Oomis, I beg to differ. I don’t know the source of the bells, but I don’t think it’s at all analogous. And what happens when a large Arab population moves in and wants their veckers to make a ruckus early in the morning (and late in the evening)? Let’s not make waves. Baltimore’s been doing just fine. I know, Rabbi Frand’s message this year in various teshuva talks has been about the inner connection between Shabbos and teshuva and the beauty and value of strengthening shemiras Shabbos. I really, really, really don’t think he ever dreamed of a siren in making mental lists of what we can do more l’kavod Shabbos.
Again, I really, really want to know what reputable leaders in Baltimore are saying about this.