A ballot question needed for the proposed revitalization of Baltimore’s Harborplace was ruled to be in violation of the Maryland Constitution on Monday by a circuit court judge, a turn that comes after ballot printing has already begun.
The decision issued by Anne Arundel County Judge Cathleen Vitale from the bench found that the proposal, which would amend the city’s charter to allow for residential development and off-street parking along the Inner Harbor, was not “proper charter material.” Vitale also found the wording of the proposed ballot question was indiscernible for the average city resident.
Vitale said the ballot question can remain on ballots this fall, but the results of question will not be certified. She denied a request from challengers to conceal the results of the question.
The Supreme Court of Maryland may be asked to hear an appeal of the case. The timeline for that decision is relatively short. Ballots are due to be sent to Maryland voters beginning Sept. 23. An attorney representing the Maryland State Board of Elections said he could not comment on the case Monday.
The challenge was brought by former mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah on behalf of a group of 20 city residents. The group argued the wording of the question is confusing and misleading. Vignarajah made a secondary argument that the question was not a permissible amendment to the charter. Amendments must adjust the form and function of city government.
The ballot question, known as Question F, is needed to clear the way for an ambitious proposal from Baltimore developer MCB Real Estate to replace the aging shopping and dining pavilions on the city’s waterfront. Led by Baltimore native P. David Bramble, the group hopes to build four taller, mixed-use buildings, including a conjoined tower stretching 32 stories. MCB’s plan calls for 900 apartments and office space on the site along with a large new park space, a two-tier promenade and realigned roadways.
A representative for MCB said the company would have no comment following the ruling.
