GRIA Community Meeting 5/20/2026
Board Members Present: Wynnona Engle-Pratt (President), Corey Jennings (Vice President) Sam Horn (Secretary) Matt Williams, Sadie Baker (Treasurer), Michele Baskin, Frances McGaffey (online)
Anthony Green- DPW Community Liason
Jermaine Jones
Cristina Cortese, Jones COS
Domonique Flowers
Jake Wide Angle Youth Media
Antoinette Rucker, Mayor’s Office
Odessa B&P tunnel program
Total Attendees: ~30
On Zoom: 20
Zoom Recording Link Here
Password: @u2baL46
BGE Presentation Here
Agenda
- Community Introductions
- Domonique Flowers- Candidate for Baltimore School Commissioner
- School Commissioners background: 2 elected commissioners will be on the ballot for the upcoming primary on 6/23; pick top 2 of 7 candidates, top 4 will go to general, top 2 of those
- Only race on every ballot citywide- regardless of party
- CanAttorney by trade, teaches at UB, father of 2, former special ed attorney
- Vice chair on ethics panel for school system;
- Goals: supportive learning environments, support parents and teachers, encouraging students to have basic skills and succeed to trade skill, college, and more
- Board Nominees
- Dylan Maddox– Board Member nominee- Born and raised in CV; flyering, volunteers at Hauntingdon and events; lives on Remington Ave and associated with Sacred Parks and Waterways; realtor, has IDEAS and wants to do more community art
- Cheryl Knott– board member nominee, community clean up regular, enjoys committing time to Remington
- Peter Coyne– Board member nominee, lived in Remington for 3 years, lots of volunteering with GRIA, Social science research and community development background
- Anne Rosenthal– Board member nominee, Baltimore county native; committed to vibrant neighborhood for young families; wants neighborhood to feel welcoming to folks that may not necessarily come to meetings, public health background
- Frances McGaffey– Treasurer nominee, current Board member at large; declaring intent to be treasurer
- Sadie Baker– Board member nominee- is currently the term limited for treasurer and would like to stay on board as a member at large
- Wide Angle Youth Media- Jake
- Arts education nonprofit in Service Center on Howard
- Summer Workshops!
- June 22-25 INCLUDING before/after care! Another in August
- Focus on Media Arts
- BGE Transmission Lines – Proposed Transmission Line Relocation Project- Full slide deck here
- Lineta Duren, BGE Community Engagement Manager
- Trey Spear, BGE External Affairs Manager
- Benjamin Formisano, PE, BGE Section Engineer
- Amtrak Representative – Zachary Billet- community investment and outreach
- B&P Tunnel program is the largest capital project for Amtrak- new tunnel willfollow smoother curve to allow for higher speeds
- Building new West Baltimore Station
- Amtrak is relocating utilities-
- Q from Wynn- can you confirm that this project has been in the works for 10+ years? A- yes this will be addressed
- BGE commentary on GRIA rendering of 120 ft tall-. Original height was based on Feasibility study- they are now looking at 80 and 60 foot options
- Renderings:
View from a roof on 23rd street (not sidewalk as requested in 2025 and not as requested)
- Why was the CPCN (Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity) waiver submitted prior to community outreach?
- Not an emergency waiver, allows for low impact projects without waiver
- BGE Outreach occurred after approval, “sharing information after” the
- 2017-2018- analysis for drilling tunnels or attachment to CSX bridge- didn’t work for following reasons:
- Weather Risks for Overhead- this is all up to code, 95 mph winds plus overload, .5” ice and 40 mph wind “overload factors” and more
- EMF (Electromagnetic fields)- studied for 50+ years and no causal relationships have been found including NCI, WHO, EPA
- Commentary on the overhead options and not being heard by the community
Q&A
Q: What was the community research and when did it happen?
A: BGE put 140 ft out there in spring 2024; meetings w/ the city starting in 2024, 2 meeting
Resident comment- In S. Remington, has been looking at CPCN waiver; submitted 11/2024, approved 12/2024; presentation talks about “engaging community”, but they didn’t receive anything from BGE during that time
BGE Rep: “We were not involved at all in this initial decision and we need to mark that. We ask for respect, have not been involved, and we have not come to a great decision”
Resident Comment “Asking this team to make a good decision for this entire city”
BGE Answer: we agree that the outreach in the early stages in this project was not adequate.
GRIA Resident- it’s hard to read the CPCN waiver letter and not think you made it intentionally vague
Q- this presentation would have been well received last year (summer 2025), where has this been?
BGE- didn’t have 60% design until March 2026
Q– Seems like you had the majority of this information in 2024 regarding tunnels- the neighborhood found out about the CPCN waiver by accident. This would have been an opportunity to do an alternative and bore tunnels. We are opposed to overheard regardless of height, so why were the tunnels not considered further back when time allowed?
