LIVE BLOG: City Council Considers Repealing Inclusionary Housing Sunset

A bill intended to remove a sunset clause from Baltimore's Inclusionary Housing Law has been defeated.

During the Baltimore City Council's meeting Monday, Vice President Edward Reisinger, D-District 10, introduced an amendment that adds a sunset clause that will expire in 2020. 

The council must still approve the bill one more time and it would still require the mayor's signature before it becomes law.

6:20 p.m. Council meeting is adjourned.

6:05 p.m. Amendment adding a sunset clause for 2020 in the Inclusionary Housing Law is added and bill is approved for final approval by the council. 

6 p.m. Councilwoman Helen Holton, D-District 8, compares the Inclusionary Housing Law to a bike with flat tires and handle bars put on backwards, then votes to include sunset amendment.

5:58 p.m. "All that we are saying [if a sunset is included] is that we don't really believe this is important enough to be made permanent law," Councilman Bill Henry, D-District 4, said.

5:55 p.m. Councilman Bill Henry, D-District 4, calls sunsets "a lack of commitment to an idea." He receives a smattering of applause from repeal supporters.

5:51 p.m. Councilwoman Rochelle "Rikki" Spector, D-District 5, advocates for a sunset clause to remain in Inclusionary Housing Law until 2020. She said the process of finding everyone in Baltimore a good place to live, no matter what their earning power, is "a work in progress."

5:48 p.m. Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, D-District 14, speaks in favor of repealing the sunset clause. She said the bill hasn't done much yet. But Clarke said it's time for the "training wheels to come off" the Inclusionary Housing Law.

5:45 p.m. Council Vice President Edward Reisinger, D-District 10, introduces amendment to keep a sunset clause in the city's Inclusionary Housing Law.

5:27 p.m. A resolution recognizing Mount Washington resident Harold Shapiro for receiving France’s Legion of Honor Award for his role in liberating France during World War II is passed.

5:20 p.m. A resolution calling for the suspension of the Secure Community Initiative is passed. Councilman James Kraft, D-District 1, was the lead sponsor of the resolution.

5:16 p.m. A resolution calling for the support of the Save Our Schools March and National Call to Action on July 30 in Washington D.C. is approved. Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, D-District 14, was the lead sponsor of the resolution.

5:13 p.m. Supporters of repealing the sunset clause in Baltimore's Inclusionary Housing Law are at the council meeting wearing green stickers calling for the removal of the clause.

A bill requesting the repeal of a sunset clause in Baltimore's Inclusionary Housing Law goes before the city council tonight. The council will also consider a resolution honoring Mount Washington resident Harold Shapiro for receiving France’s Legion of Honor Award for his role in liberating France during World War II.