About SBNA
Serving the South Baltimore community since 1985
Join our community • $20 annual membership
Our Mission
The South Baltimore Neighborhood Association is your 100% volunteer resource dedicated to building community connections, enhancing quality of life, and preserving the unique character of our historic Baltimore neighborhood.
Community Building
We foster relationships among neighbors through events, communication, and collaborative projects that bring us together.
Environmental Stewardship
We protect and preserve our waterfront environment along the Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor, including community tree planting and beautification projects throughout South Baltimore.
Civic Engagement
We advocate for our community's interests with local government and provide a voice for resident concerns.
Our Service Area
SBNA serves residents within the following boundaries:
Neighborhood Boundaries
- North: Cross Street (including)
- South: McComas Street (including), INCLUDING SWAN PARK
- East: Light Street (including)
- West: Race Street (including) WHEN NORTH OF FORT AVENUE
- West (South of Fort Ave): SBNA western boundary extends to the eastern shoreline of the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River
Our History
The South Baltimore Neighborhood Association has been serving our community since 1985, growing from informal neighborhood gatherings into a vital force for positive change in South Baltimore. Our organization represents residents in the area bounded by Cross Street to Fort Avenue, from Light Street to the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River.
Over nearly four decades, SBNA has achieved remarkable successes:
- Advanced Public Safety: Installed comprehensive security camera system with 14 video license plate cameras and 30 high-resolution cameras at peninsula entrances, and secured major public safety grants
- Enhanced Transportation: Successfully advocated for traffic calming measures at major intersections like Charles & Ostend, and worked with Baltimore DOT on infrastructure improvements
- Environmental Leadership: Completed extensive tree planting projects through partnerships with Tree Baltimore, organized quarterly Clean & Green events and community dumpster days
- Community Partnerships: Built strong collaborations with South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, Federal Hill Main Street, and Cross Street Market development
- Business Relations: Developed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with local bars and restaurants to ensure responsible operations and community benefit
- Civic Engagement: Maintained active relationships with city councilmembers, state delegates, and city agencies to advocate for neighborhood interests
- Community Events: Organized beloved traditions including annual block parties, "I Love SoBo" events, and monthly community clean-ups
Today, SBNA continues our mission as a 100% volunteer organization, hosting monthly meetings at AJ's On Hanover and working on initiatives ranging from Entertainment District planning to residential parking advocacy. We remain committed to our founding principles while adapting to meet the evolving needs of our vibrant South Baltimore community.
Board of Directors
Our volunteer board members are dedicated community leaders who work tirelessly to serve our neighborhood.
Tara McNulty
President
A powerhouse community leader with an impressive track record of transforming neighborhoods through strategic vision and tireless advocacy. Tara has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that have elevated South Baltimore's profile while building bridges across diverse community stakeholders with remarkable success.
Clausen Ely III
Vice President
A dedicated community advocate who brings valuable leadership experience and a collaborative approach to neighborhood development and resident engagement.
Justin Lane
Secretary
Justin manages our communications and keeps detailed records of all meetings and community activities, ensuring transparency and effective information sharing throughout the neighborhood.
Peter Bartels
Treasurer
With a strong background in financial management, Peter oversees our budget and ensures responsible stewardship of community resources while supporting our neighborhood initiatives.
Jonathan Deprose
Board Member
Jonathan contributes valuable insights and community perspective to board discussions, helping to guide SBNA's strategic direction and neighborhood improvement efforts.
Michael Murphy
Board Member
Michael brings technical expertise and innovative thinking to board initiatives, helping to modernize SBNA's outreach and enhance community engagement through digital platforms.
Ryan McEaneney
Board Member - Public Safety
Ryan leads our public safety initiatives and coordinates community safety programs, working to enhance neighborhood security and emergency preparedness throughout South Baltimore.
Board Position Available
Board Member
Join our dedicated team of volunteers and help shape the future of South Baltimore. We're looking for community-minded residents to contribute fresh ideas and energy to our board.
Get Involved
Board Position Available
Board Member
Make a difference in your neighborhood! We're seeking passionate residents who want to help guide SBNA's mission and contribute to community improvements and initiatives.
Get InvolvedCommittees & Programs
Our various committees focus on specific aspects of community life and welcome volunteer participation.
Safety & Security Committee
Oversees neighborhood watch programs, coordinates with law enforcement, and addresses community safety concerns.
- Monthly safety walks
- Crime prevention education
- Emergency preparedness planning
Environmental Committee
Focuses on environmental protection, sustainability initiatives, and beautification projects.
- Park cleanups
- Community garden maintenance
- Recycling and waste reduction programs
Events Committee
Plans and organizes community events, social gatherings, and seasonal celebrations.
- Annual summer picnic
- Holiday celebrations
- Welcome events for new residents
Communications Committee
Manages community communications, newsletter, website, and social media presence.
- Monthly newsletter
- Website updates
- Social media management
Want to Learn More?
Join us at our next community meeting or get involved with one of our committees.
Membership: $20/year • Supports all community programs