City officials say no decision has been made.
Alvin Gillard, director of the two-year-old Street Vendors Board, said the board was created to determine who can be approved for licensing in the city and what can be sold. It replaced the former Board of Licenses for Hucksters, Hawkers and Peddlers, which had approved downtown vending since 1974.
Gillard, also the director of Baltimore's Community Relations Commission, said the board is not sure how it will handle many of the vendors' desire to return to the Eutaw Street entrance after the hotel is finished. He said the board is focusing instead on carving out individual spots for each vendor using a seniority system.
The eight-member board has representatives from the city's director of finance, housing and community development, mayor's and City Council president's offices.
Asked about the vendors' reaction to the new board, Gillard said, "It's been a mixed bag. Some folks welcome it because they realize there is a need for order.
"Then there is skepticism on how you're going to protect the interest of those who have been out there as opposed to folks who are just coming in. And there is always that skepticism as to whether government can get it right at all."
Martin Greenbaum has sold hats, jerseys, sweat shirts and other apparel since the ballpark opened in 1992.
He says he's down about 30 percent in sales each of the last two years, which he says is due to having to relocate to Pickles Plaza from Eutaw Street. The Orioles' 10 straight losing seasons and subsequent declining attendance have not helped matters, according to Greenbaum.
Greenbaum said he is pushing for a forum between the vendors and the board to air grievances.
"We need to discuss the things that are going on," Greenbaum said.
Brooks, looking over his rows and rows of Orioles hats during FanFest, said the vending board can make good with the vendors fairly easily.
"Honestly, the best thing they can do is tell us we can set up right in front of this new hotel. And make this the vending strip again," Brooks said.
brent.jones@baltsun.com
