June 01, 2011
The State Center project presents a significant — perhaps unparalleled — economic development opportunity, which will result in benefits across the neighboring communities, the city, and the state.
Peter. Angelos wrote recently ("Angelos: Mayor exploits Schaefer's memory" May 6) to put down this project.
He asked a lot of questions and answered none, as if the mere asking was sufficient.
I have no problems with doing things the right way and asking legitimate questions. In this case, however, we are all better served by "Setting the record straight on State Center," (Michael Gaines and Christopher Patuskey, May 16), where his dubious claims are addressed, despite a not-very-helpful protest to the contrary ("On State Center, ends don't justify the means" "Ramsey Flynn, May 31).
I would like to know where Mr. Angelos and his various spokespersons were for more than six years during the hundreds of public meetings and conversations to discuss this project ... its goals, its plan, its leaders and its partners. Why wasn't he asking his questions then?
During these six years, neighborhood residents, clergy, civic leaders and stakeholders of all kinds participated in those meetings and helped select a development team in an open and competitive process.
They then went on to discuss and shape the development itself so that it will transform a 5 day a week, 8 hour a day office complex into a 24/7 livable community with jobs, retail and housing.
Mr. Angelos and the participants in the lawsuit to stop State Center shortchange these efforts with their obstructionist objections. Now is the time to join in the effort rather than try to derail it.
They are also shortsighted in their view that State Center is a threat to downtown Baltimore. State Center is part of downtown Baltimore.
State Center will be a new economic engine to complement, rather than compete with, the Inner Harbor. The short rail or bus ride between them will provide new opportunities for each.
The State Center project can help rebuild the neighborhoods surrounding this 28 acre site and make them and the city a better place to live, work and learn.
Residents of State Center neighborhoods have long supported the Inner Harbor and Little Italy. This is now the time for Little Italy and Inner Harbor to support State Center.
John E. Kyle, Baltimore
The writer is president of State Center Neighborhood Alliance, Inc.
