The debate over the controversial overhaul of Harborplace stretched all the way to Annapolis on Wednesday as the state’s highest court heard arguments about the legality of a referendum that would allow the massive project to move forward.
The Maryland Supreme Court heard debate over topics ranging from the legalities of zoning and land use to even the timing of the release of the referendum. The court is expected to quickly rule on the matter as the Nov. 5 General Election approaches.
As of now, Question F on all city ballots has been voided based on a Sept. 16 ruling by Anne Arundel Circuit Court Judge Cathleen M. Vitale who declared the city charter referendum unconstitutional and poorly written. The judge’s ruling was appealed last month by the city and the Maryland Board of Elections.
For nearly an hour and a half Wednesday, the high court heard arguments from a group of city residents who oppose the referendum — and a defense of the question by the Maryland Attorney General and the city law office. The spirited debate was held in an ornate, wood-paneled courtroom weeks before the election as anxious officials from Harborplace developer MCB Real Estate and a group of 30 Baltimore residents looked on.
