🍦Heated City Council meeting...

Good morning, Annapolis. I like the Internet better when people are fighting over a silly little mechanical bird rather than . . . checks notes . . . basically anything else. Feels like old times.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Ryan Sneddon

P.S. WE GOOFED. Yesterday we said the Lights Parade skipper deadline was tonight. It’s not. It’s in December. More details further down the newsletter.

Every October, the Annapolis Sailboat Show brings sailors, boat lovers, and Chesapeake Bay enthusiasts to City Dock. For four days, the conversation revolves around beautiful boats, new adventures, and the irresistible pull of life on the water.

But what if that feeling didn't have to end when the show closes?

At 2002 Dakota Place, Unit 2A, the boating lifestyle isn't reserved for an occasional weekend. It's part of everyday life!

Located within the gated waterfront community of Chesapeake Harbour, this two-level Annapolis residence offers more than 1,900 square feet of living space, harbor views, and an expansive waterside deck where morning coffee comes with a front-row seat to marina activity.

Inside, soaring ceilings, a gas fireplace, custom built-ins, and walls of windows create an airy, light-filled living space. The updated residence features a spacious primary suite with a private balcony, a versatile loft that can serve as a guest space or home office, and an attached two-car garage with direct interior access, a particularly desirable convenience in this waterfront community.

Explore full property details online, and contact the Brad Kappel Team to arrange your  private tour.

Brad Kappel Team | TTR Sotheby's International Realty

📲410.279.9476

Mayor Jared Littmann will issue a memorial citation for Phil Ateto after all. The city announced the reversal Tuesday afternoon, less than a day after people packed City Council chambers and pressed him on it for close to two hours.

Early in Monday’s meeting, Mayor Littmann said Ateto’s language "crossed the line from advocacy for his position over to antisemitism," and he wasn’t comfortable giving him the recognition.

Over 20 people responded. Most spoke in favor of Ateto. Two Jewish residents who agreed with the mayor were heckled by the crowd.

Then on Tuesday, city spokesperson Mitchelle Stephenson told the Baltimore Banner that Annapolis would issue the citation in the name of “civic unity and dignity.” ($)

Also on Monday. . . city planners gave the council an update on short-term rentals. The city counts 303 licensed ones, more than half in Ward 1 (downtown + Murray Hill), plus 65 unlicensed. Planning and Zoning has open enforcement cases on at least 30 of those. The lottery for the new 10%-per-block cap starts November 1, 2027.

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

Team Naptown Scoop Coast 2 Coast 4 ALS progress: $13,283/$20,000

Always Faithful Dog Training of Annapolis helps dogs and puppies become calm, confident, and well‑mannered through leadership‑based, real‑world training. We specialize in private, in-home training of leash manners, obedience, behavior issues, and puppy foundations. Without treats, clickers, shock collars or gimmicks. Start your dog’s transformation today! Call 240-363-4432 or visit www.alwaysfaithfuldogs.com/annapolis.

Chase is 12 years old and blind, but don’t tell him that.

The 12-year-old mini poodle mix has been with the SPCA of Anne Arundel County since April, and he’s staying with a foster right now. She says he acts like a dog half his age (although he needs help navigating every now and then). Still loves a good walk though.

The only thing he loves more than walks is cuddles. And he hasn’t had a single “accident” if you know what I mean 🚽. He also learned to navigate the stairs in no time. Turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks. Even a blind one.

Chase gets along with older, calm dogs and kids 12 and up. He is not a fan of cats because they make fun of his eyes so no cats please.

He can’t see your messy house. He’d still love to live there. Check out Chase!

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

Navigating retirement accounts can feel overwhelming. Between 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, 529s, Health Savings Accounts, and new tax vehicles, key wealth-building opportunities often get overlooked by high-earning professionals.

One of the most effective methods is known as the Backdoor Roth strategy.

Direct Roth IRA contributions phase out once single income hits $168,000 or joint income reaches $252,000. Missing out on that tax-free compound growth can cost you significantly over time.

The strategy works by placing funds into a Traditional IRA and subsequently converting them to a Roth. Certain employer plans even permit mega-backdoor conversions for substantial additional savings. However, complex tax guidelines apply, and missteps can trigger unexpected tax liabilities.

Executing this properly can safeguard your financial future, while improper handling can lead to avoidable expenses.

