On Baltimore Avenue, an eminent domain battle is brewing over a few crumbling homes on the 5000 block; they're slated to be taken via eminent domain, possibly in order to make way for an expansion of the neighboring Mercy Wellness Center (which is owned by the Baltimore Avenue Redevdelopment Corporation), or possibly for other purposes. Neighbors say that the community wasn't consulted, and that they'd prefer for private development continue along Baltimore. There's a meeting tonight to discuss development of the block, hosted by the Cedar Park Neighbors, and the Baltimore Avenue Business Association.
According to an article in the Citypaper, the 5000 block of Baltimore has long been a site of possible eminent domain condemnations. Apparently, the nonprofit that owns the Mercy Wellness Center, the Baltimore Avenue Redevelopment Corporation, has a history of trying to grab properties on the block for development.
Now, though, there has been a surge of development proposals west of 50th street on Baltimore Avenue. Greensgrow farms, the successful Fishtown garden center, was contemplating opening up a second location at a lot at the corner of 51st and Baltimore, but the threat of eminent domain may jeopardize that project.
Tonight's meeting will start at 6:30PM at the People's Baptist Church at 5039 Baltimore Avenue.
· A tale of two communities? Meeting scheduled to discuss 5000 block of Baltimore Ave. [West Philly Local]
· New Development Coming to 5000 Block of Baltimore Via Eminent Domain? [Naked Philly]
· How a blighted block in West Philly has become a battleground for competing interests [Citypaper]
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