News Summary
Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood faces a heated debate over a proposed 24-story apartment building set for a parking lot on President Street. Residents and business owners are invited to share their feedback through a survey until October 1, with previous opposition indicating a strong resistance to larger buildings due to concerns over community aesthetics and historic preservation. The outcome of the survey could determine the future of zoning laws in the area.
Baltimore is currently embroiled in a controversy over a proposed 24-story apartment building in the historic Little Italy neighborhood. The community is invited to provide feedback on a rezoning proposal to facilitate this new development, which is currently planned for a parking lot on President Street. Residents and business owners can express their opinions through a survey running until October 1. The results will help guide Baltimore Councilman Jermaine Jones on whether to initiate legislation for the necessary zoning changes.
The Little Italy Neighborhood Association, which is organizing the survey, previously faced backlash over another similar project earlier this year. A vote in 2023 revealed that approximately 80% of local residents and businesses opposed rezoning for a taller building proposal, indicating a strong resistance to significant changes in the area. The current zoning allows for buildings up to 12 stories high under the C-5-DE designation, and most structures within the neighborhood are low-rise rowhomes, with about 90% being only two stories tall.
Community members are expressing concerns not just about new development in general, but particularly the scale of the proposed 24-story building. There is apprehension about how this project would impact the skyline towards the Inner Harbor and the overall aesthetic of Little Italy, which is known for its historic charm. Additionally, an architect and resident has raised concerns about the potential negative effects if height restrictions are lifted. Issues such as reduced light availability and wind tunnel effects, which could cause hazardous conditions like snow and ice accumulation, have been highlighted.
The planning process had initially considered a larger 32-story building, but this was rejected due to strong opposition from community members over the building’s height and its potential effects on the historic character of the neighborhood. The focus now has shifted to balancing sustainable and responsible development while preserving what makes Little Italy special.
The outcome of the current survey will be pivotal for the neighborhood. Should the feedback indicate that the community is still opposed to changing zoning laws, the city council may decide not to revisit the issue of allowing taller buildings in the area. Previous opposition efforts have highlighted concerns such as shadows cast by tall structures, increased traffic congestion, and the detrimental wind effects associated with high rises.
The local organizations managing the survey include the Little Italy Neighborhood Association and The Original Little Italy Community Organization. For community members looking to participate offline, paper ballots are available at local businesses, including Café Gia’s and Sweet Louie’s Salon.
As Baltimore continues to grapple with these development challenges, the Little Italy neighborhood remains a focal point for discussions about growth, community needs, and preserving local heritage. Residents are encouraged to make their voices heard in this crucial decision-making process regarding their beloved neighborhood’s future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Voices Concern Over 24-Story Baltimore Complex
Additional Resources
- WMAR2 News: Little Italy Neighbors Weigh Rezoning
- Wikipedia: Little Italy, Baltimore
- CBS News: Rezoning Proposed in Little Italy
- Google Search: Little Italy Rezoning Baltimore
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Little Italy Community Members Vote
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Residential Building
- CBS News: Little Italy Residents Asked to OK Rezoning
- Google News: Little Italy Baltimore 24-Story Building
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Planning Commission to Consider Height Limit
- Google Scholar: Baltimore Residential Development
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.
