$18 million deal approved for Barclay revitalization
Board of Estimates also approves $11 million for new offices for prosecutors
October 10, 2012 | Baltimore Sun
Baltimore, MD (October 10, 2012) – The city’s spending panel approved an $18 million loan agreement on Wednesday to turn hundreds of vacant houses and lots in North and East Baltimore into new and rehabbed homes.
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said the development will breathe new life into the neighborhoods of Barclay, Midway and Old Goucher “after years of neglect.”
City housing officials chose Telesis Corp. in 2006 to build about 325 rental units and owner-occupied homes in neighborhoods between Charles Village and Station North. The $85 million plan, which could take a decade to complete, targets city-owned vacant and rundown rowhouses and lots for redevelopment. The funding approved Wednesday will help build the second phase of the project, officials said.
The company has completed 80 homes in the area.
“The goal is to try to bring in fresh blood and place them in good houses,” said Brad Schlegel, who handles public relations for the Barclay-Midway-Old Goucher Coalition. “These houses are very well built, and the rehabs are even nicer. People who drive through will see good things happening.”
Much of the $18 million deal — $13 million — comes in the form of tax incentives from a federal low-income housing program. PNC Bank is contributing $1.2 million and the state and city about $2 million each in loans.