BALTIMORE, September 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the South of Baltimore 7 Coalition (SB7), a non-profit organization working on behalf of South of Baltimore communities, provided support for the Superconducting Maglev (the “Maglev”) high-speed passenger rail project and its developer, Baltimore-Washington Rapid Rail (BWRR). Specifically, SB7 supported the proposed Maglev station at the top of the Maryland Transit Administration Cherry Hill Light Rail station.
A Community Benefits Agreement is provided to detail BWRR’s activities with, and contributions to, South of Baltimore communities. The developer looks forward to working closely with communities as the federally mandated NEPA process is completed, particularly following Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) project approval and selection of cherry hill than the Baltimore station. SB7 and BWRR have committed to working together in the coming weeks on further details.
“SB7 has been successful in engaging in initiatives that deliver results in South of Baltimore —
and we want Maglev to be part of that,” said Michael Middleton, Chairman and President of the SB7 Coalition and Executive Director of the Cherry Hill Development Corporation. “We also want our government officials to support us, including the FRA who completes the federal review process and selects cherry hill for Baltimore station. This would greatly increase the attention of South of Baltimore region by generating opportunities for economic development, housing and entertainment,” he added.
“I am extremely honored by SB7’s critical support for a South of Baltimore station in cherry hillwhich will bring large-scale investment, access to approximately 200 permanent station jobs, several thousand more jobs to build and operate the service, MBE/WBE contracts, workforce development, and so much more,” said wayne rogers, Chairman and CEO of BWRR. “And I’m thrilled to be connecting with the communities represented by SB7 long before construction begins on the largest transportation infrastructure project in from Maryland the story.”
As a preferred site for BWRR, the proposed station at cherry hill builds on recent strategic decisions to attract additional resources South of Baltimore as a major destination. Notable initiatives such as Port Covington and Reimagine Middle Branch are among other projects underway that will help redefine the future of the region. When construction of the Maglev is complete, its timeline should align well with the myriad of ongoing efforts.
“Our communities are looking for great partners and great opportunities. Over the past few years, we’ve learned that the Maglev Project offers both. We can work with BWRR on issues that are important to us, like more STEM education, employment, transportation and other opportunities for our residents,” shared Pam OlivierChairman of the SB7 Transportation Committee and Director of Lakeland Community Association Partnership, Inc.
About the SB7 Coalition
The SB7 Coalition was born of an almost unparalleled partnership between six community organizations located in South of Baltimore and the private development entity which sought to build a 26-acre site across Middle Branch, Port Covington. During two years of intensive negotiations, fact-finding and consideration of best practices across the country, representatives of the communities of brooklyn, cherry hill, Curtis BayLakeland, Mount Winans, and Westport, along with representatives from the Port Covington Development Team, agreed to a framework for funding priority community projects and collaboration to advance an ongoing partnership. The resulting Community Benefits Agreement encompasses the six neighborhoods represented by their community organizations:
- Concerned Citizens for a Better Brooklyn
- Cherry Hill Community Coalition
- Curtis Bay Community Association
- Partnership with the Lakeland Community Association
- Mount Winans Community Association
- Westport neighborhood association
In the months following the execution of the Community Benefits Agreement, it became apparent that a more formal corporate structure was needed to manage the flow of funds, joint programs and fundraising efforts as well as to support member organisations. SB7 was incorporated in May 2017 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.
About Baltimore-Washington Rapid Rail
Baltimore-Washington Rapid Rail (BWRR) is an American company that is the developer of the Baltimore-Washington Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV) project. The SCMAGLEV system is the fastest ground transportation system in the world and will connect washington d.c. at Baltimore in 15 minutes. The SCMAGLEV system is a safe and transformative transportation solution that will revolutionize the way people live and work in the most congested region in the country. Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) is currently expanding its SCMAGLEV, in operation since 1998, to connect Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Learn more at www.NortheastMaglev.com
Media Contact:
Michael Middleton
410-355-1145
[email protected]
SOURCECoalition SB7
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