Scarborough Capital Management has assisted local families with strategic wealth planning for over 35 years.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Annapolis has a damn cool music scene. There’s tons of phenomenal talent and lots of unique venues – Eastport beaches, anchored catamarans, and in 10 days. . . almost a dozen front porches.

Porchfest Annapolis just posted its full lineup and schedule, which includes 32 acts playing 40-minute sets each.

The list includes members of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Jimi Haha of Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, Michael McHenry, Doug Segree, and many more. You might hear folk, roots, Americana, or any number of other genres depending on which porch you wander to.

As the name implies, the musicians play on the porch (or sometimes the front yard) and you watch from the sidewalk or the yard. None of the music will be too loud so it’ll be great for kids and dogs too. You could even bring a picnic! Just take care to clean up after yourself.

The hosts Matthew McConaughey say it’d be a lot cooler if you walked or biked. But if you must drive, they recommend the Knighton or Park Place garages.

Porchfest is Saturday, October 24 from 11 AM – 3 PM (rain date: same time 10/25). It’s 100% free and they still have some volunteer spots (especially in the cleanup department) so if you think this sounds rad and you want to make sure it’s successful, sign up to volunteer here.

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

✏️ Course Correction – We got part of yesterday’s Lights Parade story wrong. A pretty big part actually. Skipper registration doesn’t close today. Just early bird registration (which includes two passes to EYC’s Party in the ’Port this weekend). Normal registration is open all the way until December 4! That said, we still recommend registering early so you have lots of time to prepare! There’s no such thing as overboard for the Lights Parade.

🎉 Knot Just Boats – You don’t need to know what a jib is to have fun at the Sailboat Show. Thursday night, five downtown restaurants take over Market Space for a free block party with live music. Saturday, Eastport Yacht Club throws Party in the ’Port with two bands and a chili bar. And Sunday morning, the mimosas are free in the No Wake Zone! Kids can even hunt for rubber ducks around the show and trade them for prizes. Get tickets here.

📚 Tail Tales – Did you know you can read to the dogs and cats at the SPCA of Anne Arundel County? Each month, the shelter opens its dog and cat rooms for Read to the Animals. Kids practice reading out loud to a judgment-free audience. The animals get some much-needed company. The next one is Wednesday, October 21. Sign up here.

🏗️ Comment Section – Reminder: the Planning Commission holds public hearings tomorrow night at City Hall on two housing projects. One would put nine townhomes on the abandoned gas station lot at 245 West Street. The other is the Housing Authority’s $105.8 million Robinwood rebuild, with new apartments, a senior building, and 22 townhomes. Anyone can testify. Here’s the agenda (with a link to submit comments).

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

84 🌡️ 62 | ☀️ | 2% ☔ | 💨 SW 8 mph (7 knots)

67 🌡️ 60 | ⛈️ | 38% ☔ | 💨 NE 10 mph (9 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 69ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

Residential Rug Care is a local family-run business with over 100 years of rug cleaning history. They clean Oriental, Persian, antique, and other area rugs, remove stains and pet odors, and offer new padding & fringe. Rugs are cleaned at their 20,000-square-foot facility, with free pickup and delivery throughout Anne Arundel County.

49 West | Pam & Paula Classical Happy Hour | 5–7 PM
49 West | Songbird Collective featuring Sisiwitch | 7:30–10 PM
The Admiral’s Cup | Kevin Koa | 7–10 PM
Brian Boru | Nate Finn | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Kelsey’s Restaurant & Irish Pub | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
Middleton Tavern | Aiden | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Chris Diller | 6–9 PM
The Point | Jordan/Pressing Strings | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Gerald Albright | 8 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 6:30–9:30 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Simba | 9 PM

49 West | Jazz Wire Jam Session | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Admiral’s Cup | Levi Stephens | 7–10 PM
Beer Farm | Dan Haas | 4–8 PM
Brian Boru | Mixed Business | 6–9 PM
Copper Creek | Open Mic with Paul Cortese and Uncle Bill feat. Clair Elaine | 7 PM
Galway Bay | The Langer’s Ball | 7–10 PM
Killarney House | Alex Lee | 6–9 PM
Market House | Nate Finn | 7–10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Gretna Green | 7 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Bryan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Nate Finn | 4:30 PM
Southern High School | Radio Recall | 7:30 PM

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who has an impressive cuckoo clock collection.