BGE- these other options are not feasible
A Year ago (May 2025), GRIA was told was that the overhead was the only option due to cost, if we had been contacted in 2024 we could have had more of a discussion
Tunnels not available due to a lack of access to the pipes in case of liquid insulation leaks or other issues.
Q regarding the BGE Timeline slide– the letter that went out to the neighbors- did it say anything about overhead transmission lines? Anything about the alternatives? Did it have the date of the hearing and opportunity for neighbors to comment at CPCN waiver request hearing?
A- no- the letter spoke of “upcoming transmission relocation project”. Thinking they’d send the letter, THEN present the design. Acknowledged that the outreach ball was dropped
Q- There’s been a moratorium on high voltage power lines. Was the CPCN waiver to get around overhead lines or to get around the public comment period?
A- not an attorney; CPCN waiver is for ANY transmission line and construction. BGE Is not at the permitting phase yet, so there WILL be the opportunity, but still in “pre education 60% design” phase.
Comment- But we COULD’VE brought up concerns about waiver had the proper process been followed.
Q- We don’t want to repeat the past- does this community have any say in final approval/design? Is it possible that the design would go back up to 140 ft at 90% design? In the future will we get proper, quality info? Is this transmission line close to 100 tons?
A- the height will not go up- the maximum height is 80 feet now that it’s further along in the design process.
Q- Why aren’t you using the CSX bridge? It’s a triple track bridge and they use one track- 2 of the 3 have been decommissioned.
A- Cannot use CSX bridge bc of the weight of the insulated cables in the tubes and potential environmental impact of the liquid insulation utilized in the tubes. Overhead Cable do not require or utilize the same level of insulation. The team was not provided adequate information that would have allowed them to fully study the CSX bridge option in dept.
Councilman Jones- Who and which agency didn’t get back to you? My job is to make sure that these agencies are responsive
A- been working with DOT for more than 2 years bc they control the Salt Dome property
Q- Do you currently have a developer’s agreement for the salt dome?
A- no- BGE is not at that phase of the process yet
Q- if they mayor denies the Developers Aagreement, would BGE sue the city over this project for imminent domain and beyond? You would be actively suing residents that you serve A- BGE would remain where it is today- the BGE project is required bc they need to get out of Amtrak’s way
Q- How do you say that when you have a deal with amtrak? A- our responsibility is to the BGE customers
Amtrak- time delays would result in very significant cost increases and want to stay on schedule
Q- Who is funding the utility relocation in West Baltimore?
A- 80% federal 12% amtrak 8% MD,
Q- are those utilities paying for their utilities like BGE is for this? A- Amtrak/contracts at play are paying for the other utilities to move
Q- on CSX site- why can’t we do something under a CSX bridge but we could under Key highway or another part of the city? Why is it an environmental concern for this but not for overhead lines?
A- other projects are not fluid filled cables so they are able to be placed in other locations. The underground solution here would have been ~$250 million
Q- Can we get copies of the feasibility study?
A- BGE will ask
BGE Summary statement- we are under contract to get out of the tunnel by 2028- there’s a feasibility issue for anything other than the overhead power lines
Q- Wires are old and underground- do you have comparable projects
A- all new installs are w/ new materials. It would need to be replaced and add additional cost
SUMMARY- other options are not feasible for various reasons, BGE had this information in 2024. GRIA as a community wants to know why we have just been hearing about this now. This would have been great to have in 2024.
Q- We’re hearing about fixing up around salt dome, but havent heard anything about improving the area around the substation- what are you going to do for the residents in southern Remington that will be right next to this?
Q- we were told that there was a feasibility report- was that done before or after the CSX track was decommissioned?
A- all done before BGE came to GRIA’s May 2025 meeting. Info about CSX track was not
Comment- In May 2025 we were specifically told the other options were ruled out due to monthly bills for BGE customers, nothing about engineering feasibility.
Comment/Request- When considering cost, please consider economic impact on homeowners and lack of development in the neighborhood. Please factor into the economic cost of the project
Comment- Has been tracking property values and happy to help
Comment from Mayor’s office staff- What does “commitment in doing better” entail and what can GRIA expect?
A- Lineta- Still more design, wants to talk to GRIA, s. Remington residents, and adjusting things internally.
