development acquired the home after WNADA began operations within the community. The home was demolished, cleared, and is now close to being restored.

The home now features a new addition in the rear, accommodating a master suite, three bedrooms, a large kitchen with an island, a two-car parking pad, a whole-house speaker system, and many more amenities. The home is under contract for delivery within the next 30 days.

Rebirth Development is thankful to WNADA and the Coppin Heights community for their support and encouragement in driving the beautification and restoration of blighted properties.

Overview of Coppin@Rosedale

Transforming West Baltimore: Rosedale Apartments set to become Student Housing for Coppin State University

The long-vacant and condemned Rosedale Apartments at 1801 N. Rosedale Street in Baltimore are undergoing a transformative redevelopment led by H & H Realty Group. The project aims to address the student housing shortage at Coppin State University while revitalizing the surrounding West Baltimore community.

Key features include modernized units, green spaces, art installations, and comprehensive security measures such as surveillance cameras and on-site police coordination.

With soaring ceilings and large windows, the renovated apartments will offer 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, furnished with student-friendly amenities like high-speed WiFi and optional dining and bedroom furniture. Common areas will include lounges, study spaces, and outdoor seating to foster a vibrant student community. 

Construction milestones are slated for completion by summer 2025, with move-ins scheduled for August of that year. The project is bolstered by partnerships with Coppin State University, local organizations, and city officials, ensuring it serves as both a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization and a model for inclusive development.

H & H Realty Group, led by Black female developer Genevieve Hanson, envisions Rosedale Apartments as a beacon for sustainable and equitable growth in Baltimore, creating opportunities for students and the wider community alike. www.handhrealtygroup.com; genevieve@handhrealtygroup.com

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Dozens of community residents were invited to attend the Resident Coordinating Council meeting on Saturday, January 25, 2025.  The meeting was held at Walbrook Mill Apartments’ Community Room. The WNADA team shared an overview of projects and discussed upcoming activities.

Some events discussed were the creation of a standardized Pro Forma for single-family house sales, strengthening transportation section of the comprehensive plan, and WNADA’s achievement in exceeding the 31% MBE goal. As we design and construct the economic future of West North Avenue, the meeting fosters discussion and understanding.

These meetings are part of WNADA's ongoing effort to create a comprehensive roadmap that supports equitable economic growth, job creation and resource prioritization.

The next Resident Coordinating Council meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 8.

Maryland Open Meetings Act

Many state and local public bodies are required by Maryland's Open Meetings Act to hold their meetings in public, provide sufficient notice to the public, and permit the public to view the minutes of those meetings.

Neighborhood Planning Meeting

Join WNADA on Saturday, April 26 at 10am for our first in a series of three neighborhood planning meetings.  The meetings will continue to shape the future, hear feedback from residents and stakeholders and highlight active projects happening along West North Avenue.

The comprehensive plan is really quilt made from existing neighborhood plans.  There are more than 20,000 people who live in West Baltimore.  This is an opportunity to identify opportunities and challenges and highlight positive assets of our community.

How will you help create and implement the plan for West North Avenue and its adjacent neighborhoods? 

Share your ideas on green space, transportation, commercial and housing development.

Join us on April 26, 2025

WNADA Business Networking Event

WHAT IS GO WEST?  

Learn more about the GO WEST and how it can benefit you during the next Request for Qualification Register for the GO WEST webinar on March 17th   GO WEST   (this link should be to the WNADA website.  Need to confirm the event and form details with SJ)

The Go West program focuses on empowering businesses.  The program offers business technical assistance to applicants who did not meet the previous Request For Qualification (RFQ) threshold 

ARE YOU READY TO MOVE TO NORTH AVENUE? CHECK OUT THESE PROPERTIES 

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The West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA), a State of Maryland economic development agency for Baltimore City. The agency was established to create a comprehensive plan for housing, economic, transportation, and neighborhood development along West North Avenue between 600 - 3200 Block, defined as the Target Area, and 250 yards surrounding the Target Area, defined as the Buffer Zone.