Public Opinion on the Sailwinds Marine Terminal Redevelopment Project

As a property owner, former resident, and former city commissioner, I would like to LOUDLY oppose any proposal that puts development of Sailwinds entirely in the hands of private developers, especially if the best they can come up with is more condominiums. In 2009 I facilitated the Waterfront 2020 design charette, and at no point during that day-long process did any of the souls gathered agree that giving away Sailwinds was a good idea. Especially in the aftermath of the Deep Harbour debacle when in 2003, Cambridge commissioners Walt Travers, Ed Watkins, and Al Atkinson, all now deceased, made a horrible decision at the goading of former Mayor Cleveland Rippons to give away the east side of Cambridge Creek to a couple of shady developers. This project closed off the waterfront with an iron gate, and clogged the land with ugly, empty, and largely valueless buildings. Instead of becoming the heart and soul of our city, our precious waterfront became an ATM for a couple of carpetbaggers, and a ghost town for us. (Needless to say, I and Commissioner Larry Bohlen argued loudly against this plan, and voted against it, but the city let three dead men determine our future). The developers never followed through with their empty promises of commercial activity on the site (SURPRISE!) and the development, with it's iron bars and "No Trespassing" signs, has done NOTHING to invigorate investment in the surrounding neighborhoods, exactly as Larry and I predicted. Sailwinds needs to be a carefully planned mixed use area, should take full advantage of the deep water pier (Cruise boat terminal? Bay tours? Visiting tall ships? Hello?) a waterfront performing arts venue, shopping and dining that complements, not compromises our downtown, and a limited number of residences that provide a vibrant place to live similar to Annapolis' waterfront area. I also support the idea that the marine industry, which supports our unique seafood and maritime economy, should b

Choptank Ave.

The city had other very good ideas on the table from other developers that it has not shared with the public. The public is tired of the city playing judge and jury with a property that should serve it's citizens not the interests of the commissioners. The city should strive to bring together all twenty community organizations and non profits to help plan what features and what portions of each feature gets final standing in any development plan. A developer that can closely match these community goals within the limits of financial efficacy gets my vote to implement. Letting a developer define this project is a mistake of the worst order and we have already made too many mistakes on Cambridge creek. Just look around.

11 years ago Featured

What draws people to Cambridge, MD now is its history and resources. An essential element of the city is its location on the water and its maritime role, currently and in the past. Let's not loose the defining maritime character of Cambridge that makes it so unique, brings in commerce and provides employment.

WE ALREADY HAVE A FLOOD OF CONDOS THAT DON'T SELL...OVER BUILT...

What's the problem with open space? Why does all the water front need to be exploited (look at OC, Miami, etc)?

11 years ago Featured

112 High Street. Area should be green space and/ or playing fields. Do nothing that will detract from Main Street. N o condos or hotels.

326 West End Ave, Cambridge MD

Please, no more condos!

NO condominiums or a hotel

Who says anything needs to be built? Tear the building down, plant grass seed, and let's just enjoy the view!!

I would like to see maritime usage as it is a deep water port and also remains fairground for public events as well as a venue music and other cultural events defiantly no condos hotels or retail

I would like to see maritime usage as it is a deep water port and also remains fairground for public events as well as a venue music and other cultural events defiantly no condos hotels or retail

I would like to see maritime usage as it is a deep water port and also remains fairground for public events as well as a venue music and other cultural events defiantly no condos hotels or retail

I would like to see maritime usage as it is a deep water port and also remains fairground for public events as well as a venue music and other cultural events defiantly no condos hotels or retail

An Ideal Location for a State-of-the-Art Music Venue,a Maritime-related Business such as a Charterboat Dock,and so on....Please--Lets go in the Right Direction here..We have been fighting More Condos for years

11 years ago Featured

I am adamantly opposed to putting a hotel, residential units and/or retail on the Sailwinds property. The City needs to focus on improving and revitalizing the historic downtown before selling-out the waterfront to a developer.

I am not in favor of a Hotel and or Condos at the Sailwinds Property in Cambridge, MD

KEEP SAILWINDS

No more condos...save this area!!