- Community Announcements
- Volunteer call out for flyer distribution! Please reach out to Jen at volunteers@griaonline.org to take a flyering route next month. Routes are ~2 blocks and a great way to meet your neighbors
- Church of the Guardian Angel thrift shop, runs 1st & 2nd Sat of the month, 10am – 2 pm, bring donations during open hours only, also seeking volunteers; Food Pantry, every
Wednesday from 9 am – 10 am, need volunteers for delivery drivers and some muscle on Tuesday mornings to unload trucks (9:30 – 10:15ish). Registration preferred but not required - Popsicle Night is back! Tuesdays starting 5/26 6:30 Sisson Street Park
Adjourned
Next Community Meeting: June 17, 2026
GRIA Community Meeting 5/20/2026
Board Members Present: Wynnona Engle-Pratt (President), Corey Jennings (Vice President) Sam Horn (Secretary) Matt Williams, Sadie Baker (Treasurer), Michele Baskin, Frances McGaffey (online)
Anthony Green- DPW Community Liason
Jermaine Jones
Cristina Cortese, Jones COS
Domonique Flowers
Jake Wide Angle Youth Media
Antoinette Rucker, Mayor’s Office
Odessa B&P tunnel program
Total Attendees: ~30
On Zoom: 20
Zoom Recording Link:
Password:
BGE Presentation:
Agenda
- Community Introductions
- Domonique Flowers- Candidate for Baltimore School Commissioner
- School Commissioners background: 2 elected commissioners will be on the ballot for the upcoming primary on 6/23; pick top 2 of 7 candidates, top 4 will go to general, top 2 of those
- Only race on every ballot citywide- regardless of party
- CanAttorney by trade, teaches at UB, father of 2, former special ed attorney
- Vice chair on ethics panel for school system;
- Goals: supportive learning environments, support parents and teachers, encouraging students to have basic skills and succeed to trade skill, college, and more
- Board Nominees
- Dylan Maddox– Board Member nominee- Born and raised in CV; flyering, volunteers at Hauntingdon and events; lives on Remington Ave and associated with Sacred Parks and Waterways; realtor, has IDEAS and wants to do more community art
- Cheryl Knott– board member nominee, community clean up regular, enjoys committing time to Remington
- Peter Coyne– Board member nominee, lived in Remington for 3 years, lots of volunteering with GRIA, Social science research and community development background
- Anne Rosenthal– Board member nominee, Baltimore county native; committed to vibrant neighborhood for young families; wants neighborhood to feel welcoming to folks that may not necessarily come to meetings, public health background
- Frances McGaffey– Treasurer nominee, current Board member at large; declaring intent to be treasurer
- Sadie Baker– Board member nominee- is currently the term limited for treasurer and would like to stay on board as a member at large
- Wide Angle Youth Media- Jake
- Arts education nonprofit in Service Center on Howard
- Summer Workshops!
- June 22-25 INCLUDING before/after care! Another in August
- Focus on Media Arts
- BGE Transmission Lines – Proposed Transmission Line Relocation Project- Full slide deck here
- Lineta Duren, BGE Community Engagement Manager
- Trey Spear, BGE External Affairs Manager
- Benjamin Formisano, PE, BGE Section Engineer
- Amtrak Representative – Zachary Billet- community investment and outreach
- B&P Tunnel program is the largest capital project for Amtrak- new tunnel willfollow smoother curve to allow for higher speeds
- Building new West Baltimore Station
- Amtrak is relocating utilities-
- Q from Wynn- can you confirm that this project has been in the works for 10+ years? A- yes this will be addressed
- BGE commentary on GRIA rendering of 120 ft tall-. Original height was based on Feasibility study- they are now looking at 80 and 60 foot options
- Renderings:
View from a roof on 23rd street (not sidewalk as requested in 2025 and not as requested)
- Why was the CPCN (Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity) waiver submitted prior to community outreach?
- Not an emergency waiver, allows for low impact projects without waiver
- BGE Outreach occurred after approval, “sharing information after” the
- 2017-2018- analysis for drilling tunnels or attachment to CSX bridge- didn’t work for following reasons:
- Weather Risks for Overhead- this is all up to code, 95 mph winds plus overload, .5” ice and 40 mph wind “overload factors” and more
- EMF (Electromagnetic fields)- studied for 50+ years and no causal relationships have been found including NCI, WHO, EPA
- Commentary on the overhead options and not being heard by the community
Q&A
Q: What was the community research and when did it happen?
A: BGE put 140 ft out there in spring 2024; meetings w/ the city starting in 2024, 2 meeting
Resident comment- In S. Remington, has been looking at CPCN waiver; submitted 11/2024, approved 12/2024; presentation talks about “engaging community”, but they didn’t receive anything from BGE during that time
BGE Rep: “We were not involved at all in this initial decision and we need to mark that. We ask for respect, have not been involved, and we have not come to a great decision”
Resident Comment “Asking this team to make a good decision for this entire city”
BGE Answer: we agree that the outreach in the early stages in this project was not adequate.
GRIA Resident- it’s hard to read the CPCN waiver letter and not think you made it intentionally vague
Q- this presentation would have been well received last year (summer 2025), where has this been?
BGE- didn’t have 60% design until March 2026
Q– Seems like you had the majority of this information in 2024 regarding tunnels- the neighborhood found out about the CPCN waiver by accident. This would have been an opportunity to do an alternative and bore tunnels. We are opposed to overheard regardless of height, so why were the tunnels not considered further back when time allowed?
