Harborplace developer says Baltimore downtown crisis threatens citywide investment

David Bramble, the developer behind the Harborplace project, described Baltimore's downtown as being in crisis, warning that further deterioration could jeopardize investment across the entire city, WBFF reported.

Speaking at the RECHARGE Baltimore Housing Summit at Coppin State University, Bramble said the central business district's condition resembles a 'zombie apocalypse,' emphasizing that no thriving city has such a downtown appearance, according to WBFF.

Bramble acknowledged that the start of his waterfront redevelopment has been delayed until next year. The city is currently considering a substantial property tax incentive to support the $500 million Harborplace redevelopment, FOX45 Baltimore reported.

Baltimore is facing challenges including declining commercial property values downtown, shuttered businesses, and reduced tax revenue, which heightens concerns about the area's economic health, WBFF noted.

The developer stressed that revitalizing the Inner Harbor is critical not only for attracting visitors and residents to downtown but also for safeguarding investments in neighborhoods throughout Baltimore, FOX45 Baltimore added.