This is the best advice here imo.

I agree, but how on earth do we quantify the impact of these programs? How do we know if a change, or no change, in crime is the impact of them or the police? Or any other factor?

My point isn't that we shouldn't worry about the impact of a $10 million program. Just that we should spend literally ten thousand times the time, effort, and money making sure the cops are not wasting our money, because they have literally ten thousand times the budget.

>and whether or not we could see greater effects by reallocating that funding elsewhere.

Well the BPD gets 4 fucking billion dollars so we can talk results when we are spending 1 billion on non cop solutions. And why does no one demand cop money be tied to results or drops in crime?

I believe we are currently in the 10 million dollar range for community efforts like this if it literally stops one murder it is money way better spent than on enforcement.

>the city told me

Do you have any idea if what they told you is true?

It sucks that the Catholic church is so horrific because their charities have been pretty great here, and actually support immigrants and refugees unlike so many Christians in the US.

Huh. As an avid mcmansion subscriber, this is mostly well done (and not a mcmansion didnt make that clear enough). Grand without being too ostentatious (save the wine cellar).

Yes! Though I need to have a talk with them about their wine glasses.

It'll be about $9 for the glass, but yes, markup for a bottle is usually around 300%. But BYOB usually comes with a corking fee so it is not completely free either, but it is cheaper.

They serve alcohol now?

I've got an revised edition one sitting around.

And they gave the developer free money (tifs) to do it. And they provided the infrastructure as well.

>So many neighborhoods only have bodegas and not a lot of major grocery stores

This is a choice by our lawmakers, not a coincidence. Our tax and infrastructure and zoning system make things like Canton Crossing far more advantaged than stores that would actually be walkable for the neighborhood.

God it's so terrible.

>No one in the city makes good bread

Cunningham's makes kick ass bread and provides it to places like The Wine Source.

Luigis is my go to for a good sandwich.

Baltimore has a good but narrow food scene. Tons of Italian and Greek and Nepalese. But entire swaths of cuisine just missing.

I don't understand how we don't have a good cheesesteak place.

So cool to live in a country where this guy gets to have a gun.

Nah. I went to Dubrovnik and there are no cars in the entire city center. Not much better transit than Baltimore.

Transit should be worked on but people will come MORE if you ban cars not less. People with cars want to come and park and be in amazing spaces the same as the rest of us.

What if an unhoused person is happier though? Have you all considered that consequence?

Absolutely not.

We should be taking over entire streets for eating and thoroughfares, at least past morning deliveries. I am looking at you Charles and Thames and 36th and Cross(?).

Every city, here and abroad, that has made parts car free never goes back. NYC did this shit to times square "for a year" about ten years back.

Damn. Any chance you can negotiate with them? It is not like you have a choice.

If not, you can always right back to jury duty and tell them you cannot come due to this.

Edited for clarity, but my employer pays me my normal wage which should absolutely be the law.

I believe you can volunteer but I am not sure how often.

Oh man I must be the only one that loves jury duty. I get paid (by my employer) is probably a big part of it, but I get to watch movies and read or play video games and then go to lunch and have some drinks and come back and cut out early all while experiencing some of the greatest people watching the city has to offer hell yes.

Obviously we need a law that everyone gets paid their full salary for jury duty this shit is insane otherwise.

Under the consent decree the City of Baltimore and the Baltimore Police Department will work with communities to implement comprehensive reforms that will ensure:

​

• Baltimore establishes a Community Oversight Task Force to recommend reforms to the current system of civilian oversight.
• BPD adopts a policing approach that is community-oriented and based on problem solving principles.
• Officers’ voluntary interactions are professional and courteous, and officers conduct all investigatory stops, searches and arrests in a manner that protects people’s rights.
• BPD provides equal protection of the law for all individuals, including providing impartial policing services.
• Officers use appropriate de-escalation techniques and attempt to resolve incidents without force when possible; use force in a manner that is proportional to the threat presented; and BPD’s use of force policies, training and review systems provide sufficient guidance, skills and accountability.
• BPD transports detainees in a manner that keeps them safe.
• Officers respect the First Amendment rights of all persons.
• BPD investigates sexual assault thoroughly and without gender bias.
• Baltimore conducts an assessment to minimize youth involvement with the juvenile and criminal justice systems, as appropriate, and that officers approach interactions with youth in a manner appropriate to their age.
• Baltimore conducts an analysis of gaps in the city’s mental health system in consultation with a committee of behavioral health experts and service providers, and BPD instructs and dispatches officers who are properly trained in interacting with people in crisis or with behavioral health disabilities when a police response is appropriate.
• Allegations of employee misconduct are fully, fairly and efficiently investigated; that all investigative findings are supported by the appropriate standard of proof and documented in writing; and that all officers who commit misconduct are held accountable pursuant to a disciplinary system that is fair, consistent and provides due process.
• Officers receive necessary equipment, policy guidance, training and support to do their jobs safely and effectively, and BPD performs a staffing study to ensure a sufficient number of officers and supervisors.

Traffic in general is way better post pandemic, but still sucks occasionally.