BGE- these other options are not feasible
A Year ago (May 2025), GRIA was told was that the overhead was the only option due to cost, if we had been contacted in 2024 we could have had more of a discussion
Tunnels not available due to a lack of access to the pipes in case of liquid insulation leaks or other issues.
Q regarding the BGE Timeline slide– the letter that went out to the neighbors- did it say anything about overhead transmission lines? Anything about the alternatives? Did it have the date of the hearing and opportunity for neighbors to comment at CPCN waiver request hearing?
A- no- the letter spoke of “upcoming transmission relocation project”. Thinking they’d send the letter, THEN present the design. Acknowledged that the outreach ball was dropped
Q- There’s been a moratorium on high voltage power lines. Was the CPCN waiver to get around overhead lines or to get around the public comment period?
A- not an attorney; CPCN waiver is for ANY transmission line and construction. BGE Is not at the permitting phase yet, so there WILL be the opportunity, but still in “pre education 60% design” phase.
Comment- But we COULD’VE brought up concerns about waiver had the proper process been followed.
Q- We don’t want to repeat the past- does this community have any say in final approval/design? Is it possible that the design would go back up to 140 ft at 90% design? In the future will we get proper, quality info? Is this transmission line close to 100 tons?
A- the height will not go up- the maximum height is 80 feet now that it’s further along in the design process.
Q- Why aren’t you using the CSX bridge? It’s a triple track bridge and they use one track- 2 of the 3 have been decommissioned.
A- Cannot use CSX bridge bc of the weight of the insulated cables in the tubes and potential environmental impact of the liquid insulation utilized in the tubes. Overhead Cable do not require or utilize the same level of insulation. The team was not provided adequate information that would have allowed them to fully study the CSX bridge option in dept.
Councilman Jones- Who and which agency didn’t get back to you? My job is to make sure that these agencies are responsive
A- been working with DOT for more than 2 years bc they control the Salt Dome property
Q- Do you currently have a developer’s agreement for the salt dome?
A- no- BGE is not at that phase of the process yet
Q- if they mayor denies the Developers Aagreement, would BGE sue the city over this project for imminent domain and beyond? You would be actively suing residents that you serve A- BGE would remain where it is today- the BGE project is required bc they need to get out of Amtrak’s way
Q- How do you say that when you have a deal with amtrak? A- our responsibility is to the BGE customers
Amtrak- time delays would result in very significant cost increases and want to stay on schedule
Q- Who is funding the utility relocation in West Baltimore?
A- 80% federal 12% amtrak 8% MD,
Q- are those utilities paying for their utilities like BGE is for this? A- Amtrak/contracts at play are paying for the other utilities to move
Q- on CSX site- why can’t we do something under a CSX bridge but we could under Key highway or another part of the city? Why is it an environmental concern for this but not for overhead lines?
A- other projects are not fluid filled cables so they are able to be placed in other locations. The underground solution here would have been ~$250 million
Q- Can we get copies of the feasibility study?
A- BGE will ask
BGE Summary statement- we are under contract to get out of the tunnel by 2028- there’s a feasibility issue for anything other than the overhead power lines
Q- Wires are old and underground- do you have comparable projects
A- all new installs are w/ new materials. It would need to be replaced and add additional cost
SUMMARY- other options are not feasible for various reasons, BGE had this information in 2024. GRIA as a community wants to know why we have just been hearing about this now. This would have been great to have in 2024.
Q- We’re hearing about fixing up around salt dome, but havent heard anything about improving the area around the substation- what are you going to do for the residents in southern Remington that will be right next to this?
Q- we were told that there was a feasibility report- was that done before or after the CSX track was decommissioned?
A- all done before BGE came to GRIA’s May 2025 meeting. Info about CSX track was not
Comment- In May 2025 we were specifically told the other options were ruled out due to monthly bills for BGE customers, nothing about engineering feasibility.
Comment/Request- When considering cost, please consider economic impact on homeowners and lack of development in the neighborhood. Please factor into the economic cost of the project
Comment- Has been tracking property values and happy to help
Comment from Mayor’s office staff- What does “commitment in doing better” entail and what can GRIA expect?
A- Lineta- Still more design, wants to talk to GRIA, s. Remington residents, and adjusting things internally.
