Baltimore group fights to block Harborplace redevelopment after missing ballot deadline

BALTIMORE -- The group trying to block a redevelopment effort in the Inner Harbor fell short of getting enough signatures for a ballot initiative.

However, Protect Our Parks vowed Tuesday they aren't giving up the fight to halt the redevelopment.

Starting the process in June, the group was able to collect 9,912 signatures in support of their petition. They needed 10,000 to get on the November ballot.

Concerns raised at public meeting

In a Federal Hill community meeting on Tuesday, many residents once again raised concerns about the mixed-use project.

The developer - MCB Real Estate - was set to be at this meeting to walk through the proposal but backed out.

Residents in the meeting told WJZ they are working to convince other voters to go against the city's charter amendment in the general election which would push the plan forward for the $1 billion development project of Harborplace.

If approved, the redevelopment would include the construction of luxury residential units, retail and commercial spaces, plus a redesigned streetscape plan at Pratt and Light streets.

"Our primary goal is to reset this process," Federal Hill resident Fran Randolph said.

Why block the redevelopment plans?

Former mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah, who spearheaded the petition, said he and the group are galvanized to block what they view as the privatization of the Inner Harbor.

If the petition succeeded, their ballot question would have asked voters to ban residential development, private offices and buildings over 100 feet from being built in 20 city parks.

"We don't want that in our park spaces," Vignarajah said. "We don't need that in the precious space that we call the heart of Baltimore, the soul of our city."

MCB Real Estate is looking to demolish the two pavilions of Harborplace and build a mixed-use complex -- including a part of two 32-story tall residential towers.

Rather than showing up at the meeting, MCB sent WJZ this statement:

"MCB has been willing from day one to meet with any community organization, hear their feedback, and answer any questions about a reimagined Harborplace. We were hoping to do the same for FHNA this evening, however, since the opposition's failure to get on the ballot yesterday, they are trying to turn this meeting into a circus and detract from the actual neighborhood residents who want to learn more. We remain ready to meet with the residents of FHNA when we can have an uninterrupted discussion with the community."

"I think it's really important that we have open discussions about things as important to our city as the future of Harborplace," said Baltimore resident Michael Brassert.

"Everyone wants to see progress"

Vignarajah stressed Tuesday the Inner Harbor Coalition isn't against redevelopment. When he asked the group to raise their hands if they supported redevelopment, everyone present did.

"Everybody wants to see progress, renaissance and development at the Inner Harbor. What they don't want is to see the privatization of the Inner Harbor," Vignarajah said.

"Height is good"

In an exclusive sit-down with WJZ in December, MCB co-founder and managing partner David Bramble said the nearly $1 billion makeover has a lot of support.

He also defended the redevelopment's features.

"A lot of people are focusing on the height, but it's a mistake. Height is good," Bramble said at the time. "Going up by density leaves a lot of room on the ground plane for everyday citizens."

Continuing to fight developer's plans

The Inner Harbor Coalition plans to drum up support to get their ballot question in the Nov. 2026 election. But, in the meantime, they'll continue to fight MCB's plans.

"If you're gonna put money behind this, understand there is quite literally thousands of people that are going to work every day for months to make sure that this development project doesn't break ground," said former Baltimore City Councilman Jody Landers.

Related Coverage:

• Design plans unveiled for Baltimore Harborplace redevelopment
• Baltimore community weighs in on plans for revitalized Harborplace

All design images are available at www.ourharborplace.com/theproject.