Comments on: Locust Point Up In Arms Over Struever Bros. Tide Point Proposal

By: Glen

Glen — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:51:36 +0000

Scott raises some good points. I’m not opposed to new development; and I’m anxiously awaiting the completion of McHenry Row, as are most of my neighbors. But at this point there is just too much housing inventory in Baltimore and Locust Point. With Silo Point, McHenry Row, the new towers at Harbor View, and all the new Town homes throughout Locust Point – we need to take a step back. At one point new construction was great for the area. But now on one hand you could argue that new units will continue to raise property taxes for those on fixed income, but more likely just add even more unneeded supply and continue to drive home sales prices down. For current residents, neither seems like a good outcome. Perhaps I’m wrong but that’s what I’m seeing. I welcome development along the Key Highway extension – especially office and retail. It just needs to be done in moderation. A 15 story tower there might not bother me, but I understand the concern of a neighbor whose house will sit in its adjacent shadow.

By: scottthomas

scottthomas — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:52:50 +0000

Supply and Demand!
Its not a matter of progress or blocking views. In case the Struever Bros. have not noticed this country’s economy and housing market is hurting. Why on earth would we need a 17 storey residential building or even another 100 new homes in Locust Point? Take a look across the harbor at Canton (or the rest of the country)where two many residential units have caused a major decline in property values. Theres two many houses up for sale and not enough buyers. I don’t want the value of my house going down because there are 200 empty units right down the street and a builder desperate to Sell. Don’t bring another Pulte Homes situation to Locust Point looking to make .50 cents on the dollar and then sell them dirt cheap.
Canton has plenty of buildings no taller than 3 storeys with plenty of retail space. I am all about a few new restaurants. Hopefully the Harris Teeter on McHenry Row, and the new restaurant and shops that will come with SiloPoint, but part of growing is not growing to fast. Baltimore City’s population just started to increase and adding too many residential and commercial units will only bring down values when they sit empty.
Baltimore City already has ridiculously high taxes. All these new residential and commercial areas are going cost money and that will drive up the taxes. Don’t make it unaffordable for the native residents and older members of our community to live here. They are the ones who make Locust point such a nice neighborhood and place to live. You force them out and Locust Point is no longer the great place it is.

By: ChickenSangwich

ChickenSangwich — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:13:05 +0000

@strube:
I beg to differ. Witness the controversy over the Atlantic Yards mega-development in Downtown Brooklyn. One of the main problems cited there is many homes being in shadow day round due to the height and scope of the project. Maybe not so much of an issue in Locust Point. Yet.

Residents of these ‘low-rise’ city communities are merely trying to keep the flavor of their neighborhoods intact. Progress doesn’t necessarily entail an influx of yuppies buying over-priced condos. Many residents feel that they will be edged out by the higher-income newcomers.

Not to mention the loss of many’s rooftop deck views of the harbor due to high-rise construction on the water. (see Federal Hill)

By: strube

strube — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 05:44:11 +0000

I’ll never understand why residents of communities are so close-minded about progress. Sure if you lived in a rural area I could see opposition to buildings based on height, etc. but common this is a city here. I personally would have no issue living next door to a skyscrapper.

What do you think people in NYC do? I doubt they get upset about new buildings that bring additional office and housing space.