A state conservation group named Baltimore?s Charles Street corridor as the one victory in its campaign to save Maryland?s “endangered views,” but cautioned the neighborhood?s historical character is under a constant threat.
On Thursday, Scenic Maryland included Charles Street on a list of seven scenic sites at risk from over-development, underfunding and neglect, but celebrated city legislation passed earlier this month that banned skyscrapers from the neighborhood. After four years of opposition, group members and neighborhood associations successfully lobbied against a bill that would allow buildings as tall as 230 feet.
“We have a victory here to celebrate, but you know, with politics, that could always change,” said Elizabeth Buxton, executive director of Scenic Maryland.
Officials unveiled the list, part of the “Last Chance Scenic Places” program Thursday on the rooftop of the Peabody Court Hotel overlooking the same neighborhood they are working to conserve. The designation of a “last chance” place carries no legal protection, but members said they hoped to simply raise awareness.
The sites were chosen based on the presence of an immediate threat ? such as proposed billboards, cell phone towers or sprawl ? and an identifiable solution during a yearlong process. Scenic Maryland is the latest affiliate of Scenic America, which sponsors a similar program designating endangered views across the country.
Community members said the organization boosted their fight for Mount Vernon to the state level.
“When you crest Charles Street coming to Mount Vernon, there is a billion-dollar view,” said Paul Warren, vice president of the Mount Vernon-Belvedere Association. “Scenic Maryland helped established that this is not a local or community issue, but a statewide, if not national, asset.”
Warren said the community supports several projects under way, including the renovation of two historic buildings into condominiums and retail.
But he said the city?s draft master planning guide contains provisions that could threaten the character of other scenic corridors.
“We hope this sends a message to all Baltimore neighborhoods to do your homework, build a coalition,” he said. “No matter how rich and powerful the opposition may be, we can win.”
OTHER ?LAST CHANCE SCENIC PLACES?
» The Underground Railroad, Potomac-to-Doubs Route (Frederick County)
» C&O Canal and Potomac River corridor (Allegany County)
» Chincoteague Bay (Worcester County)
» St. Mary?s scenic routes (St. Mary?s County)
» Bucktown Village (Dorchester County)
» Scenic Route 40 (Allegany County)
