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🌱 Patch AM: Why are downtown Baltimore condo owners suddenly getting tax surcharge refunds?

You won't want to miss 12th Annual Crab Cake Tasting expo on the Baltimore Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 22nd Patch AM
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Hi there, Baltimore! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why are downtown Baltimore condo owners suddenly getting tax surcharge refunds?
  • What the judge's OIG records ruling means for Baltimore City Hall.
  • Why a new lawsuit could upend Harborplace's $900 million makeover

Also on today's calendar: 12th Annual Crab Cake Tasting expo and 13 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one wall say to the other? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Cloudy, a little rain; cooler, with a high of 64 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Cloudy, a little rain; cool, temps: high: 64, low: 54.
  • Thursday: Rain and drizzle possible, with a high of 64 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Downtown Baltimore condo owners to get refunded 'illegal' surcharge (foxbaltimore.com) — Downtown Baltimore condo owners at 414 Water Street are set to receive refunds after the city reversed a controversial Downtown Management Authority property tax surcharge that residents argued violated the city charter. Owners say hundreds of dollars per unit will be returned, raising questions about why their building was singled out and what services, if any, they actually received for the fees.
   

2. Deadlines set for city to restore OIG's access to records (wbal.com) — A Baltimore City judge has ordered the city to restore the Inspector General's access to email, servers, and records within two days and fully answer subpoenas from 2025–26 within 45 days. The ruling blocks City Hall from using attorney-client privilege to withhold documents, strengthening oversight of how Baltimore agencies operate and respond to investigations into possible misconduct.
   

3. Baltimore group sues to block Harborplace redevelopment, demolition of pavilions (cbsnews.com) — Baltimore residents and business owners have filed a lawsuit to halt the planned $900 million Harborplace redevelopment and demolition of the Inner Harbor pavilions, arguing city officials violated the charter and zoning laws. One plaintiff is also seeking historic landmark status for the pavilions, potentially reshaping the future of Baltimore's waterfront and the mixed-use project backed by Mayor Brandon Scott.
   

4. This Woman Is Bringing Free Books to Hundreds of Kids With Magical Trolley (today.com) — A Baltimore "radical street librarian" known as Ms. Maze is driving a green-and-gold trolley into city book deserts, handing out free books and hosting pop-up story times for local kids. Her team makes regular stops in neighborhoods like Park Heights, partners with community events, and relies on donations and a wish list to keep Baltimore children stocked with stories year-round.
   

5. The new season ushers in big changes to Baltimore's arts scene (blogspot.com) — Baltimore's arts scene is rolling out a more inclusive, community-focused season, with museums, theaters, and galleries shifting to flexible schedules, interactive programs, and pay-what-you-can options. From the Baltimore Museum of Art to neighborhood pop-ups, institutions are prioritizing local voices, outdoor festivals, and alternative venues so residents can encounter performances, exhibits, and public art in more neighborhoods and at more price points.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Baltimore Residents Report Above-Average Anxiety When Facing Uncertainty —Northwestern Mutual Read on Patch
  • A Great Day as These are "The Lucky Dogs" who were being transported from Alabama and North Carolina north to New Jersey rescues.
    There were a few more too, but it was a smaller run than usual. I was given Anna, the little beagle who was a real love bug. As soon as I met her… (Nextdoor Charles Village)
  • Missing: my black with white tuxedo cat.
    Gone since 9/17. 12 years old. She has never wantered away and I fear the worst. If you see her please call 667-447-8030. Thank you. (Nextdoor Perring Parkway)
  • Driveline posted a job opening for Flex Merchandiser in Baltimore. Apply here.
  • Advantage Solutions posted a job opening for Traveling Retail Merchandiser - Overnight in Baltimore. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Baltimore here.

Ok Baltimore! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I'll meet you at the corner! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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