DELINEATING AN INTEGRATED, MULTIFACETED LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR FOR NORTHEAST BALTIMORE CITY

Abstract

Limited transit options not only impact individual residents but also relate to the economic development opportunities of a community. Growth patterns have separated people from the goods and services they require. During the past two decades, numerous metropolitan areas in the United States have embraced the concept of transit-oriented development (TOD) as a means to control and manage the negative environmental and social impacts of dispersed growth. TOD supports the creation of more concentrated mixed-use activity nodes connected by high-quality public transportation. The city of Baltimore, Maryland, is currently served by one heavy rail line (the Metro) and one light rail line (Central Light Rail Line), in addition to commuter rail service (MARC train) connecting to Washington, D.C. The combined Baltimore transit system now provides limited service to city residents; however, many socioeconomic groups are ill-served due to inadequate or nonexistent linkages to their neighborhoods. As Baltimore begins to expand its transit network, TOD principles are being explored as potential catalysts for neighborhood economic growth. This paper presents the findings of a 2-year research project that defined community-based criteria for decision-making for the provision of light rail into underserved areas of Baltimore, Maryland, and delineated key areas along the light rail corridor to promote economic development opportunities, increase visual character, and strengthen community linkages. The research defined the guiding principles and strategies, hence, the framework in which a light rail line that is a clean, quiet, fast, and efficient mode of urban transportation, and that is likely to attract a diverse ridership, can be developed in Baltimore.

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