Rules committee advances review of unused alleys and recommends piecemeal inspections

The Baltimore Village rules committee reviewed a second round of alley-mapping and recommended continued, piecemeal inspections of undeveloped alley segments with the possible goal of vacating those that are unused and lack infrastructure.

Staff described areas north of Railroad Street and sections of Kumar Avenue as more like backyards than functional alleys, lacking through traffic and infrastructure. Committee members said vacating unused alleys can prevent future maintenance problems and property disputes. "If we vacate them, then that goes away," one committee member said, summarizing the practical argument for vacation.

The committee agreed not to act precipitously and asked members to inspect segments in person; staff will keep the map on the next meeting agenda for further review and possible action.

Next steps: committee members will perform on-site reviews and the rules committee will revisit the map at the next meeting.