The Port Covington development took another big step forward Thursday, with the city Planning Commission unanimously approving the master plan that outlines a street grid, parks, building heights and transit aspirations for the South Baltimore area.
The vote came after about two hours of testimony, in which opponents faulted the developer and city leaders for failing to consider ways to ensure the project includes economically and racially integrated housing and supporters praised the opportunities presented by the estimated $5.5 billion investment.
The project is controversial because Sagamore Development, which is owned by Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank, has said it wants $1.1 billion in public financing and grants to help build the streets, parks, sewers and other infrastructure in the area, an underused, largely industrial zone south of Federal Hill and Interstate 95.
“If Mr. Plank’s going to do this on his own, fine, but if Baltimore is going to sink its financial health into this, this must be visionary,” said Dr. Gwen DuBois, an internist at Sinai Hospital who lives in Mount Washington.
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