The open space plan put forth by the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore demonstrates the potential for downtown renewal in every city in America that needs to become more walkable and livable.
"Enhancing the network of open spaces in Baltimore is only one part of a new vision for the city's future growth, which will also include multi-use destinations anchored around fresh, local food. Today, PPS' Markets team visits Baltimore to focus on the creation of a 'healthy food hub' in the Northeast Market that builds on PPS' 2005 work there. The Northeast Market can serve as a model for Baltimore's other food market halls to become as anchors to healthy food systems and vital communities."
Comments
Let's take a walk
Open space has always been an important tool for channeling growth, as it signifies both connectivity and also division, separation, or buffering where needed. The current interest in healthy food is an interesting addition to the mix. Downtown Baltimore certainly could use more attention to place-making away from the touristy harbor area. Like many downtowns, the food choices there seem somewhat limited to tried-and-true office workers lunch favorites, mostly fried and filling. Maybe local healthy food would be just the thing to get people out walking to noteworthy destinations, such as the market.