Study Commissioned To Find Ways To Improve Downtown Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Has the Inner Harbor lost its edge? A new study is now being conducted to find ways to improve the downtown area.
Meghan McCorkell has more on the changes that could be coming.
Officials say the harbor needs to be revitalized in order to attract tourists and keep locals coming back.
It's supposed to be the city's playground but some think the Inner Harbor has gotten a little rusty.
"We love coming down here just to walk around the harbor," said tourist Lauren Kutz.
The promenade is now 40 years old.
"It's the icon for our region. It's a source of pride for Baltimore and for Maryland," said Laurie Schwartz, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore.
Schwartz's organization, along with the Greater Baltimore Committee, have hired a design firm to study ways to revitalize the harbor.
"We're looking at an overall kind of facelift--the lights, the bricks, the benches," Schwartz said.
They'll also focus on problem spots, like beautifying parts of Harborplace that face the street and finding more uses for Rash Field.
Another trouble spot being looked at: pedestrian access to the Inner Harbor, particularly from McKeldin Square.
The groups also hope to add more green space, like parks and playgrounds.
"Especially parks for the kids that they could play around and stuff. That would be awesome for the city," said Baltimore resident Sterling Tate.
The study will include the entire seven mile promenade stretching from Fells Point all the way to Locust Point.
Plans are expected to be complete by the fall. Then officials will look for both government and private funding.
The Waterfront Partnership will have a survey to get your feedback on the Inner Harbor up on their website by the end of the week. To access that, click here.
