Knowledge is power.
And in the world of nonprofit organizations, knowledge can be the difference between a successful community-based project and failure.
The goal of the Neighborhood Design Center, a nonprofit group with offices in Baltimore and Prince George?s County, is to provide that knowledge to other nonprofits and community groups that want to improve neighborhoods.
“We provide pro bono planning and design assistance in support of community revitalization projects,” said Mark Cameron, executive director of the NDC.
Since its founding 38 years ago, the NDC has succeeded in helping merchants in Baltimore?s Greektown neighborhood develop a master plan for commercial development along Eastern Avenue; developed a plan for the waterfront of southeast Baltimore; planned safe playgrounds throughout the city and replaced aging playground equipment. It is now working with dozens of neighborhood groups to improve the appearance of school grounds, develop small neighborhood parks and convert vacant property into community space and community gardens, among other projects.
The NDC already has refurbished 100 Baltimore City playgrounds, and currently is averaging 20 more a year, Cameron said.
“Small nonprofits and community groups don?t have the resources or knowledge of getting started with these projects,” Cameron said. “That?s what we do. We equip them with the knowledge of how to move forward in the projects, as well as with the graphic material, plans, drawings and cost estimates.”
Odette Ramos, president of the Abell Improvement Association, said without NDC?s assistance, organizations such as AIA would be forced to pay for the professional services that the Neighborhood Design Center offers at no cost.
The Abell Community is a nine-block residential area of some 550 single- and multifamily row homes and three apartment buildings thatincludes Barclay Street, Vineyard Lane, Abell Avenue, Guilford Avenue, and 30th, 31st, 32nd and 33 streets.
“Neighborhood groups can take the vision [NDC] helps them create and try to get it done,” said Ramos, who also is owner of Strategic Management Consulting in Baltimore. “Neighborhood groups are able to work with Mark and his team to get their vision on paper and then be able to take that and advocate for money to get it done. They allow neighborhoods to get a leg up and articulate their vision of that they want their neighborhood to look like.”
More information
» The Neighborhood Design Center?s annual fundraising gala will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 9 at the American Visionary Art Museum. For information, call the NDC at 410-233-9686 or visit www.ndc-md.org.
