Working Together
for a Better Ward One
WORA Mission Statement: The Ward One Residents Association is dedicated to preserving the historic character , residential quality of life and long-term vitality of our ward. Through advocacy, civic engagement, and social gatherings that build meaningful connections, collaboration with other residents' and civic associations we will protect our neighborhood's heritage. We will also strengthen the bonds among neighbors, and ensure Ward One remains a welcoming place to live for generations to come.
A Message from the President
President’s Update — November 2026
Advancing Our Community Together
November brings fresh energy to WORA as we gather to connect, celebrate our collective progress, and launch vital neighborhood initiatives.
Victory for “Paint the Ward Red”
Our recent beautification drive was a resounding success. Thanks to two dozen volunteers dedicating 168 hours and utilizing 52 gallons of paint, we successfully restored nearly 90% of the red curbs throughout Ward One. We extend our sincere gratitude to Blue Star Painting, City Manager Yolanda Lewis, and the Department of Public Works for their essential support. The remaining sections will be finished this coming spring.
Membership Meeting: November 17
We invite you to join us on Tuesday, November 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Annapolis Lodge No. 89. Our featured guest, Glenn Campbell, will provide fascinating insights into local history. During the session, we will vote on the proposed updated bylaws and unveil new membership perks. You can review the draft bylaws on our website ahead of time.
Ward One Gives Back
In the spirit of the season, we are partnering with The Light House to assist local families. We encourage attendees to bring a $25 gift card (Target, Giant, or similar retailers) to our meeting on the 17th. Your generosity helps brighten the holidays for those in our community facing hardships.
Fostering Neighborhood Connections
Our Social Committee is keeping the momentum going with events like Mahjong Night on November 10th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Stay tuned for further activities designed to bring us closer together.
WORA remains dedicated to neighborly support, community building, and ensuring every resident has a clear, influential voice in Annapolis.
We appreciate your dedication. I look forward to seeing everyone on November 17.
Tom Krieck
President, Ward One Residents Association
Members' Corner
Submit your thoughts to worapresident@wardone.org
Historic District Preservation — Trash Enclosures on Prince George Street
Ward One resident Shawn Harmon has raised concerns regarding a wooden trash enclosure installed on the sidewalk at 181 Prince George Street.
The matter is scheduled for consideration by the Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission on November 10, 2026.
Shawn's submission raises questions about historic preservation standards, the approval process, and the potential precedent for similar structures throughout the Historic District.
Dangerous Work - Dangerous Curbs
Dan Clements
The picture is from the corner of Southgate & Franklin and shows the recent corner work done by Reliable contractors. The raised curb at the corner is obvious to me, and a number of neighbors who have seen this as an exceptionally dangerous issue. It appears to be trying to protect the grating but all we can imagine is someone walking down the street and certainly not expecting such a raised concrete curb there at the corner. Or imagine a young child on his/her bicycle coming to that corner and hitting that curb. Or imagine it has snowed 3 inches and the curb is covered and not visible to people walking by.
Our view is this is an extraordinary danger and needs to be altered promptly. I am not an expert on road and sideway construction but I am an expert on municipal liability, thus I copied this email to the City Attorney who will have to defend the city when someone is injured at this corner. And understand those of us who have seen this have never seen a similar construction anywhere in this city or on any sidewalk.
Sidewalk Sign -A Bad Idea
-TP Leahy
A proposed revision to rules regarding design and placement of sidewalk signs is moving through the city council process. At the 14 Sep council meeting ,Harry Huntley proposed 0-23-26, an ordinance revision which will greatly existing rules on sidewalk signs (some of which are ignored now) . I understand that sidewalk signs are an effective marketing tool for our businesses in the historic district. But, do you think the signs can impede pedestrian flow and create clutter in the streetscape on Main and West St ? If you think so, this will makes the situation worse, It's an issue with a long history with some positive results, including review by HPC staff before permits are approved. The ordinance revision would exempt sidewalk signs from permits and there will be no review of design, content or placement. As far as I can see, there will be no limit on the number of signs per business. It does cite compliance with ADA regulations, but it places responsibility on the owner to manage themselves. Is this realistic? There are positive aspects to the proposed revision, such as better definition and the ability to cite and collect fines for violations, but on the whole the exemption is a bad idea.
The revision was approved on first reader and referred to Planning Commission (on the agenda 12 Nov) , Rules and Economic Matters. But not the HPC. Which is a problem, since the purpose in the revision introduction states it is for. "the purpose of removing the requirement that shop-owners in Historic Annapolis obtain permits to put a sign on the sidewalk" If you agree that the revision needs more work, keep the ADA requirements, city citations and fines, but require HPC staff review, let Harry know
PAINT THE WARD RED — NEIGHBORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
During October 2026, Ward One residents came together for an extraordinary neighborhood improvement project: Paint the Ward Red. Working throughout Spa View Heights, Presidents Hill, and the Historic District, WORA volunteers restored faded red no-parking curbs to improve safety, preserve emergency vehicle access, and enhance the appearance of our neighborhood.
THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
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24 volunteers
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168 volunteer hours
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52 gallons of paint
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More than 36 miles walked
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Approximately 90% of Ward One's red curbs refreshed
Volunteers ranging in age from 8 to 82 worked together preparing, cleaning, and painting curbs. Even a neighborhood puppy joined the fun—and managed to get a little red paint on itself!
A COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Special thanks to Blue Star Painting for donating the majority of the paint, City Manager Yolanda Lewis for approving the project, the Annapolis Department of Public Works for its support, and every volunteer who contributed. The remaining curbs will be completed in spring 2027.
When residents, businesses and city government work together, great things happen
This is WORA in action. Neighbors helping neighbors.
Our Committees
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