From The Banner · Giacomo Bologna,Emily Opilo,Lee O. Sanderlin · · 1m
Harborplace tax break approval mystery
Baltimore's Harborplace developer skipped formal tax break application despite city approval.
In brief
Baltimore's Harborplace developer skipped formal tax break application despite city approval. Baltimore Development Corp. approved Harborplace's tax break without formal application as required by new law. Originally reported by The Banner.
Harborplace tax break approval
Baltimore Development Corp. approved Harborplace's tax break without formal application as required by new law.
Developer submitted application
MCB Real Estate, Harborplace's developer, submitted an application for the tax break according to city officials.
City law department response
City law department confirmed no applications exist for the tax break after records request.
Board approval process
BDC board green-lit the tax break in closed session at end of August with final approval pending from Board of Estimates.
Tax break benefits
Harborplace could avoid hundreds of millions in future property taxes as it rebuilds Inner Harbor.
Developer response
MCB spokesperson declined to comment on tax break application status.
Public transparency concerns
Baltimore hospitality workers union wants job and community benefits commitments before tax break approval.
Here's the gist
Baltimore Development Corp. approved Harborplace's tax break without formal application as required by new law.
