BALTIMORE — Businesses on 'The Block' in downtown Baltimore are prepared to compromise with Maryland State lawmakers as they try to impose a 10pm curfew on the city's red light district.
Lawmakers claim more and more crime has taken place in "The Block" over the years, despite being feet away from Baltimore Police Headquarters and the old Central District Police Station. Club owners have pushed back, saying they're being unfairly targeted and that it's the policies of politicians that has caused the rise in crime.
One week ago, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson and Delegates from the state's 46th legislative district issued a joint statement laying out some conditions that could allow the 15 strip clubs and bars that sit along the 400 block of E. Baltimore Street to close at normal time.
At the time Ferguson said a majority of the clubs had agreed to the conditions, but that turned out to not be the case.
Today's agreement with a majority of the clubs includes:
— Bill Ferguson (@SenBillFerg) February 18, 2022
✔️The consistent use of cameras and sharing of footage
✔️A dedicated deployment of police at peak hours paid for by the clubs
✔️The incorporation of security plans approved by the BLLC in consultation with the BPD (3/4)
Under the proposal, businesses on "The Block," not the City would be responsible for funding police deployment during peak hours.
The businesses would also be pushed to increase use of cameras in the area and to share that with law enforcement.
They would also have to put together a security plan approved by the Baltimore City Board of Liquor License Commissioners in consultation with the Baltimore Police Department.
RELATED: Confusion on The Block: Was a compromise reached between the business district and lawmakers?
The businesses and Ferguson met on Wednesday to discuss the issues. Both parties called the meeting productive but it ended without any concrete agreement.
On Friday representatives from ten of the clubs (Chez Joey, Red Room, Circus, Lust, Indulge, Harem, Pussycat, Bottoms Up, Jewel Box, and Oasis) gathered on 'The Block' to let lawmakers know which of the measures they are willing to accept.
They said they are opposed to footing the bill for police deployment.
"Already we pay a 3% admissions & amusement tax, a special benefit district surcharge, an adult entertainment license fee, a liquor license fee, and minor privileges fees -- and that is on top of property taxes, sales taxes, etc.," said Thiru Vignarajah, who is representing the businesses in their dispute. "We have no objection to using a portion of these significant funds that are already paid being earmarked for the police department."
On the second and third conditions, the businesses seemed more accommodating.
"We are prepared to codify and formalize public safety protocols that many of us already follow. This would include having external security cameras and making sure police have access to footage. This would include having a private security officer or doorman who is known to and in contact with the police department," said Vignarajah. "We are prepared to designate a public safety representative for each club who will stay in contact with law enforcement and will convene a quarterly community meeting open to the media to update the public on crime data and hear any concerns from neighbors."
MORE: Baltimore's "Block" pushes back on proposed curfew
Although it's unclear how lawmakers will respond to the counteroffer, the businesses are planning to further discuss the matter during a 7pm meeting Friday at La Scala Restaurant in Little Italy. Ferguson has been invited.
