Q: The city is looking for new uses for Fells Point's landmark Recreation Pier building. What would you like to see added to the pier? And how should the city handle related issues such as congestion and parking problems in that area?
The redevelopment of the Recreation Pier gives residents of Baltimore a unique opportunity to reflect their beliefs by creating a place of pride and identity for the community.
Developers must preserve the original architectural and civic intent of the building by restoring its role as a municipal center.
The grand ballroom, which was once used for community gatherings and even classes for immigrants, should be restored to allow for cultural events, education programs and political debates.
One-story shops and restaurants clad in brick, surrounded by a lovely walking promenade, could be developed on top of the existing pier. These businesses would provide financial returns to the city through tax revenue, jobs for local residents and opportunities for minority and women's business enterprises.
To alleviate parking problems, the new owner could operate the ground floor garage. The west side of the pier should continue to be used as a dock for tugboats, keeping the working-port quality that gives Fells Point its charm.
In this way the pier's redevelopment can please the heart, soul and mind of the community, while also creating a financially viable project.
Toby Bozzuto
Chris Murn
Baltimore
The Recreation Pier building in Fells Point could be used as an upscale billiards, restaurant and entertainment center, with something for everyone.
It might have a rooftop restaurant and bar with dancing and bands on the weekends. The lower level could contain gift shops and eateries and maybe a game room with shows for children. It should sell toys and souvenirs with Baltimore and Chesapeake Bay maritime themes.
All major downtown Baltimore sections should be connected to the facility, and a downtown transportation day-pass could connect water taxis, buses and maybe trolleys or vans to nearby parking areas.
Kristen Bernard
Columbia
I am a 60-year-old retiree who was born in Little Italy and spent most of my teen-age years in the Fells Point area. In the mid- to late-1950s, I would walk to the Fells Point Recreation Pier to play baseball on the top and participate in other youth activities on the lower level.
While times are obviously much different today, the concept of providing a forum for recreation for Baltimore's youths is still valid.
I would suggest rebuilding a multipurpose recreation center on the pier and surrounding area -- an environment where schoolchildren could participate in positive activities, develop a sense of community and learn teamwork, dedication and leadership.
And exposing inner-city youths to opportunities not typically associated with urban living -- such as golf, archery, fishing and other outdoor sports -- could prove extremely rewarding to many youths who lack recreation activities.
We should not deny our children such recreation activities.
John Saraceno Sr.
Baltimore
The only way to ensure children have a safe place to be is to give them one.
Now citizens of Baltimore are debating the fate of the Recreation Pier in Fells Point.
Some believe it should be converted into a recreational center for local youths. Others would rather turn this area into a parking lot.
It is true, of course, that the parking problem in Fells Point is horrendous. But a recreation center would help convey the necessary message to teen-agers and pre-teens that they need to achieve and to steer clear of illegal activities that could ruin their lives.
And providing a place for troubled teen-agers to congregate and be mentored (or monitored) could lower the crime rate.
At a recreation center, children would be supervised, but would still be given an opportunity to interact in a positive environment. Teen-agers would be provided with a way to curb idleness, and this, in turn, would curb crime.
At-risk children must be given a safe place to exist and be themselves in order to grow as people.
Allison Horsey
Baltimore
The writer is a sophomore at Overlea High School.
Let's turn the Recreation Pier back into what it was -- a place for children to go have a great time.
When I was growing up in Fells Point, my siblings and I spent many a happy day there. We swung on swings, rocked happily on what we called the "rocky boat," played ball and games, and even learned to dance in the ballroom.
Just think how children visiting Baltimore with their parents would enjoy a fun break from just sightseeing.
Mary Anne Collins
Perry Hall
I suggest that most of the street level of the building be dedicated to parking with the exception of the end of the pier farthest from Fells Point.
