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Coldstream Homestead Montebello Community Corporation
3220-A The Alameda, Baltimore MD 21218
Phone   410-235-6715            E-mail   chmc.corp@verizon.net
Fax 410-235-7456
...the neighborhood you want
After a long run around Lake Montebello and playing with the dog at the dog park Saturday morning, I realized that
hunger was getting the best of me.  With the refrigerator bare the next best option was a quick stroll up the street
to neighborhood café/ bistro, you know, the one that has Wi-Fi and free internet access, the juice bar and the open-
mike night on Mondays.  After brunch I figured I would purchase some groceries two blocks over at the ever
popular corner store that has the widest selection of locally grown fresh produce.  

Now this account of my Saturday may not be possible in our current neighborhood, but if neighbors had their way,
services similar to those and more would be the qualities that make our neighborhood the hottest place to be in
Baltimore.  Those sentiments reflect some of the views of neighbors who gathered at a recent Chat in CHM  
potluck.
Over the last several years a few hardy and motivated neighbors have been gathering informally for potlucks around
the kitchen table, on the porch the back yard and local parks, collaborating on ideas that can improve our
community.  Their efforts, with that of the community organization, CHMCC,  have led to enhancements ranging
from community greening through tree plantings, to the installation of lights on the monument at 32ndStreet and
Hillen Rd.
The aim of the most recent gathering held the last Saturday in February was to focus on the services that would
transform the community from not just a place we live, but to one where we spend our money and encourage our
friends to move.  The attendees chose to exempt the contentious issues like public safety, and education from this
conversation since those issues are tackled regularly at the community meetings, and can be exhausting.  Still, while
being mindful of those dominant issues, the addition of the following services would continually move the community
in an upward direction:  
Coffee House / eat– in restaurants
Produce market/ butcher shop
Drycleaners
Eat-in restaurants
Community gardens
Community centers
Clean Block Competition / Parties
Laundry mart
Signs on the entry-ways to the community
Trash removal at parks

Ideas continued to flow well after the gathering concluded.  Hopefully you too have suggestions to offer.  What are
the services you want to see in the community? How can you aid in improving the community?  Please feel free to
register your thoughts by sending an email to
LiveinChum@Verizon.net