§ 19-1. Findings.

(a) Improving neighborhoods affected by the casino.

(1) The neighborhoods in the South Baltimore Gateway Community Impact District are anticipated to be the neighborhoods most affected by the presence of the nearby casino (the "Casino" or the "video lottery facility").

(2) These neighborhoods (the "Casino Impact Area") are also communities capable and desirous of improvement and economic development.

(3) In recognition of these facts, the State:

(i) has designated certain funds (the "local impact grants") to mitigate the effect of the Casino on the Casino Impact Area and to improve the social and economic conditions within the Area; and

(ii) has instituted a Local Development Council to oversee and make recommendations regarding the use of those funds.

(4) To be effective, these funds must be distributed in a manner that is strategic, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the citizens of the District.

(b) Needs and opportunities facing the District.

(1) The South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan of 2015 identified a variety of needs and opportunities facing the Casino Impact Area.

(2) According to the Plan:

"Residents raised a range of concerns about their communities from the small-scale, such as a lack of adequate signage around a transit stop, to the big picture – a shortage of family-supporting jobs. And they voiced support for the steps needed to bring new resources, energy and opportunities to their neighborhoods and to [the] area as a whole. While the plan focuses on improving the lives of people already living in the area, it also seeks to create an environment that will attract new residents and Development."

(3) The Plan clearly emphasizes the importance of local impact grants in accomplishing this vision. It specifically notes:

"If used effectively, this new funding source will help to strengthen communities in South Baltimore by supplementing, not replacing, what is available for community services and development initiatives through existing City resources. City and community leaders envision this new revenue as leveraging other funding sources to help realize the goals outlined within the plan."

In adopting this Ordinance, the City Council has:

(1) considered the views of the property owners, the retail merchants, the property tenants, and the other members of the business and residential communities within the South Baltimore Gateway Community Impact District; and

(2) made a determination that the South Baltimore Gateway Community Impact District will reflect:

(i) a diverse mix of business and residential properties; and

(ii) a diverse economic, social, and racial mix.