News Summary
Residents of Wyman Park and Remington in Baltimore are standing against Johns Hopkins University’s plans for a new Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute. Concerns center around the university’s request for a waiver to ease stormwater protections during construction, which could threaten local environmental restoration efforts and the Stony Run stream. With flooding already a pressing issue, community members worry about the potential impacts on their homes and natural habitats. JHU aims to address these concerns through stormwater management upgrades and community engagement, but tensions remain high.
Baltimore – Residents of two communities in Baltimore, Wyman Park and Remington, are united in their opposition to Johns Hopkins University’s (JHU) plans for a new Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute (DSAI) project. Community members are particularly concerned that JHU is seeking a waiver to relax stormwater protections during construction, which they believe could endanger significant environmental rehabilitation efforts funded by taxpayers, as well as the local watershed.
The controversy arises amidst worries that the DSAI project threatens millions of dollars spent on the restoration of Stony Run, a stream that has been the focus of a $10 million investment by Baltimore City. Residents assert that any further development in the area could undermine the progress made in restoring the local environment and managing stormwater runoff, which is already a pressing issue leading to flooding problems in the area.
Hillary Gonzalez, the creator of the BMoreAgainstDSAI campaign, emphasizes the environmental risks presented by stormwater runoff and the project’s potential to disturb the natural habitat. Concerns have been amplified by reports of ongoing flooding in the community, with residents highlighting not only the ecological ramifications of the construction but also the emotional toll it could take on families who deeply value their community’s green spaces.
Moreover, there are fears regarding possible chemical contamination related to other nearby construction sites, such as the Agora Building, which raises additional concerns about soil and water safety. This climate of anxiety has prompted residents to closely scrutinize JHU’s construction plans.
In response to these concerns, JHU has taken steps, including erecting a fence around the construction site to help manage stormwater runoff. Baltimore City is actively soliciting public comments on the DSAI project, with input accepted until Friday, October 10, at 4:30 PM.
A representative for JHU has stated that the university is committed to improving stormwater management infrastructure to accommodate increasing rainfall. Planned upgrades include a new stormwater line with 20% greater capacity and the installation of a 500,000-gallon rainwater cistern aimed at addressing flooding concerns.
The DSAI project is ambitious in scope, intending to transform Baltimore into a burgeoning tech hub, potentially creating around 11,000 jobs and yielding an economic impact of approximately $1.6 billion. Constructing two buildings near Wyman Park Drive and Remington Avenue is a key part of this initiative, with anticipated completion by 2029.
In an effort to alleviate community concerns, JHU has downsized the proposed facility by 30%, bringing its total size down to approximately 476,572 square feet. To further mitigate the project’s environmental footprint, plans include the planting of 300 new trees to replace those that will be removed during construction.
Residents worried about the structural integrity of their homes due to nearby construction have prompted JHU to offer pre-construction structural surveys as a precaution. The university has also engaged environmental consultants tasked with monitoring and ensuring the protection of Stony Run Creek and local wildlife throughout the project duration.
JHU has organized numerous community meetings—14 in the past two years—to facilitate discussions about residents’ concerns and provide updates on construction plans. Throughout these engagements, residents have voiced requests for measures to lessen construction noise and manage increased vehicle traffic resulting from the project.
The tension surrounding the DSAI project reflects a broader struggle between development initiatives and community interests, particularly as Baltimore strives to enhance its technological landscape while safeguarding its environmental health.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Johns Hopkins DSAI Development
- Wikipedia: Environmental Impact Statement
- The Banner: Johns Hopkins AI Center
- Google Search: Johns Hopkins environmental impact
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Structural Surveys Offered by JHU
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stormwater Management
- WMAR2 News: Controversy Over JHU AI Institute
- Google News: Johns Hopkins DSAI
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