- Community Announcements
- Volunteer call out for flyer distribution! Please reach out to Jen at volunteers@griaonline.org to take a flyering route next month. Routes are ~2 blocks and a great way to meet your neighbors
- Church of the Guardian Angel thrift shop, runs 1st & 2nd Sat of the month, 10am – 2 pm, bring donations during open hours only, also seeking volunteers; Food Pantry, every
Wednesday from 9 am – 10 am, need volunteers for delivery drivers and some muscle on Tuesday mornings to unload trucks (9:30 – GRIA Community Meeting 5/20/2026
Board Members Present: Wynnona Engle-Pratt (President), Corey Jennings (Vice President) Sam Horn (Secretary) Matt Williams, Sadie Baker (Treasurer), Michele Baskin, Frances McGaffey (online)
Anthony Green- DPW Community Liason
Jermaine Jones
Cristina Cortese, Jones COS
Domonique Flowers
Jake Wide Angle Youth Media
Antoinette Rucker, Mayor’s Office
Odessa B&P tunnel program
Total Attendees: ~30
On Zoom: 20
Zoom Recording Link:
Password:
BGE Presentation:
Agenda
Community Introductions
Domonique Flowers- Candidate for Baltimore School Commissioner
School Commissioners background: 2 elected commissioners will be on the ballot for the upcoming primary on 6/23; pick top 2 of 7 candidates, top 4 will go to general, top 2 of those
Only race on every ballot citywide- regardless of party
CanAttorney by trade, teaches at UB, father of 2, former special ed attorney
Vice chair on ethics panel for school system;
Goals: supportive learning environments, support parents and teachers, encouraging students to have basic skills and succeed to trade skill, college, and more
Board Nominees
Dylan Maddox– Board Member nominee- Born and raised in CV; flyering, volunteers at Hauntingdon and events; lives on Remington Ave and associated with Sacred Parks and Waterways; realtor, has IDEAS and wants to do more community art
Cheryl Knott– board member nominee, community clean up regular, enjoys committing time to Remington
Peter Coyne– Board member nominee, lived in Remington for 3 years, lots of volunteering with GRIA, Social science research and community development background
Anne Rosenthal– Board member nominee, Baltimore county native; committed to vibrant neighborhood for young families; wants neighborhood to feel welcoming to folks that may not necessarily come to meetings, public health background
Frances McGaffey– Treasurer nominee, current Board member at large; declaring intent to be treasurer
Sadie Baker– Board member nominee- is currently the term limited for treasurer and would like to stay on board as a member at large
Wide Angle Youth Media- Jake
Arts education nonprofit in Service Center on Howard
Summer Workshops!
June 22-25 INCLUDING before/after care! Another in August
Focus on Media Arts
BGE Transmission Lines – Proposed Transmission Line Relocation Project- Full slide deck here
Lineta Duren, BGE Community Engagement Manager
Trey Spear, BGE External Affairs Manager
Benjamin Formisano, PE, BGE Section Engineer
Amtrak Representative – Zachary Billet- community investment and outreach
B&P Tunnel program is the largest capital project for Amtrak- new tunnel willfollow smoother curve to allow for higher speeds
Building new West Baltimore Station
Amtrak is relocating utilities-
Q from Wynn- can you confirm that this project has been in the works for 10+ years? A- yes this will be addressed
BGE commentary on GRIA rendering of 120 ft tall-. Original height was based on Feasibility study- they are now looking at 80 and 60 foot options
Renderings:
View from a roof on 23rd street (not sidewalk as requested in 2025 and not as requested)
Why was the CPCN (Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity) waiver submitted prior to community outreach?
Not an emergency waiver, allows for low impact projects without waiver
BGE Outreach occurred after approval, “sharing information after” the
2017-2018- analysis for drilling tunnels or attachment to CSX bridge- didn’t work for following reasons:
Weather Risks for Overhead- this is all up to code, 95 mph winds plus overload, .5” ice and 40 mph wind “overload factors” and more
EMF (Electromagnetic fields)- studied for 50+ years and no causal relationships have been found including NCI, WHO, EPA
Commentary on the overhead options and not being heard by the community
Q&A
Q: What was the community research and when did it happen?
A: BGE put 140 ft out there in spring 2024; meetings w/ the city starting in 2024, 2 meeting
Resident comment- In S. Remington, has been looking at CPCN waiver; submitted 11/2024, approved 12/2024; presentation talks about “engaging community”, but they didn’t receive anything from BGE during that time
BGE Rep: “We were not involved at all in this initial decision and we need to mark that. We ask for respect, have not been involved, and we have not come to a great decision”
Resident Comment “Asking this team to make a good decision for this entire city”
BGE Answer: we agree that the outreach in the early stages in this project was not adequate.
GRIA Resident- it’s hard to read the CPCN waiver letter and not think you made it intentionally vague
Q- this presentation would have been well received last year (summer 2025), where has this been?
BGE- didn’t have 60% design until March 2026
Q– Seems like you had the majority of this information in 2024 regarding tunnels- the neighborhood found out about the CPCN waiver by accident. This would have been an opportunity to do an alternative and bore tunnels. We are opposed to overheard regardless of height, so why were the tunnels not considered further back when time allowed?
BGE- these other options are not feasible
A Year ago (May 2025), GRIA was told was that the overhead was the only option due to cost, if we had been contacted in 2024 we could have had more of a discussion
Tunnels not available due to a lack of access to the pipes in case of liquid insulation leaks or other issues.
