News Summary
Residents of Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood are opposing a proposed 24-story apartment complex that aims to rezone an area currently designated for parking. Community feedback, including a survey available until October 1, will influence Councilman Jermaine Jones’ decision on the rezoning. Past proposals for larger developments met with strong opposition. Concerns center on how such a tall structure will impact the neighborhood’s historic character and ambiance. Local leaders are urging participation to gather a consensus on the proposed height limitations.
Baltimore residents are once again confronted with a proposal for a 24-story apartment complex in the Little Italy neighborhood. The project aims to rezone the area, allowing for construction on a parking lot located on President Street. Community members, including residents and business owners, are encouraged to participate in a survey to express their opinions on the proposal until October 1.
The Little Italy Neighborhood Association (LINA) has indicated that the results of this survey will play a critical role in determining whether Baltimore Councilman Jermaine Jones will move forward with introducing legislation for the necessary rezoning. A previous vote held in 2023 revealed substantial community opposition, with about 80% of residents rejecting the earlier rezoning proposal.
LINA’s president noted that the community’s objections are not against the idea of development itself, but rather against the proposed height of the new building, which exceeds the current zoning laws that permit a maximum of 12 stories. Little Italy is a historic neighborhood characterized predominantly by two to five-story row homes, leading many to express concerns about how a 24-story building would alter the area’s architectural character and overall skyline.
Concerns voiced by residents include the impact of such a tall structure on the neighborhood’s ambiance. For instance, local residents Joe and Karen Fowler highlighted that a 24-story building would conflict with the established character of the area. Others, like a licensed architect speaking anonymously, warned about potential issues such as reduced winter sunlight and negative wind tunnel effects that could arise from the proposed height.
Councilman Jermaine Jones is seeking broad community feedback to inform his decisions regarding the proposal. The current design aims to match the height of the nearby Avalon 555 President apartment building, which also stands at 24 stories. Notably, developers previously attempted to construct a larger 32-story building, which was met with strong community resistance and ultimately rejected.
The new proposal appears to still include aspirations for a change in zoning classification that would allow for unlimited height, categorized as C-5-DC zoning. However, LINA’s leadership has clarified that there are no new building designs available for public view, emphasizing that discussions at this point are focused specifically on height restrictions rather than the particulars of the building plan itself.
To facilitate community input, paper ballots for the survey can be found at local businesses, including Café Gia and Sweet Louie’s Salon. The survey aims to collect feedback from both LINA members and those from the Original Little Italy Community Organization (TOLICO), which previously supported allowing increased height in the neighborhood.
In conclusion, the deadline for community input on the proposed rezoning is set for October 1, as discussions continue about the future of development in Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood. As the community weighs in, the outcome may significantly shape the character and landscape of this historic area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction Starts Increase Driven by Nonbuilding Projects
Waterford Hotel Group Acquires Hotels in Baltimore Market
Chopped Broadway Bodega & Deli Faces Challenges After Opening
Visalia CEO Arrested for COVID-19 Relief Fund Fraud
Significant Decline in Construction Starts Across Sectors
Tragic Construction Worker Fall in Salem
Jersey City Sees Growth in Multifamily Real Estate Financing
Baltimore Developer Files for Bankruptcy Amid Financial Woes
Tragic Shooting Incident in Midtown Manhattan
New York City’s Business Leaders Shift Support to Mayor Adams
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Rezoning Proposed in Little Italy
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Community Vote on High-Rise Proposal
- Baltimore Fishbowl: 32-Story Apartment Tower on Hold
- Wikipedia: Little Italy, Baltimore
- Redfin: Baltimore Neighborhoods
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF 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.
