Latest news with #GavinBuckley
CBS News
17-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Skyline of Annapolis's waterfront could be reshaped with proposed ordinance
A proposed ordinance in Annapolis could reshape the skyline of the historic waterfront. The change would allow taller rooftop structures along Dock Street in exchange for greener, more sustainable buildings. It also opens the door for a potential hotel project. Proposed ordinance 14-25 allows buildings along Dock Street - between Craig Street and the waterfront - to add rooftop structures like mechanical penthouses and elevator shafts that rise up to 15 feet above the city's historic 30-foot height cap. Per the current ordinance, these rooftop structures are only allowed if they're part of a green roof system and screened from public view. "The part of O-14-25 that most people are paying attention to is to change the height limits for one block in our historic district that would ultimately allow for there to be built a hotel on the site of Latitude 38," said Annapolis Alderman Harry Huntley (D- Ward 1). The ordinance is currently in committee and will go before the city council at a public meeting on July 28. Read the proposed ordinance here. Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley introduced the ordinance back in May. "Making allowances for steel towers and vestibules and elevator shafts makes the project more viable because it's such a small footprint," Buckley said. While no official plan has been submitted, the owner of Latitude 38 has shown interest in turning the restaurant into a hotel – an idea Buckley has long supported. Buckley said that a small, boutique hotel on Dock Street would be a great asset to the city. "It would bring to the city, property tax, hotel tax, sales tax, jobs, but most importantly, it would bring activation to our brand-new park," Buckley said. Huntley said he's not against the restaurant becoming a hotel, but he has heard a lot of concerns about the proposed zoning change from his Ward 1 constituents. "I think a lot of residents want to preserve the integrity of our historic district, and they just feel like it's a matter of fairness -- making sure everybody plays by the same rules," Huntley said. Huntley said he has his concerns. "We should be trying to simplify our city code, not make it more complicated," Huntley said.
CBS News
03-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Harbormaster, a downtown Annapolis staple, being demolished as City Dock project advances
The Harbormaster's building is coming down after 49 years as a staple of City Dock in downtown Annapolis, as work forward with the City Dock Resiliency Project. The City of Annapolis started demolitions this week for part of the $100 million overhaul of City Dock. The City Dock Resiliency Project includes plans for flood barriers and a raised green space. "It floods a lot, especially in the summertime," said Annapolis resident Ian Rephann. Phase 2 of the plan will include a state-of-the-art Waterfront Maritime Welcome Center connected to the historic Burtis House at the end of Prince George Street. It will also be the new home of the Harbormaster's Headquarters. The city's Historic Preservation Commission approved the plans in late February. "It'll be more attractive, and I'm sure they're going to make nice bathroom amenities for us," said Annapolis resident Chris Gload. There's no official timeline for construction on the new Maritime Welcome Center, as the project still faces some hurdles with Historic Annapolis recently filing a legal appeal citing concerns about the welcome center being attached to the historic Burtis House. Officials say the city is also waiting for FEMA to finalize a $33 million grant, which they say is crucial for the project's progression. Annapolis residents said the Harbormaster's building was a huge part of their childhood. "I worked here when I was 11 to 14," Rephann said. "I was a dock master, actually, and helped boats go around. So seeing this is kind of dramatic." Rephann said the change is bittersweet, but he's excited about what's to come at City Dock. "Change is better, in my opinion," Rephann said. "Annapolis is growing, we're a growing town." The Harbormaster's building has welcomed and accommodated boaters, tourists, and locals since 1976. Locals told WJZ it's kind of painful to see the building being demolished. "It's sad to see this building go. Hopefully, I can keep a brick or two," Rephann said. "We all expected it, but to actually see it in progress, it really makes it real," Gload added. The project is separated into two phases to protect the waterfront from flooding and create more public green space. The plan aims to combat sea level rise while transforming the area into a more pedestrian-friendly space. The plan includes flood barrier protection and raised green space with a fountain. The second phase includes a new park at the end of Prince George Street, which will be named after the late local icon Vince Leggett, founder of Blacks of the Chesapeake, according to Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. Phase 2 will also feature state-of-the-art Harbormaster Headquarters and a new Maritime Welcome Center. Annapolis Gov. Gavin Buckley said in a statement posted on social media, "It will recognize and celebrate overlooked aspects of our history; and deliver both physical and social resilience for the future." The result will be a "world-class park that serves residents, businesses, and visitors," according to the project website , and will protect the community from the impacts of frequent and more intense flooding.
