As a Baltimore 80’s baby, Westside certified, I have got to get this off of my chest.

When I first heard about the plans to redevelop Baltimore's Inner Harbor, I was thrilled by the opportunity to empower local residents to lift their voices and be part of history. It's a once-in-a-generation chance for my children, parents, and grandparents to experience something together. How dope is that?

Maybe my optimistic side is speaking, but I'm convinced that the Harborplace Redevelopment Project has the potential to act as a Trojan horse for Baltimore, allowing us to create a comprehensive blueprint for citywide collaboration.

It’s an alley-oop!

I mean, who doesn't love Baltimore's Inner Harbor? Whether you're young or old, rich or poor, Black, white, or tricolored, memories of the Inner Harbor evoke feelings of pride and joy. Do you understand how rare it is to find such a unifying connection among so many different people?

That’s not something to sneeze at. As an empath, I recognize this type of energy as one that can be harnessed for the greatest good.

I woke up this morning feeling sick to my stomach with despair because the redevelopment of Baltimore’s Harbor Place is a HUGE opportunity to bring the diverse sectors of our city closer together for a common good.

It’s a project that no one person can do alone, we collectively share the credit and are responsible for any failure. That is the perfect poison for the ego. And trust me, the EGO has got to GO!

The Harborplace project should be an effort that restores the trust of a weary community that often feels unheard.

The Inner Harbor was once Baltimore’s gift to itself that the world could enjoy. I would expect that it would be that same energy and creativity used to reimagine Baltimore Inner Harbor 2.0. I don’t want to see a political war. Instead, it should be seen as a real catalyst for a positive and healthier relationship with our local community.

Honestly, I am still healing from our AFC game. My heart can’t handle my city missing another opportunity to shift our narrative and excite our people.