Happy November Oakenshawe Neighbors,
This month’s Oakenshawe Improvement Association (OIA) Newsletter Update includes:
- October OIA Quarterly Meeting Minutes
- New OIA Website Launch
- Johns Hopkins University Police Department (JHPD) Updates
- Rat Eradication
OCTOBER OIA QUARTERLY MEETING
On Sunday, October 23, OIA held its quarterly meeting that is open to all residents of Oakenshawe and neighbors are welcome to join as well. Here are the full meeting minutes from the October OIA meeting. Key updates include:
- Terrace Party Wrapup: The 2022 Terrace Party was a blast after a two year hiatus because of the pandemic.The party cost $2,123 but was partially offset by taking in $1,845 in admissions and membership dues. Missing items:
- The band is missing a push cart/dolly – has anyone seen it?
- A neighbor is missing a green extension cord with multiple plugs lent for the party, has anyone seen it?
- If you are missing a white extension cord, John, the OIA Secretary, has it.
- Oakenshawe Greenspace Tree Stump Pilot: OIA is working with the Greenspace Nextdoor Group (who coordinates maintenance) to explore a proposal to pilot the addition of a few tree stumps to the Greenspace to create a barrier/playspace to make it less likely that kids run into the street. Reach out to Zach Gieske or Louisa Creamer with any questions.
- OIA Board Committees: The OIA Board is setting up a committee structure in 2023 to expand OIA’s capacity to support the neighborhood. OIA plans to create four committees including: (1) Membership & Communications, (2) Events, (3) University Outreach & Safety, and (4) Green Space & Trees. Read a description of each committee here. You do NOT need to be a Board Member to serve on a committee. If you are interested in joining a committee, please fill out the committee interest form.
The New OIA Website is Live!
OIA has a new beautiful website at the same old URL: https://www.oakenshawe.org/
Zach, our new OIA President, designed the new website to offer more flexibility and a better capacity for updates. Check out the website and send your thanks, feedback, and ideas to Zach Gieske.
Johns Hopkins University Police Department (JHPD)
OIA has abstained from siding for or against JHPD because there is not a clear consensus or majority opinion among members. However, we encourage residents to express their opinion as individuals however they see fit. With that in mind, we wanted to share a few relevant resources and updates:
- An FAQ on JHPD, from Johns Hopkins University’s perspective can be found here.
- The Coalition Against Policy by Hopkins linktree which includes links to that coalition’s resources can be found here.
- Baltimore Sun Article, September 21, 2022: Opposition to Johns Hopkins University private police force simmers ahead of town hall meetings
- Applications are open for the Johns Hopkins Policy Accountability Board until Nov 7. There will be 3 seats for community members – one from each campus. Applications can be completed online here.
- Baltimore City Council’s 30-Day Comment Period for the proposed JHPD Memorandum of Understanding ends November 17.
Rat Eradication
We’ve heard from several neighbors asking about rat/pest control. This is a reminder that if you have a rat problem, please call 311 or submit an online service request for DPW’s Rat Rubout program to inspect the area, and if necessary, bait the area. Please note, residents must complete and submit a right of entry form before DPW can enter private property. Learn more and download the Right of Entry Form on DPW’s Rat Eradication website.
On behalf of the OIA Board, we hope everyone has a wonderful November and safe Thanksgiving however you celebrate.