Chris Riehl - Baltimore Personality

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween! Do you know spooky significance of these two Baltimore sites?

10/31/2024

Congrats to the World Series champion L.A. Dodgers!

10/30/2024

My thoughts on Question F and the future of the Inner Harbor -

Baltimore doesn't exist without the water. Since long before 1729 when this land was inhabited by the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples, our history, heritage, culture, cuisine, economy, and recreation have all sprung from the Patapsco River.

The Inner Harbor is our city’s front porch. What was once a working cargo terminal, was transformed more than 40 years ago into an internationally renowned entertainment district. Now this bit of Baltimore is poised to transform yet again, and just as it was in the late 1970s when James Rouse was pitching his festival marketplace idea, not everyone agrees on the best way forward.

First, it's important to address how we got here in the first place. Out of state management of the Harborplace pavilions was an unmitigated disaster. Longtime local retail tenants were either priced out or left because of poor maintenance. They were replaced by national chains with no connection to Baltimore, and soon even they couldn’t tolerate the dilapidated conditions. Harborplace continued to deteriorate as bankruptcy and receivership cases slowly worked their way through the court system. Nothing could be done until the process was completed and we all watched with sadness and frustration as our once vibrant jewel faded into a ghost town.

After years of uncertainty a developer with local ties has stepped in with a bold new vision for the Inner Harbor. One that will expand public space, reconfigure dangerous and inefficient traffic patterns, and inject a needed shot of vitality into Baltimore. At long last there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel. But rather than embrace and celebrate this new chapter, many are digging in their heels and staunchly opposing it. The main sticking point for most opponents seems to be the inclusion of two residential towers in the Inner Harbor footprint that would require voter-approved zoning adjustments.

There are good people who love Baltimore and have the city’s best interest at heart who oppose this development but I believe they are misguided. Residential units would certainly change the dynamic of the waterfront, but I believe they would do so in a positive way. The most successful cities have a strong population base and vibrant tourism economy. Baltimore already has incredible tourism assets, but our population has been dwindling. So let’s give people an exciting new reason to not just visit Baltimore but to live in Baltimore! The proposed Inner Harbor development would do both. Additionally, new residential units would also ease the burden on an already stressed housing market, ultimately making housing more affordable across the board.

Many fear that these residential towers will restrict public access to the waterfront, but there's no reason to believe that would be the case. On the contrary MCB’s plans create additional green space, a new amphitheater for public events and performances, and unobstructed sight lines to the shoreline at street level; far more welcoming than current pavilions that block the waterfront view.

People are the lifeblood of any city and a healthy community requires residents who live there 24/7, not just visitors. The more, the better! So let’s move forward and grow together! The USS Constellation, the Science Center, the Aquarium, and the World Trade Center aren’t going anywhere. On the contrary, those beloved attractions and our public waterfront promenade will be reinvigorated as new residents and new businesses, new artists, and new entertainers, Baltimoreans all, populate the landscape.

Vote yes on Question F and a better future for Baltimore!

10/06/2024

It’s ANOTHER beautiful day in Baltimore and we’re back for day 2 of The International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards! Come join us!

10/05/2024

It’s a beautiful day in ! Come down and celebrate at The International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards!

10/05/2024

Come on down! I’ll be emceeing and am looking forward to introducing such amazing talents!

10/01/2024

Big week in Baltimore! O's and Poe!

Fox45 previews Baltimore's spooky Poe Fest weekend, from dances to movies.

09/25/2024

They did indeed! Merry Clinchmas Birdland!

09/20/2024

Let’s keep it going!

09/19/2024

Today feels like a good day to start a winning streak!

09/17/2024

Thanks to Voyage Baltimore magazine for this interview and the opportunity to share my story!

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Riehl Hi Chris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? As one born and raised in Baltimore, I’ve always taken enormous pride in our city and I’ve always loved telling our stories to anyone who would listen. In […...

09/16/2024

Didn’t get the win, but it was still a beautiful day in Baltimore! Thanks to Lori and everyone at Academy Bus for the tickets! You always make us feel like VIPs!

09/14/2024

On September 14, 1814 Francis Scott Key asked a question: “O say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave?” 210 years later, the answer is still yes.

08/30/2024

Oooh! This handsome Ravens tailgate tote can be yours when you make a contribution to support quality programming on Maryland Public Television! (I’m still incapable of looking normal in a freeze frame)

08/25/2024

Very demure, very mindful