Although the evidence suggests the public will support the creation of a special benefits district at Patterson Park, creating such a district should proceed cautiously.  To help ensure that the creation of a special benefits district will succeed, a two-year trial period should be considered.  This trial period can be funded through a combination of philanthropy and Program Open Space funds.

Starting in fiscal year 2020, Baltimore is set to receive $6 million in additional funds from Program Open Space.  Those funds are not legislatively earmarked for any particular park projects.  A portion of that Open Space money can help fund an unofficial special benefits district for two years.  In that way, there will be time to determine whether the concept of the special benefits district can succeed prior to implementation of a new taxing system.

The funding of this unofficial special benefits district cannot be limited to Program Open Space funds because of some of the legislatively imposed spending categories.  Instead, private foundations should be approached to help prove this concept.  It is believed that several charitable foundations are interested in helping Baltimore provide services and improve neighborhoods in ways that are more efficient, responsive and responsible. Proving that a special benefits district can improve Patterson Park and provide services more efficiently before implementations makes both practical and fiscal sense.