by William Hughes
On Thursday evening, Aug. 5, 2010, Baltimore City’s Planning Commission held a public hearing in the Benton Building, near the City Hall. The matter before the panel is officially known as “The 25th Street Station” project. Walmart, however, will be the biggest tenant in the development. It is looking to open a “93,000-square-foot store,” according to Baltimore Brew reporter, Elizabeth Suman (see: http://www.baltimorebrew.com/2010/08/05/baltimore-v-wal-mart-showdown-tonight-at-planning-commission-hearing/).

One of the witnesses testifying at the hearing was Benn Ray, a resident of Remington. He is also the President of the Hampden Village Merchants Association and co-owner of Atomic Books. Mr. Ray expressed his concerns about the “size and scope” of the project and his fear that it would “not fit in,” but “dominate” the neighborhood. Some of his other considerations can be found in Ms. Suman’s very detailed report, which is cited above.