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Former Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley opposes Harborplace redevelopment
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Former Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley opposes Harborplace redevelopment

BALTIMORE — Former Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley is making no secret of how he voted on Question F. This is a resounding “No.”

O’Malley said on social media Saturday afternoon that he voted against the Inner Harbor referendum, adding: “This is an egregious takeover of public waterfront parkland by developers.”

O’Malley, the Social Security Administration commissioner, said he was speaking personally.

Earlier in the week, ‘Baltimore for a New Harborplace’, a group dedicated to passage of Question F, announced that the plan had support from three former mayors: Kurt Schmoke, Jack Young and Stephanie Rawlings Blake.

In the statement, it was stated that all three helped build a better future for Baltimore and vote yes.

Mayor Brandon Scott also supports the change.

Question F, if approved, would change the city’s charter to allow development near the harbor.

Harborplace developer, MCB Real Estate, is overseen by David Bramble announced plans last year Constructing a combined residential tower with approximately 900 homes and four new buildings, including retail and commercial space.

MCB said the plan was developed following extensive public consultation and includes four acres of new accessible parkland, regenerated shoreline and more than 500 new trees.

It also includes mixed-income housing and 250,000 square feet of retail space for shopping, dining and other local businesses.

Last month, the Protect Our Parks group in Baltimore launched the ‘Vote F No’ campaign regarding the Harborplace project.

While Protect Our Parks members say redevelopment is necessary, they say it shouldn’t include subsidies for private developers.

A judge ruled in September Votes on Question F will not be counted.Stating that the wording on the ballot is very confusing.

But the state supreme court he overturned the decision I said last month that this petition for judicial review was not the right way to challenge the language of the question.