Message from Executive Director Sam Storey
York Road is blooming—and we’re building momentum!
Spring has officially arrived on York Road, and with it comes a season full of progress, partnership, and public life.
We’ve got three big events coming up—and each one reflects what we’re building together: a safer, greener, more connected corridor.
First up is the York Road Colorwave Fest, our brand-new celebration on Lortz Lane, happening Saturday, April 26 from 12 to 3 p.m. This event marks the completion of a two-year transformation of Lortz Lane into a pedestrian-friendly public space, anchored by a bold new mural designed in partnership with Govans Elementary students, local residents, and artist Graham Projects. Colorwave Fest will include live music, food, vendors, mural tours, family crafts, and a spring plant market. We hope you’ll join us for this joyful day in the heart of the corridor.
Then, on Monday, April 28, we invite you to the York Road Improvement District Annual Board Meeting and Community Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at 5604 York Road (the former Full Tilt space). We’ll review highlights from our first full year of operation, vote on the FY26 budget, and preview major initiatives ahead—including a slate of new community partnerships, corridor improvement projects, and expanded investments in public art and environmental action. After the meeting, stick around to connect with neighbors, enjoy light fare from Bmore Kitchen, and tour the retail space at 5604 York Road (which is now up for lease with a $100,000 Project Restore grant!)
Next up is the Baltimore Fermentation Festival, taking place May 16–17 at HEX Superette. This two-day community event will feature tastings, workshops, live demos, and a celebration of local fermented food and drink—from kombucha to kimchi to sauerkraut to cider. The event is part science fair, part food fair, and all about supporting small producers and building a creative food economy here on York Road. YRID is a proud sponsor of what is sure to be an amazing event.
In addition to these events, we’ve got some exciting milestones to share.
We recently secured funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust to support tree plantings, green infrastructure, and volunteer action projects across the corridor. This major award will support a comprehensive set of environmental improvements across the corridor, including native tree plantings, pollinator and rain gardens, and other green landscaping features to reduce runoff and enhance public space.
We’re also thrilled to bring a new mural this Spring to the Woodbourne-McCabe Safe Streets building. Designed by acclaimed Baltimore artist LaToya Peoples and supported by a Maryland State Arts Council Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) New Artworks Grant, the new mural will reflect stories of healing, strength, and neighborhood pride, shaped by conversations with residents and Safe Streets outreach staff.
Our new office at 434 E. Belvedere Avenue is getting close to opening. This space will serve as our home for collaboration, programming, and small business support. We look forward to welcoming you for an open house in May - stay tuned for more information!
Finally, our facade improvement program continues to move forward. In addition to recently completed upgrades at 434–438 Belvedere and 4701 York Road, work is underway on new storefront improvements at 4612 York and Homeland Shopping Center, with more scheduled for this summer.
From community events to public murals to environmental projects, spring is shaping up to be one of our busiest—and most exciting—seasons yet. Thank you for being part of this work, and for helping us make York Road a more vibrant and welcoming place for everyone.
See you out there,
Sam