Mayor Scott Reaffirms Commitment to Equitable Neighborhood Development in Amended Land Disposition and Development Agreement

BALTIMORE, MD. (Monday, July 18, 2022) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced an amendment to the City’s Land Disposition and Development Agreement (LDDA) related to the Poppleton Redevelopment Project (Poppleton Project). The City’s Board of Estimates originally approved an LDDA for the Poppleton Project in 2006, granting redevelopment rights for 13.8 acres to La Cite Development.

Today’s announcement comes after Mayor Scott promised a project reset last summer.

"My Administration has been working hand-in-hand with the community and the developer to address ongoing concerns regarding the longstanding Poppleton Redevelopment Project," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "The advancing amendment reflects the agreed-upon outcome of negotiations, settles the debate about the N. Carrollton Avenue homes, and charts the path forward for the Sarah Ann houses."

Key provisions of the amendment to be offered during the Board of Estimates meeting on Wednesday, July 20, include:

• Removal of 319 and 321 N. Carrollton Avenue from the LDDA. The Eaddy’s will remain in their home, and those houses will not be condemned.

• Assigning the rights and obligations related to the homes on the 1100 block of Sarah Ann Street to Black Women Build – Baltimore, Inc., to lead that restoration. Those homes remain slated for future homeownership opportunities;
• Advancement of the next phase of development in Poppleton - an affordable senior housing development located at 231 N. Schroeder;
• Forward negotiations with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) regarding the parcels that will support the redevelopment and planned expansion of Poe Homes;
• And engagement of the community with respect to the development plans and the larger vision for the rest of the land.

"I want to thank the Poppleton community for using their voice and exercising patience. We know this has been a long time coming," continued Mayor Scott. "I also want to thank the developer for working with us to reach this agreement, and I welcome Black Women Build to the table as we move the Poppleton Project forward. This is a great example of the diverse partnerships necessary to advance equitable neighborhood development in tandem with the needs of our residents."

"I've been fighting to save my home for the last 18 years, fighting for development without displacement. Let's stop the misuse of eminent domain all across the state. This is a start, and I hope this is the beginning of more community involvement. Black neighborhoods matter. Poppleton matters," said Mrs. Sonia Eaddy, homeowner and President of Poppleton Now Community Association.

"Black Women Build – Baltimore is excited to restore these alley houses," said Shelley Halstead, Founder and Executive Director of Black Women Build – Baltimore. "We are honored that the City recognized our ability to get this important work done."

"I am happy with the outcome we have all achieved through working with the Administration, our neighbors, and the La Cité team to construct a win for all," said Dan Bythewood, Jr., President of La Cité Development. "La Cité looks forward to the future development of a Class A senior building, single-family homes, and additional multifamily buildings so that the successful redevelopment of the neighborhood is fulfilled."

"With this amendment, we are entering the next chapter for the Poppleton Redevelopment Project," said Housing Commissioner Alice Kennedy. "This is a chapter that will build trust, embrace community engagement, as well as refocus on increased homeownership opportunities."

This will be the fifth amendment to the Land Disposition and Development Agreement for the Poppleton Redevelopment Project since 2006.