BALTIMORE, Jan. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today State Center LLC, developer of the transformational project in West Baltimore, filed a lawsuit against the State of Maryland calling on Governor Hogan to honor his commitment to the City of Baltimore, and move forward with the existing plan to redevelop State Center.
The lawsuit, filed for specific performance, asks the State to maintain its contractual agreement to develop State Center, creating thousands of jobs and a vibrant, mixed-use community with new offices for more than 3,000 State employees, residences and retail.
"The City of Baltimore has waited 10 years too long for this fully vetted and shovel-ready project to begin," said Michael Edney, legal representative of State Center LLC. "Today's legal action affirms our commitment to a project that is undeniably good for the people of Baltimore."
The project, developed at the request of the State, is a public private partnership which, despite 10 years of planning and approvals, support from the community, and sign off from two State administrations, was rejected by the Board of Public Works last month, led by Governor Hogan.
"We could begin moving on this shovel-ready project in a mere 60 days, creating over 20,000 new jobs in the community," said Caroline Moore, lead developer of the State Center project. "This is about enabling the community of West Baltimore and getting shovels in the ground. Let's not let years of more blight depress this neighborhood when we could fix the problem today."
"The developer proactively tried to work with Governor Hogan to adjust the project as needed to keep things moving and to make sure all interests were aligned. The Governor never once told the developer any change he required. Sadly, we have to conclude the Governor was never interested in moving forward this revitalization of Baltimore and all the jobs that would come with it," added Edney. "The Governor is putting politics above jobs and growth and neglecting the City of Baltimore."
About State Center LLC
State Center LLC was selected by the State of Maryland in 2006 to redevelop State Center, the aging 28-acre State office campus located at the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Eutaw Street in West Baltimore. Led by Baltimore-based developer Ekistics LLC, the proposed development will transform State Center into a vibrant, mixed-use community with offices for more than 3,000 State employees, residences and retail. For more information about the State Center redevelopment project, visit www.statecenter.org.
Contact: Jackie Zupsic, jzupsic@tuskstrategies.com
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SOURCE State Center LLC
