Episode #14: Interview with Nan Rohrer, Vice President of Baltimore City’s Downtown Partnership

On 11.23.09, In Downtown Development, By thebaltimorerapport

Downtown Partnership

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Podcast length: 14 min., 19 sec.

It’s hard not to notice how much Baltimore’s downtown has changed in the last decade: new buildings (Hilton Hotel), new tenants Cubellis, Inc., Key Risk…we even have a whole new neighborhood (Harbor East). These changes have done more than just reshape the city’s skyline– in fact, they reflect a more business-friendly Charm City.

If you like the new vibe downtown has taken-on, then you can thank Baltimore’s Downtown Partnership, a non-profit corporation that aims to create a hospitable community for businesses, property owners, residents, employees, and visitors . As the overseer of the Downtown Management Authority, the Downtown Partnership delivers a range of services that make Baltimore an attractive city to run a business. And by all accounts, it’s done a pretty amazing job.

To find out more about the great work of the Downtown Partnership, the Rapport talked to Nan Rohrer, Vice President of Economic Development and Planning. Nan shared her incomparable knowledge of Baltimore’s economic landscape during a great discussion which touched upon a variety of topics, including the social and economic value of new developments, the effect of public transportation on neighborhood transformation, and the future of development in Baltimore. Listen in to Nan for some knowledge, y’all.

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Episode #12: Taking A Stand Against Baltimore’s Vacant Homes – Mike Mitchell Speaks to The Rapport.

On 10.23.09, In Community Activism, By thebaltimorerapport

habitat

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Podcast length: 14 min., 54 sec.

Owning a home is the American Dream, and no one brings that dream to life better than Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake. For more than 25 years, Habitat has worked with its partner families to build hundreds of affordable homes in and around Baltimore. Demanding nothing more than the sweat-equity of its partner families and the repayment of a 0% interest, no-profit mortgage, Habitat is leading the effort to alleviate the lack of affordable housing in our city.

habitat 3

Spearheading that effort is Habitat’s CEO Mike Mitchell. Mike stopped-in to talk with the Rapport about a variety of topics, including his thoughts Baltimore’s affordable housing dearth and the need for increased code enforcement to prevent neighborhood blight. Mike also gave us the scoop on Habitat’s latest endeavor: the recent construction of nine environmentally-friendly, modular homes in East Baltimore.

This podcast is a must listen for anyone interested in the future of affordable housing in Baltimore.

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Episode #11: Baltimore City Soccer Stadium? Mayor’s Chief of Staff Speaks with The Rapport!

On 10.19.09, In Baltimore Soccer Stadium, By thebaltimorerapport

stadium

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Podcast length: 9 min., 15 sec.

As more Baltimoreans check-in with The Rapport, we’ve been lucky to expand our podcast guest offerings.  Last Friday afternoon, The Rapport spoke with the Baltimore Mayor’s Chief of Staff, Demaune Millard, about the City’s request to study the feasibility of a soccer stadium in Baltimore.  When 71,203 fans showed up at M&T Bank Stadium over the summer to watch famed Champion’s League rivals AC Milan and Chelsea FC play an exhibition soccer match, Mayor Sheila Dixon took notice.  Prince George’s County Council recently blocked the stadium proposal in its jurisdiction, and D.C. United has exhibited clear intentions that the organization would like to relocate from it’s current home at RFK Stadium.  The Sun reported on the City’s request two weeks ago, and we checked in with Mr. Millard to learn of any new updates and to get details on the possibilities.

Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Demaune Millard

Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Demaune Millard.

The response, while leaning positive among Baltimoreans, has garnered mixed opinions from the community.  Some argue that Baltimore has bigger issues on which to focus.  Others, though, posit that stadium construction would bring economic development and new jobs to the city.  Here at The Rapport, we’ve approached the issue with cautious optimism.  To learn more, we asked Mr. Millard about the following:

  • The background behind the request to the Stadium Authority
  • The potential locations for the stadium
  • The possibility of renaming D.C. United
  • The effect of a potential stadium build on community redevelopment

So, listeners of The Rapport, what do you think?  Would Baltimore benefit from a new multi-use stadium?  Let us know in the poll and comments below.  Regardless, If you’re a Baltimore soccer fan hoping for a franchise to come this way, then this interview is a must-listen!

Is building a multi-use/soccer stadium in Baltimore City a good idea?

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