There is a big sign for the demolition company "The Berg Corp" posted in front of 817, 819, 821, and 823 Druid Lake Park Drive right across from the reservoir in Druid Hill Park. Below are photos from this winter of 819, 821, and 823 Druid Lake Park Drive.
All four houses are owned by a bankrupt so-called developer according to SDAT, but the rumor floating around is that the city now controls the destiny of these houses and they want all four of them gone. Right next to these four houses is the empty city-owned lot where a large condo building was supposed to be built (the building was never built because the federal government insists that only low income housing can be built there for the next decade or so). If the city is really behind the potential demolition of these historic structures then one would have to think that they want to expand the lot where the condos will one day be built. Maybe this is a way of getting around the low income housing restriction? Who knows? What I do know is that there is no way that 823 Druid Lake Park Drive should be knocked down. As of 2006 there was a person living (illegally) in that building. It could easily be fixed up and brought back to its former glory. It is the end house in the top photo.
The city forces residents of historic neighborhoods to abide by strict rules concerning the appearances of their homes. At any property in the city you need a permit to do just about anything. Why does this demolition project appear to be fast-tracked and totally unregulated? What is going on here and how can we stop 823 Druid Lake Park Drive from being destroyed?
Comments
One of these houses is where Art used to live!
This is their way of getting around regulations. Because they misuse and misspend gov't federal money and get caught that is why the tax payer has to pay the government back for their misques and they raise the rates. Also Adam that property is being eyed by some big developer because the city and some inside speculators are rebuilding around that area but they don't want WELFARE HOUSING in a money rich scenic area.
I believe that these buildings used to belong to one of Vito Simone's companies, but I may be mistaken.
Adam, I'm usually on your side about the issues, but really, we don't need more low income housing in this "hood". If tearing down these buildings lets them build expensive condos, then i'm all for it. The location across form the lake is fantastic, they would have great views. Lastly, fixing up these buildings would be a nightmare- they are shells at this point.
LMason,
I do not want low income housing for that plot of land! I think it is horrible that the Federal Government through HUD is holding up the development of the current empty lot on Druid Lake Drive. Te Developer that was selected for that plot of land is no good also and most likely their "High end Condo" would quickly become crappy rentals. My post is about protecting the historical houses. I strongly believe that 825 Druid Lake Drive can be saved. I would much rather have it there than a parking lot for a high rise development that may not be built until 2019 or so.
So there's no real argument between anyone here, just bad rules forced upon the city. This could be one of the most beautiful areas in Baltimore (minus the traffic noise), and new buildings there could transform the city. It's a shame.
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