Midwest cutting air service
Milwaukee-based Midwest Airlines, scrambling to avoid bankruptcy, will drop service to Baltimore and 10 other cities in September as it cuts more than a quarter of its daily schedule. The reductions follow the airline's recent decision to lay off 40 percent of its work force and ground its entire fleet of older, gas-guzzling Boeing MD-80 planes.
3,000 customers to test meters
More than 3,000 utility customers in Baltimore and Westminster will participate in a test of advanced electric meters that could save them money and reduce energy usage during times of peak demand, Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. said. The so-called "smart meters" were installed as part of efforts to promote conservation and reduce stress on the regional power grid.
Evergreen OKs port contract
Taiwan-based Evergreen Marine Corp. has signed an agreement to continue service to Baltimore for 10 years as it eyes an increase in traffic between the East Coast and Asia. The new longer-term contract keeps Evergreen's guarantee to move a minimum of 40,000 loaded containers through Seagirt Marine Terminal annually. Evergreen is the second-largest container line operating in the port.
Sphinx site due redevelopment
The storied Sphinx Club on Pennsylvania Avenue could be reborn as a museum, arts center, shops, housing or another community use, say Baltimore economic development officials, who are seeking redevelopment proposals for the now-vacant site in West Baltimore. The Baltimore Development Corp. acquired the former club in the 2100 block of Pennsylvania Ave. earlier this year.
Oriole Park union set
The workers who clean Oriole Park at Camden Yards - and who won a campaign last year for higher wages - have voted to unionize. The state affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees said the cleaners voted 64 to 13 to join. About 130 were eligible to vote. AFSCME hailed the results as a victory for "contingent workers" with no set schedule.
