Mayor Brandon M. Scott Establishes Task Force to Determine Future of Sisson Street Drop-Off Center

The City of Baltimore has initiated a significant process to decide the future of the Sisson Street Drop-Off Center, with Mayor Brandon M. Scott convening the inaugural meeting of a newly formed Sisson Street Task Force. This group, comprised of city officials, community representatives, and stakeholders, is tasked with evaluating the site and providing a recommendation to the Mayor. The task force has elected City Councilwoman Odette Ramos to chair its proceedings, underscoring a collaborative approach to addressing the facility’s role in the city’s waste management system and its impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

The task force’s mandate involves considering various aspects of the Sisson Street site, including its operational significance within Baltimore’s waste management infrastructure, the evolving needs of the city, and the well-being of the local community and Department of Public Works employees. This comprehensive review aims to ensure that any decisions made regarding the drop-off center are informed by both expert analysis and valuable community input. The establishment of this task force signifies a commitment to a transparent and inclusive decision-making process that prioritizes resident needs, worker safety, and neighborhood cleanliness.

Councilwoman Odette Ramos, in her role as chair, will guide the task force through discussions that will encompass environmental considerations, safety protocols, and working conditions at the facility. The Sisson Street center is recognized as a heavily utilized site, making its future a matter of considerable interest to many residents. The task force’s work is intended to facilitate a decision that thoughtfully balances the interests of all parties involved.

The task force members, who will be officially sworn in by Mayor Scott on November 3rd, have a series of meetings scheduled throughout the fall. These sessions will include opportunities for public testimony, allowing residents to voice their concerns and perspectives directly to the task force. Additionally, stakeholder groups invited by the task force will present their views, further enriching the deliberative process.

The initial meeting saw the election of Councilwoman Ramos as chair and the confirmation of the task force’s meeting schedule. The next session is slated for October 27, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, where the public will have the chance to offer testimony. Further meetings are scheduled for November 10th in the Curran Room at City Hall, as well as on November 24th, December 8th, and December 22nd, though public testimony availability for these later dates was not specified.

The appointed members of the Sisson Street Task Force represent a diverse range of expertise and community involvement. Serving alongside Chair Odette Ramos (Baltimore City Councilwoman, District 14) is Vice Chair Samantha Horn, Secretary of the Greater Remington Improvement Association. Other members include Baltimore City Councilmen Jermaine Jones (District 12) and James Torrence (District 7), alongside representatives from various community associations such as Blaise Ahearn (Hampden Community Council), John Ellsberry (Stonehill Community Association), Mary Ann Henderson (Midtown Community Benefits District), and Kevin Macartney (Charles Village Civic Association). The Department of Public Works is represented by Valarie Matthews and Deputy Director Alan Robinson, who also serves in the Mayor’s Office. Community voices are further amplified by Keondra Prier from Reservoir Hill and Sandy Sparks from Friends of the Jones Falls. Jed Weeks of Bikemore also contributes to the task force’s deliberations.

Residents wishing to provide feedback for the task force’s consideration can direct their comments to Councilwoman Odette Ramos at odette.ramos@baltimorecity.gov or to Dana Moore in the Mayor’s Office at danap.moore@baltimorecity.gov. This direct channel ensures that community input is a central component of the task force’s review.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Baltimore.

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