This is assuredly NOT the obstacle to Baltimore’s revitalization. Economics is by far the biggest obstacle to revitalization, along with conservative business practices favoring suburbs, crime (real or perceived), zoning restricting location or requiring absurd parking provisions.

Neighborhoods in the City tend to rail against unusual or discrepant types or sizes of buildings. E.g.–an all rowhouse neighborhood railing against a 15 story high rise. Many neighborhoods have complained of high rise construction or proposals on the waterfront–often against the original guidelines or legal limitations for the property. Sometimes neighborhoods rally against some or any social services next door. But many simply think the project proposal has cut corners and doesn’t fit. And usually, the latter complaints don’t stop the development! Those are the developments that tend to get built!

Baltimore needs more JOBS to generate more revitalization. There’s only so much revitalizing that can be done prior to economic growth because the cash flow doesn’t exist.