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City Planners To Decide If Port Covington Goes Forward

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- One of the most ambitious development projects in Baltimore history is facing a crucial vote by city planners. Alex DeMetrick reports it will decide if Port Covington goes forward.

A 260-acre peninsula in South Baltimore is being pitched as a once in a lifetime chance.

Under Armour will move its headquarters to Port Covington -- after all -- it's owned by the man who is backing the development.

"This is Baltimore's front porch, and our job and our mission is making this front porch as fine and second to none as any destination in the country, in the world," said Kevin Plank, Under Armour CEO.

If Baltimore's planning commission approves a master guide for the project, which will cost $5.5 billion -- $1.1 billion of it would come from public funds. City approval would establish street grids and the first loose rules for building sizes and placement.

And while Port Covington plans businesses, homes and parks, South Baltimore is baking something more basic.

"Hopefully it can mean new jobs there, some of the unemployed can get jobs," one woman said.

Not everyone is happy with how the project is advancing. Outside Thursday's commission hearing, there is worry the plan is being fast tracked for high-end workers and homeowners.

"Yes. That's exactly what it's beginning to sound like," said Charly Carter, Maryland Working Families.

There is also worry the city will invest $535 million in project infrastructure, and not where it's needed most.

"If they're demanding $535 million for infrastructure, that means it's investments that can't go other places," said Carter.

That issue is not on the planning commission's plate. A decision to move ahead with the project is at stake.

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