While I am not sure I think the Harbor Point development is a good idea for Baltimore City, and Baltimore tax payers, I do know I think a $25 million kickback for Baltimore Clergy seems fishy. Catch the full article here at the Baltimore Brew!
A group of Baltimore clergy – backed by prominent city power players – want $25 million from Michael Beatty as the price for their support of the Harbor Point development, The Brew can exclusively report.
The Brew has obtained a 12-page draft agreement of a “community benefits agreement” drawn up by the Community Churches for Community Development, a group co-founded by Rev. S. Todd Yeary, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s pastor, and Rev. Alvin C. Hathaway.
Now circulating at the highest levels of City Hall, the document calls on a range of payments and services from the Beatty organization, including Internet wireless service and fresh produce for Perkins Homes residents.
For another view on the Harbor Point development, check out the Chop's take (Spoiler Alert - they hate it!):
First things first: friend of the blog and sane, decent Baltimorean Paul Gardner has launched a petition on Change.org to voice opposition to the Harbor Point TIF. Since you are also a sane, decent Baltimorean please click over and sign it now, before you continue reading.