Established in January 2010, the mission of the
Promotion Center for Little Italy, Baltimore is to
create a stronger voice for Little Italy as an
entity through consistent communications and
promotion; to conduct promotional and fundraising
activities to support its organizations’ charitable
and educational functions; and to preserve the
neighborhood’s ethnicity, beautification and
history.
Suzanna Molino,
director
SuzannaMolino@LittleItalyMD.com
Little Italy Business Association (L.I.B.A.)
L.I.B.A. was
formed as an organization to represent the Little
Italy businesses’ interests with the city of
Baltimore and the state of Maryland. Mission
statement: To enhance and preserve the quality and
atmosphere of the business community in Little
Italy, Baltimore, Maryland; to develop and implement
methods of effective communication and meaningful
coexistence between the business and residential
sectors for the mutual benefit of both, and to
promote an atmosphere of Italian heritage for all to
learn and enjoy.
Lou Mazzulli, president
lou@hssmd.com
410.558.0022
Little Italy Community Organization (L.I.C.O.)
In the early
‘70s, this group of residents and business owners
banned together when the federal government wanted
to build an expressway next to Little Italy, which
would have physically divided it from the rest of
the development in the Inner Harbor. Since then, its
100 active members stay abreast and become involved
in decisions and actions of the City of Baltimore. Its’ mission
is to represent every resident, homeowner and
business owner in the boundaries of Little Italy as
it promotes and upholds the integrity of the
community and wellness of its’ citizens. Topics
tackled by L.I.C.O. may include parking, aesthetics
of the neighborhood, crime, lighting, environmental,
and anything that affects residents and business
owners. To belong to
L.I.C.O., a member must own property or a business
in Little Italy.
John Makowski, president
john.makowski@me.com
410-456-5191
Little Italy Restaurant Association (L.I.R.A.)
L.I.R.A.’s
members have dedicated their efforts to promoting
and preserving the image of Little Italy. Formed in
the ‘70‘s by Frank Velleggia, Vince Culotta and
Buddy Chiapparelli, these pioneers and owners of
Velleggia’s (now closed), Sabatino’s and
Chiapparelli’s, respectively, saw the need for unity
among the neighborhood’s restaurants. By forming
L.I.R.A., they believed that a united voice would be
beneficial to the welfare and success of Little
Italy’s restaurant district. L.I.R.A.
continues in the spirit of its founders, backed by
participating members. It is the power behind
several special events in Little Italy, most notably
the Open Air Film Festival held Friday evenings in
July and August. In its 14th year, the films draw
thousands throughout the summer as they congregate
with lawn chairs, blankets, and restaurant meals at
the corner of High and Stiles Streets on Da Mimmo’s
parking lot to enjoy a free movie and popcorn under
the stars.
Mary Ann Cricchio, president
maryann@damimmo.com
410.727.6876
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