First, let us extend many thanks to all who have expressed interest in or contributed to The Senator Community Trust (SCT) to date. Many people throughout Baltimore, the region, and even the country responded to the need for assistance. Collectively, your contributions have helped us support The Senator Theatre in this time of transition.

As you may know, the City of Baltimore purchased The Senator at the auction, and has been maintaining the costs of utilities, etc., to allow the theater to remain open and vital during this transition of ownership and operation. Tom Kiefaber and the Friends of The Senator have been coordinating ongoing events and movies - and keeping the doors open, which is so important to the neighboring residential and business community, as well as Baltimore City.

Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) and four proposals were submitted. BDC formed an Advisory Panel, which includes community members, BDC members and City officials:
Michele LeFaivre (Elsinore Village)
Karen DeKamp (York Road Partnership)

Catherine Evans (Belvedere Improvement Association)

Laura Penza (Senator Community Trust)
Rick Swanson (Govanstowne Business Assoc.)
Bill Gilmore (Baltimore Promotion & the Arts)
Carla Nelson (BDC and Mayor's Office of Minority/Women's Business)
Larry Jenkins (Baltimore City Law Dept.)
Karen Noonan (Theatre Historical Society of America)

The Public meeting was held at The Senator on January 5, which included a brief presentation of all four proposals, with question and answer sessions following each. The Advisory Panel met on Wednesday, January 6th with the four proposal teams. 　We were able to ask many questions, but more questions need to be asked and will be sent in written form. 　Questions are due to the BDC by January 20; please forward questions to one of the representatives on the Advisory Board. All questions will be forwarded to proposers with their replies due February 3. Thereafter panel members will review the responses and meet as a group to decide upon a proposal recommendation to the BDC. Next steps: the BDC Project Committee will continue to negotiate the financial and legal issues related to the individual project(s) and then will present the project to the BDC Board for final approval.

as a reaction to the eventual sale of the Senator Theater. Composed of community leaders, business representatives and theatre experts, the SCT acts as an advocate for a community-based multi-purpose entertainment venue. It is our mission to encourage the use of the theater for a variety of purposes ranging from live broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera to jazz concerts; from film openings to a home for regional theater companies; from multi-media and educational opportunities for children to a venue for senior clubs and activities. The SCT has filed for 501(c) 3 status.

Representatives of the SCT plan continue to monitor carefully the process of transition. We will continue to advocate for the historic preservation of The Senator Theatre and arts and education programming, which is the expressed desire of the community and the mission of the SCT.

The commercial district at the crossroads of York Road and Belvedere Avenue has been the center of economic activity in north Baltimore since the 19th century. The expansion of Belvedere Square in the 1980’s and its revitalization in recent years have extended the importance and visibility of this area as both the hub of north Baltimore and as a destination for the residents of Baltimore City and County. However, the area lacks a community center: a place for arts presentations, meetings of community, civic, and political organizations, and special classes and enrichment opportunities for school children. It is the mission of The Senator Community Trust to assist in meeting these needs and opportunities and to support the preservation, protection and restoration of Baltimore's cherished landmark, the historic Senator Theatre.