So, despite the pretty design, the plan as presented denies the Charles Village community a basketball court and playground by presumptively, and presumably illegally, annexing property to Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle School private property (owned by CSX Railroad) and leased by Baltimore City for use by the entire community. Note the three "New Gates" (by the way, there are none of these gates there presently so the wording "New Gates" is misleading) which could close all concourse and entrance from 26th and St. Paul St. through to N. Calvert St.; (which is fenced off) during and after school is in session. The public has a right to pass through this byway, to play basketball during the day even when school is in session, and to bring their children to utilize the swings and other children's play equipment at any time allowed under City playground rules. This access simply should not be allowed to be closed to the community.
Are the proponents of this plan so desperate to increase the footprint of a small school, Margaret Brent, that they think they can merely fence off a public street/byway and public playground facilities?
Remember when considering this issue that this property is not property of Baltimore City Public Schools, but property that was dedicated to the community in the 1970's by Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke. We question the legality of the proponents imposing their ideas on a community that demands access to their playground and byway. And removes a large public sculpture from the community as evidenced by its absence in the "Conceptual Plan" below:
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