Having grown up in Canton and lived near Baltimore most of my life, I am in agreement with David H. Gleason’s commentary and would like to comment on other aspects of harbor development (“Harborplace development throws Baltimore’s history to the wayside,” Aug. 23). A statement in the first paragraph, “building on city park land,” is what prompted my personal response to the opinion piece.
Why must everything in Baltimore have a direct or immediate (versus indirect) monetary result? My wife and I recently spent several days in Manhattan. In addition to Broadway shows, we had a wonderful time visiting Central Park, a significant New York City attraction available free of charge. This attracts visitors who support local businesses. Imagine the value of this property located in the midst of skyscrapers. Baltimore would love to develop this! Why must we have additional office space. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m under the impression current office space is underutilized. Not only that, but I’m sure downtown hotels would enjoy the increase in traffic. I recently read a significant hotel near Camden Yards is losing money.
Why not make the entire region, including the Inner Harbor, Baltimore’s Central Park? Imagine dining in Little Italy or other local restaurants, walking across the pedestrian bridge for a concert, then a visit to the aquarium, a walk through Baltimore’s Inner Harbor park (without an obstructed view), culminating with a visit to the Maryland Science Center. By now we’re hungry again and looking for a restaurant near Federal Hill. After a hotel stay, a visit to Fort McHenry is ideal for day two.
This is the golden opportunity Baltimore would waste simply for the sake of a direct and immediate monetary result. A gorgeous park-like setting with multiple attractions would put Baltimore back on the map long-term while bolstering local business. If developed as proposed, would I want to visit and spend my money? No.
— Richard Piniecki, Perry Hall
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