Q regarding the BGE Timeline slide– the letter that went out to the neighbors- did it say anything about overhead transmission lines? Anything about the alternatives? Did it have the date of the hearing and opportunity for neighbors to comment at CPCN waiver request hearing?
A- no- the letter spoke of “upcoming transmission relocation project”. Thinking they’d send the letter, THEN present the design. Acknowledged that the outreach ball was dropped
Q- There’s been a moratorium on high voltage power lines. Was the CPCN waiver to get around overhead lines or to get around the public comment period?
A- not an attorney; CPCN waiver is for ANY transmission line and construction. BGE Is not at the permitting phase yet, so there WILL be the opportunity, but still in “pre education 60% design” phase.
Comment- But we COULD’VE brought up concerns about waiver had the proper process been followed.
Q- We don’t want to repeat the past- does this community have any say in final approval/design? Is it possible that the design would go back up to 140 ft at 90% design? In the future will we get proper, quality info? Is this transmission line close to 100 tons?
A- the height will not go up- the maximum height is 80 feet now that it’s further along in the design process.
Q- Why aren’t you using the CSX bridge? It’s a triple track bridge and they use one track- 2 of the 3 have been decommissioned.
A- Cannot use CSX bridge bc of the weight of the insulated cables in the tubes and potential environmental impact of the liquid insulation utilized in the tubes. Overhead Cable do not require or utilize the same level of insulation. The team was not provided adequate information that would have allowed them to fully study the CSX bridge option in dept.
Councilman Jones- Who and which agency didn’t get back to you? My job is to make sure that these agencies are responsive
A- been working with DOT for more than 2 years bc they control the Salt Dome property
Q- Do you currently have a developer’s agreement for the salt dome?
A- no- BGE is not at that phase of the process yet
Q- if they mayor denies the Developers Aagreement, would BGE sue the city over this project for imminent domain and beyond? You would be actively suing residents that you serve A- BGE would remain where it is today- the BGE project is required bc they need to get out of Amtrak’s way
Q- How do you say that when you have a deal with amtrak? A- our responsibility is to the BGE customers
Amtrak- time delays would result in very significant cost increases and want to stay on schedule
Q- Who is funding the utility relocation in West Baltimore?
A- 80% federal 12% amtrak 8% MD,
Q- are those utilities paying for their utilities like BGE is for this? A- Amtrak/contracts at play are paying for the other utilities to move
Q- on CSX site- why can’t we do something under a CSX bridge but we could under Key highway or another part of the city? Why is it an environmental concern for this but not for overhead lines?
A- other projects are not fluid filled cables so they are able to be placed in other locations. The underground solution here would have been ~$250 million
Q- Can we get copies of the feasibility study?
A- BGE will ask
BGE Summary statement- we are under contract to get out of the tunnel by 2028- there’s a feasibility issue for anything other than the overhead power lines
Q- Wires are old and underground- do you have comparable projects
A- all new installs are w/ new materials. It would need to be replaced and add additional cost
SUMMARY- other options are not feasible for various reasons, BGE had this information in 2024. GRIA as a community wants to know why we have just been hearing about this now. This would have been great to have in 2024.
Q- We’re hearing about fixing up around salt dome, but havent heard anything about improving the area around the substation- what are you going to do for the residents in southern Remington that will be right next to this?
Q- we were told that there was a feasibility report- was that done before or after the CSX track was decommissioned?
A- all done before BGE came to GRIA’s May 2025 meeting. Info about CSX track was not
Comment- In May 2025 we were specifically told the other options were ruled out due to monthly bills for BGE customers, nothing about engineering feasibility.
Comment/Request- When considering cost, please consider economic impact on homeowners and lack of development in the neighborhood. Please factor into the economic cost of the project
Comment- Has been tracking property values and happy to help
Comment from Mayor’s office staff- What does “commitment in doing better” entail and what can GRIA expect?
A- Lineta- Still more design, wants to talk to GRIA, s. Remington residents, and adjusting things internally.
