Baltimore’s ambitious plans to revitalize Harborplace have hit a snag, highlighting the persistent challenges facing the city’s efforts to reinvigorate its downtown area. The $900 million redevelopment project, which aims to transform the aging waterfront, is grappling with rising crime rates and legal obstacles.
The proposed redesign includes replacing outdated storefronts and restaurants with a two-tier promenade, realigned roadways, 900 new apartments, office space, and a public park. However, the project’s success may hinge on addressing the city’s ongoing safety issues.
Local economist Anirban Basu points out the irony of recent events: “I’m sure this conversation has taken place 1,000 times. Person A says, Baltimore City is dangerous. Person B says, but not all of the city is dangerous. I mean, you have places like, oh, I don’t know, Harbor East that are very safe, and then we have this very violent crime in Harbor East.”
Basu’s comments reference a recent shooting near the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, where a 36-year-old man was killed in an apparent robbery attempt. The Baltimore Police Department reports that compared to last year, the Inner Harbor has seen a 42% increase in violent crime and a 104% increase in robberies.
These safety concerns are impacting the city’s ability to attract private investment. Of the $900 million required for the Harborplace redevelopment, $400 million will come from taxpayers. Basu explains, “In very safe environments, cities, in many cases, are not offering developers any subsidies. Whether in Nashville, Tennessee, Tampa [Florida], and Austin, Texas, and so on, they’re not offering subsidies because you don’t have to induce developers to invest, they want to invest! They know they can make money in those communities. In Baltimore, it’s tougher.”
The project faced another setback when an Anne Arundel County judge ruled Question F, a ballot measure crucial for the development, unconstitutional due to confusing and misleading wording. The question, which would have amended the city’s charter to allow residential development and parking along the Inner Harbor, will still appear on November ballots but won’t be counted.
This legal hurdle means the question cannot be reconsidered for at least two years unless the decision is successfully appealed to the Supreme Court. The delay could significantly impact the timeline and feasibility of the Harborplace redevelopment project.
As Baltimore continues its efforts to revitalize its downtown and waterfront areas, the city must confront the dual challenges of improving public safety and navigating legal and administrative hurdles. The success of projects like the Harborplace redevelopment may well depend on the city’s ability to address these persistent issues.