Ronald Kreitner is the executive director of WestSide Renaissance Inc., a Baltimore nonprofit formed in 2000 to lead a collaborative effort to revitalize downtown Baltimore?s westside district.
Before his post as executive director of WestSide Renaissance, Kreitner served as the director of the Maryland Office of Planning from 1989 to 2000.
Last week, the Baltimore Development Corp. unveiled plans for a retail, residential and office development in an area bounded by the recently renovated Stewart?s Building on the west, Park Avenue on the east, West Clay Street on the north and West Lexington Street on the south.
Kreitner spoke to The Examiner about the development plans.
What has WestSide Renaissance?s role been in the Superblock development?
We?ve had involvement with the [Superblock developer] Weinberg Foundation in developing some general plans, working with the foundation.
What was your impression of the Superblock plan unveiled last week?
The plan represents a very bold vision for the north side of Lexington Street, and it is very consistent with the Weinberg Foundation?s and the Cordish Co.?s plans for the overall Superblock. The challenge there is to bring significant activity to Lexington Streetand to bring a population to the area that is residential- and job-based.
What effect will the proposed development have on the area?
The proposal they put forth would produce a significant number of people walking along Lexington Street. The proposal provides retail access at the ground level and that?s very key to achieving the synergy we?re looking for.
