Battle over construction of AI institute heads to court
A legal battle has begun in Baltimore regarding the construction of Johns Hopkins University's Data Science and AI Institute. Residents' group Sacred Parks and Waterways has appealed a decision by the Baltimore City Board of Estimates, alleging violations of the Open Meetings Act. The group seeks to rescind the construction approval, which could halt work, while Johns Hopkins has moved to dismiss the case.
The construction of Johns Hopkins University's Data Science and AI Institute in Baltimore is facing a legal challenge. Attorneys for the group Sacred Parks and Waterways have filed an appeal against a December 17 decision by the Baltimore City Board of Estimates, which approved an agreement for work in the public right-of-way. The appeal alleges that the Board violated the Open Meetings Act by concealing the substance of its public meeting and by publishing a misleading agenda, thus denying the public meaningful participation.
Christina Devereux, an attorney with the Community Law Center, questioned whether the board was required to disclose the agreement's details, location, and scope beforehand. Residents in the Remington and Hampden neighborhoods, represented by Sacred Parks and Waterways, report daily disruptions including loud noise, limited parking, and flooding concerns due to the construction. Ijeoma Enemanna, communications director for the Community Law Center, emphasized the importance of equitable development and community voice.
The Baltimore City Circuit Court is scheduled to hear the appeal. If granted, the appeal could lead to greater transparency and potentially rescind the approval, thereby halting construction on Remington Avenue. Johns Hopkins University has filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the Board of Estimates' process was standard and that the court lacks jurisdiction.