GRIA Community Meeting 5/20/2026
Board Members Present: Wynnona Engle-Pratt (President), Corey Jennings (Vice President) Sam Horn (Secretary) Matt Williams, Sadie Baker (Treasurer), Michele Baskin, Frances McGaffey (online)
Anthony Green- DPW Community Liason
Jermaine Jones
Cristina Cortese, Jones COS
Domonique Flowers
Jake Wide Angle Youth Media
Antoinette Rucker, Mayor’s Office
Odessa B&P tunnel program
Total Attendees: ~30
On Zoom: 20
Zoom Recording Link:
Password:
BGE Presentation:
Agenda
Community Introductions
Domonique Flowers- Candidate for Baltimore School Commissioner
School Commissioners background: 2 elected commissioners will be on the ballot for the upcoming primary on 6/23; pick top 2 of 7 candidates, top 4 will go to general, top 2 of those
Only race on every ballot citywide- regardless of party
CanAttorney by trade, teaches at UB, father of 2, former special ed attorney
Vice chair on ethics panel for school system;
Goals: supportive learning environments, support parents and teachers, encouraging students to have basic skills and succeed to trade skill, college, and more
Board Nominees
Dylan Maddox- Board Member nominee- Born and raised in CV; flyering, volunteers at Hauntingdon and events; lives on Remington Ave and associated with Sacred Parks and Waterways; realtor, has IDEAS and wants to do more community art
Cheryl Knott- board member nominee, community clean up regular, enjoys committing time to Remington
Peter Coyne- Board member nominee, lived in Remington for 3 years, lots of volunteering with GRIA, Social science research and community development background
Anne Rosenthal- Board member nominee, Baltimore county native; committed to vibrant neighborhood for young families; wants neighborhood to feel welcoming to folks that may not necessarily come to meetings, public health background
Frances McGaffey- Treasurer nominee, current Board member at large; declaring intent to be treasurer
Sadie Baker- Board member nominee- is currently the term limited for treasurer and would like to stay on board as a member at large
Wide Angle Youth Media- Jake
Arts education nonprofit in Service Center on Howard
Summer Workshops!
June 22-25 INCLUDING before/after care! Another in August
Focus on Media Arts
BGE Transmission Lines – Proposed Transmission Line Relocation Project- Full slide deck here
Lineta Duren, BGE Community Engagement Manager
Trey Spear, BGE External Affairs Manager
Benjamin Formisano, PE, BGE Section Engineer
Amtrak Representative – Zachary Billet- community investment and outreach
B&P Tunnel program is the largest capital project for Amtrak- new tunnel willfollow smoother curve to allow for higher speeds
Building new West Baltimore Station
Amtrak is relocating utilities-
Q from Wynn- can you confirm that this project has been in the works for 10+ years? A- yes this will be addressed
BGE commentary on GRIA rendering of 120 ft tall-. Original height was based on Feasibility study- they are now looking at 80 and 60 foot options
Renderings:
View from a roof on 23rd street (not sidewalk as requested in 2025 and not as requested)
Why was the CPCN (Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity) waiver submitted prior to community outreach?
Not an emergency waiver, allows for low impact projects without waiver
BGE Outreach occurred after approval, “sharing information after” the
2017-2018- analysis for drilling tunnels or attachment to CSX bridge- didn’t work for following reasons:
Weather Risks for Overhead- this is all up to code, 95 mph winds plus overload, .5” ice and 40 mph wind “overload factors” and more
EMF (Electromagnetic fields)- studied for 50+ years and no causal relationships have been found including NCI, WHO, EPA
Commentary on the overhead options and not being heard by the community
Q&A
Q: What was the community research and when did it happen?
A: BGE put 140 ft out there in spring 2024; meetings w/ the city starting in 2024, 2 meeting
Resident comment- In S. Remington, has been looking at CPCN waiver; submitted 11/2024, approved 12/2024; presentation talks about “engaging community”, but they didn’t receive anything from BGE during that time
BGE Rep: “We were not involved at all in this initial decision and we need to mark that. We ask for respect, have not been involved, and we have not come to a great decision”
Resident Comment “Asking this team to make a good decision for this entire city”
BGE Answer: we agree that the outreach in the early stages in this project was not adequate.
GRIA Resident- it’s hard to read the CPCN waiver letter and not think you made it intentionally vague
Q- this presentation would have been well received last year (summer 2025), where has this been?
BGE- didn’t have 60% design until March 2026
Q- Seems like you had the majority of this information in 2024 regarding tunnels- the neighborhood found out about the CPCN waiver by accident. This would have been an opportunity to do an alternative and bore tunnels. We are opposed to overheard regardless of height, so why were the tunnels not considered further back when time allowed?
BGE- these other options are not feasible
A Year ago (May 2025), GRIA was told was that the overhead was the only option due to cost, if we had been contacted in 2024 we could have had more of a discussion
Tunnels not available due to a lack of access to the pipes in case of liquid insulation leaks or other issues.
Q regarding the BGE Timeline slide- the letter that went out to the neighbors- did it say anything about overhead transmission lines? Anything about the alternatives? Did it have the date of the hearing and opportunity for neighbors to comment at CPCN waiver request hearing?
A- no- the letter spoke of “upcoming transmission relocation project”. Thinking they’d send the letter, THEN present the design. Acknowledged that the outreach ball was dropped
Q- There’s been a moratorium on high voltage power lines. Was the CPCN waiver to get around overhead lines or to get around the public comment period?
A- not an attorney; CPCN waiver is for ANY transmission line and construction. BGE Is not at the permitting phase yet, so there WILL be the opportunity, but still in “pre education 60% design” phase.
