BioPark project fuels massive community-driven housing redevelopment in Poppleton

BALTIMORE, MD (April 21, 2005) – Mayor Martin O’Malley delighted a crowd of residents and community leaders in Poppleton this morning as he announced the City’s selection of a development team to lead a massive Westside housing redevelopment strategy. Fueled by significant investment and economic development surrounding the University of Maryland BioPark in West Baltimore, the City has been working to implement recommendations of a community plan that calls for the redevelopment of 526 properties, 316 vacant lots, 78 vacant buildings and new construction on a 13.8 acre site. Through Project 5000, the City acquired 176 of the 363 properties identified for redevelopment.

 

The development team, lead by La Cité Development, includes the Poppleton Community Development Corporation, the Village Center of Poppleton, WestPac Development, Davis Brody Bond, Banks Contracting, and equity partner Susan Taylor, editorial director of Essence Magazine.

 

“Building on the strength of the UMB BioPark, this neighborhood will join a growing list of Baltimore communities where planning and targeted acquisition are guiding and promoting investment at record levels,” said Mayor Martin O’Malley. “This effort will bring market strength back to Poppleton and provide housing opportunities for households with a wide range of incomes.”

 

“The University of Maryland, Baltimore and the UMB BioPark are delighted to see the rehabilitation of the housing in this community,” said Jane Shaab, Senior Director of Development for UMB and Vice President of the UMB BioPark. “The residents of Poppleton have the vision and the energy to partner with UMB and Baltimore City to revitalize both the economics and the livability of their neighborhood.”

 

The Poppleton community, working through Village Center of Poppleton and Empower Baltimore Management Corp., developed a plan for redevelopment of the neighborhood. The Baltimore City Council approved an urban renewal amendment last year to give City authority to acquire the properties identified.

 

Approximately 134 houses are currently occupied and will need relocation. Those households will have first option to return to new community.