Debate in Baltimore Over Waterfront Condo

"Debate over the project is triggered partly by neighborhood concerns that development along Key Highway has blocked access to and views of the water."

"Mayor Sheila Dixon jumped into the fray last year, withdrawing a similar zoning amendment favorable to HarborView and promising to provide public, open space near the development - an assurance she reiterated last week.

"We're not losing sight on that," Dixon said, arguing that opponents should not view the advancing zoning proposal as undermining her earlier promise. "I think the community is going to be extremely pleased."

The original design for the 26-story tower, Pinnacle II, was more monolithic and wide, obscuring more of the waterfront. The new design calls for the tower to be separated 100 feet from the 17-story Pinnacle I - which would appear to help maintain a sight line to the water. The plan also calls for retail along Key Highway to avoid the wall-like development that has taken place in the past."