Superblock developers must uphold the law

The recent editorial "Superblock hits a snag" (Jan. 18) urging preservationists to compromise, misses the point. More than a decade ago, after the West Side was named one of America's most endangered historic sites, the General Assembly enacted legislation that ensured the historic properties in the area would be redeveloped into viable commercial district. Seven years after a developer was chosen to do so, the Superblock sits awaiting its rebirth.

The current city administration took note and brought in experts from the Urban Land Institute to review what should be done. Once again, a preservation-based solution was ratified by the ULI's recommendations. Remarkably, the state agency charged with protecting the historic sites in the redevelopment area subsequently consented to allow the developer to ignore the preservation plan for the area, specified by the General Assembly and adopted by the city, and to proceed with demolition of what it earlier had required to be "saved."

This incomprehensible reversal of its earlier protective stance is now being appealed by Preservation Maryland. It is hoped that the 14 historic buildings slated for demolition — including the former Read's drug store — will be saved and that re-development based on reusing the distinctive and significant architecture in the area can proceed.

This is not a matter of compromise, this is a matter of upholding legally adopted agreements that protect the city's heritage and what makes it unique. As it has in other aging cities, vitality will come to the Superblock in the form of residential and small retail development that combine to form a unique neighborhood, not a city-version of a suburban shopping experience.

Tyler Gearhart, Baltimore

The writer is executive director of Preservation Maryland.