State Board of Elections Appeals Court Decision on Baltimore City’s Inner Harbor Ballot Question

The Maryland State Board of Elections is appealing a recent court ruling that nullified a ballot question in Baltimore regarding rezoning part of the Inner Harbor.

A charter amendment in 1978 protected the public space around the Inner Harbor as parkland. As such, rezoning is necessary for a redevelopment plan to transform the area, known as Harborplace, into a mix of retail, residential, and office spaces.

In March, the Baltimore City Council approved legislation to let voters decide on a proposal allowing MCB Real Estate to redevelop the Harborplace area. The plan involves demolishing the existing pavilions and redesigning the surrounding intersection to accommodate five new structures featuring a combination of retail, office, and residential spaces.

The redevelopment would transform the waterfront promenade. The tallest buildings would rise 25 and 32 stories and offer up to 900 residential units. The project also includes provisions for off-street parking, making it a significant overhaul of the area.

However, Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Judge Cathleen Vitale declared that the proposed charter amendment did not address the “form and structure” of government but instead focused on zoning, making it an inappropriate use of a charter amendment.

The appeal comes as the election approaches, with a Maryland Supreme Court ruling expected soon to determine whether the question will proceed. If the court upholds Judge Vitale’s decision, the question will appear on ballots, but votes cast on it will not count.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.