When the development corporation started the demolition process last fall, the Maryland Chemical building was on land the city had promised to Samuel Polakoff of Cormony Development to build a "sportsplex" with Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. The city had promised the land to them in "as is" condition, meaning the developer was responsible for removing buildings and preparing a site for construction.
Polakoff said he cooperated with the city in its efforts to knock down Maryland Chemical to "keep the project moving."
City development officials contacted firms in October and the city's Board of Estimates approved transferring money for the project during a Feb. 11 meeting. Last month, the land was turned over to Baltimore City Entertainment Group, which is seeking the slots license.
The city-owned warehouses have been occupied for the past five years by Second Chance, the nonprofit salvage firm. "I wouldn't call them pristine by any stretch, but I wouldn't call them a public safety risk," said Mark S. Foster, who runs the business. "If slots were not to have been forthcoming, it is likely we would have stayed here for another three to five years," he said, noting that one of the buildings set to be demolished has a new roof.
The city is requiring that Foster vacate all but two of the warehouses in the next couple of weeks, and he said that the structures may be riskier if they are standing empty.
Contractors were contacted in June to offer prices on knocking down the Warner Street warehouses. Five companies responded. Berg said that he has not heard from the city about whether he will be awarded the work.
Michael Cryor, the former state Democratic Party chairman who represents the slots group, said that the partners will repay the city for the demolition for both projects. "It will not be a burden to the city or the taxpayers," he said.
Demolition estimates
Estimates from firms asked to seek Maryland Chemical demolition
P&J Contracting, $378,477
JLN Construction Services, $497,371
Potts & Callahan Inc., $511,000
Estimates from firms asked to seek Warner Street warehouses demolition
Berg Corp., $266,930
P&J Contracting, $272,700
Potts & Callahan Inc., $296,185
K&K Adams, $335,112
JLN Construction Services, $379,885