Comment- But we COULD’VE brought up concerns about waiver had the proper process been followed.
Q- We don’t want to repeat the past- does this community have any say in final approval/design? Is it possible that the design would go back up to 140 ft at 90% design? In the future will we get proper, quality info? Is this transmission line close to 100 tons?
A- the height will not go up- the maximum height is 80 feet now that it’s further along in the design process.
Q- Why aren’t you using the CSX bridge? It’s a triple track bridge and they use one track- 2 of the 3 have been decommissioned.
A- Cannot use CSX bridge bc of the weight of the insulated cables in the tubes and potential environmental impact of the liquid insulation utilized in the tubes. Overhead Cable do not require or utilize the same level of insulation. The team was not provided adequate information that would have allowed them to fully study the CSX bridge option in dept.
Councilman Jones- Who and which agency didn’t get back to you? My job is to make sure that these agencies are responsive
A- been working with DOT for more than 2 years bc they control the Salt Dome property
Q- Do you currently have a developer’s agreement for the salt dome?
A- no- BGE is not at that phase of the process yet
Q- if they mayor denies the Developers Aagreement, would BGE sue the city over this project for imminent domain and beyond? You would be actively suing residents that you serve A- BGE would remain where it is today- the BGE project is required bc they need to get out of Amtrak’s way
Q- How do you say that when you have a deal with amtrak? A- our responsibility is to the BGE customers
Amtrak- time delays would result in very significant cost increases and want to stay on schedule
Q- Who is funding the utility relocation in West Baltimore?
A- 80% federal 12% amtrak 8% MD,
Q- are those utilities paying for their utilities like BGE is for this? A- Amtrak/contracts at play are paying for the other utilities to move
Q- on CSX site- why can’t we do something under a CSX bridge but we could under Key highway or another part of the city? Why is it an environmental concern for this but not for overhead lines?
A- other projects are not fluid filled cables so they are able to be placed in other locations. The underground solution here would have been ~$250 million
Q- Can we get copies of the feasibility study?
A- BGE will ask
BGE Summary statement- we are under contract to get out of the tunnel by 2028- there’s a feasibility issue for anything other than the overhead power lines
Q- Wires are old and underground- do you have comparable projects
A- all new installs are w/ new materials. It would need to be replaced and add additional cost
SUMMARY- other options are not feasible for various reasons, BGE had this information in 2024. GRIA as a community wants to know why we have just been hearing about this now. This would have been great to have in 2024.
Q- We’re hearing about fixing up around salt dome, but havent heard anything about improving the area around the substation- what are you going to do for the residents in southern Remington that will be right next to this?Q- we were told that there was a feasibility report- was that done before or after the CSX track was decommissioned?
A- all done before BGE came to GRIA’s May 2025 meeting. Info about CSX track was not
Comment- In May 2025 we were specifically told the other options were ruled out due to monthly bills for BGE customers, nothing about engineering feasibility.
Comment/Request- When considering cost, please consider economic impact on homeowners and lack of development in the neighborhood. Please factor into the economic cost of the project
Comment- Has been tracking property values and happy to help
Comment from Mayor’s office staff- What does “commitment in doing better” entail and what can GRIA expect?
A- Lineta- Still more design, wants to talk to GRIA, s. Remington residents, and adjusting things internally.
Community Announcements
Volunteer call out for flyer distribution! Please reach out to Jen at volunteers@griaonline.org to take a flyering route next month. Routes are ~2 blocks and a great way to meet your neighbors
Church of the Guardian Angel thrift shop, runs 1st & 2nd Sat of the month, 10am – 2 pm, bring donations during open hours only, also seeking volunteers; Food Pantry, every
Wednesday from 9 am – 10 am, need volunteers for delivery drivers and some muscle on Tuesday mornings to unload trucks (9:30 – 10:15ish). Registration preferred but not required
Popsicle Night is back! Tuesdays starting 5/26 6:30 Sisson Street Park
Adjourned
Next Community Meeting: June 17, 2026
Community Announcements
Volunteer call out for flyer distribution! Please reach out to Jen at volunteers@griaonline.org to take a flyering route next month. Routes are ~2 blocks and a great way to meet your neighbors
Church of the Guardian Angel thrift shop, runs 1st & 2nd Sat of the month, 10am – 2 pm, bring donations during open hours only, also seeking volunteers; Food Pantry, every
Wednesday from 9 am – 10 am, need volunteers for delivery drivers and some muscle on Tuesday mornings to unload trucks (9:30 – 10:15ish). Registration preferred but not required
Popsicle Night is back! Tuesdays starting 5/26 6:30 Sisson Street Park
Adjourned
Next Community Meeting: June 17, 2026
10:15ish). Registration preferred but not required - Popsicle Night is back! Tuesdays starting 5/26 6:30 Sisson Street Park
Adjourned
Next Community Meeting: June 17, 2026