Glen, Baltimore

The Glen Neighborhood was developed in the early 1920s and 1930s with the remaining development coming in the 1940s through the 1960s. Glen is one of the largest communities of Northern Park Heights in Baltimore, Maryland. Glen is a neighborhood of mixed housing types that include Tudor, French Norman and brick ranch houses. Included in the housing mix are garden apartments, condominiums and semi-detached single family homes. There is something for everyone in this diverse, stable community.

The Glen Neighborhood Improvement Association] (GNIA) was formed in the late 1960s. The association was started to solve community problems and to foster a strong community feeling among residents. The GNIA is a vital, action-oriented group that has made positive changes over the years since its inception. Howard Moore and Jackie Miller were two of the early presidents. Both are now deceased. Min Hoffspiegel, Delores Brown and Iris Smith also served as presidents of the Glen Neighborhood Improvement Association.

On February 16, 1999, the organization was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland. With the help of the University of Maryland, Baltimore School Of Law, Clinical Law Office, the Glen Neighborhood Improvement Association, Inc obtained tax-exempt status (501c3) in November, 1999. Since incorporation, Glen has continued to grow, take on challenges and has accomplished a lot for the residents. On April 29, 2001 the Glen Neighborhood was profiled in the Real Estate section of the "Baltimore Sun". The article highlighted the growth in the neighborhood and pointed out how African-Americans and Jews work together to keep Glen stable. Shortly after this article appeared in the Sun, the GNIA was contacted by the Reisterstown Road Plaza (RRP) representatives asking us to join discussions about bringing Home Depot to the RRP because of all the growth in the area. In the 2000 census, the Northwest gained in population which included Glen. Glen has been instrumental in helping the RRP’s revitalization efforts through writing letters of support to city zoning boards.

Through the years, the GNIA has developed strong relationships with community groups such as CHAI, the Northwest Citizen’s on Patrol, the Northwestern Police District, Baltimore City officials, State officials and the presidents of the following community associations, Falstaff, Cheswolde, Cross Country, and Mount Washington. Glen worked with the neighborhoods mentioned on the Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan (SNAP). SNAP helped to address broad issues in categories common to all the 5 neighborhoods for planning purposes. The SNAP plan is now being implemented. Through the years Glen has worked with schools and the local library. As a result of the relationship with the Northwest Citizen’s on Patrol, in January, 2005, Bernie Wallace became the first African-American to become a member of this organization.

The Glen Neighborhood was featured in the Urban Chronicle of the "Baltimore Sun" on May 13, 2004. Glen was featured because of having maintained a stable racial mix. Later that year, Glen helped to host the inaugural International Diversity Celebration Music Festival at Pimlico Middle School on September 12, 2004. The attendance included a very diverse cultural mix and a good time was had by all. Mayor Martin O’Malley addressed the festival attendees.

The long-awaited Glen Neighborhood sign was dedicated on August 28, 2005 with much fanfare and pride. Senator Lisa Gladden, Councilwomen Rikki Spector and other notables who helped us realize this project were in attendance. The sign is at the intersection of Park Heights and Northern Parkway.

Lastly, “Glen is a Great Place to Live” is the motto. Glen will continue to be a wonderful place to live as long as the Glen Neighborhood Improvement Association exists and the residents work together.

External links

* [http://myglen.org Glen Neighborhood Improvement Association]