The West Baltimore MARC Site is currently being updated. Thank you for your interest in the West Baltimore MARC Station Projects.
Jan 04
Paid Job Training Opportunity with SHA
Applications must be received by February 3, 2012.
If you are 18 years or older with a high school diploma and you are interested in getting paid to attend a training program in Auto CAD, Carpentry, or to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL), please visit the BuildUp Program website to learn more about the program and what you need to do to apply. Please review the materials and submit an application before February 3, 2012.
May 30
Public Artists Chosen for Scenic Beautification Project
We are pleased to announce that William and Teresa Cochran of William Cochran Studios have been selected as the public artists for the Scenic Beautification Project. William and Teresa were chosen in May 2011 after a formal selection process that involved a 12-member committee reviewing artists’ applications and samples of work. The committee, which featured seven West Baltimore community members, then selected five finalists for interviews. The committee voted and felt strongly that William and Teresa would be a great fit for this project. Check out the William Cochran studio website to view some of their past projects.
Dec 13
Temporary Closure of Eastbound US 40 Ramp
The eastbound ramp to US 40 at Smallwood Street is temporarily closed as of 7:00 AM on Monday, December 20, 2010. Eastbound traffic will be diverted to Mulberry Street. The ramp closure goes into effect as the project moves into the next phase of demolishing the “Highway to Nowhere.” On-street parking will continue to be restricted on Mulberry Street between Pulaski and Monroe streets. Please look for the changes to traffic patterns and new parking restrictions to be posted in the area.
Traffic and parking changes resulting from the first phase of demolition activities, which began in fall 2010, will remain in effect including the temporary closure of the westbound US 40 ramps (just west of Greene Street and just west of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard).
Oct 27
Community Participates in MBE/DBE Informational Meeting
On October 27, 2010, the MTA held an informational meeting on the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)/ Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) process and local job training programs. Over 35 community members attended the meeting, which included a presentation by the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Office of Minority Business Enterprise. Participants had the opportunity to learn the step-by-step process to become MBE/DBE certified and how to market a business once certified. Graduates from two local job training programs, Project Jump Start and Bon Secours Money Place Career and Financial Development Program, also spoke at the meeting. The graduates shared their experiences, saying they gained valuable skills through the apprenticeships and jobs they were placed in through the programs. To learn more about the MBE/DBE process or local job training programs, please contact Staycie Francisco.
Sep 13
Governor Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony
On Friday, September 10, 2010, residents and community leaders of West Baltimore stood at the western edge of the “Highway to Nowhere” and looked on as Governor Martin O’Malley operated a hydraulic hammer to break ground and signify the kick-off of demolition. The Governor emphasized that demolishing parts of the old highway structure is the first step in reconnecting West Baltimore’s neighborhoods.
“These are connections that advance progress,” said Governor O’Malley as he described the reconnection of Payson Street as a benefit of the MARC station parking expansion.
The Governor was joined by Mayor of Baltimore Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Maryland Secretary of Transportation Beverley K. Swaim-Staley, and long-standing community leader, Mr. John Hailey. As northern co-chair of the West Baltimore MARC TOD/Transportation, Inc., Mr. Hailey has been working with neighborhoods for the past several years to increase awareness and build support for the project.
“We make change happen when we work together,” Hailey said, “The demolition is a sign to everyone that change can really happen here, and it is just the beginning.”
Aug 11
Things Are Happening
We will begin preparing the site for demolition, and pre-demolition activities will begin in late September 2010. A majority of the demolition work will occur within the old I-170 highway area, but lane closures and traffic delays should be expected on certain sections of West Franklin Street, West Mulberry Street, and US 40.
Things you will see happening during September:
- Security fencing for demolition site will be installed
- Trailers will be set up on site to house construction field offices
- Traffic signs and message boards will be installed
- Measurement equipment will be used around the demolition site
- Equipment for the demolition will be moved onto the site
- Vibra-Tech, Inc. will be offering free inspections to residents and businesses closest to the demolition site, in order to document the current condition of your exterior and interior walls in case there are impacts as a result of vibration
We will keep the website up-to-date with more details and information as the project moves forward. Please look out for additional mailings and project newsletters to find out the latest updates as well.
Click here to download the Demolition Informational Flyer for information about what to expect during the demolition.
Jul 27
MTA Holds Public Information Open House
On July 20, 2010, the MTA held a Public Information Open House for the West Baltimore MARC Station Parking Expansion & Enhancement Project at the Bentalou Recreation Center. Attendees had the opportunity to get information on the upcoming demolition phase of the project, view conceptual design plans for the parking expansion, and share ideas and comments.
