Growing up in Northwest Baltimore, I used to drive by Cross Keys on my way to City College and Memorial Stadium.

This week, I was asked to speak at a ceremony dedicating the gate house to Jim Rouse, the developer of Cross Keys.

Mr. Rouse was also the developer of Harborplace and the city of Columbia.

In my remarks, I spoke of being on the 21^st floor of the World Trade Center this past Saturday and viewing all of the development that has taken place in the more than 40 years since it was built.

“Jim Rouse must have looked out upon the Inner Harbor and envisioned Harborplace,” I said.  “Others may have doubted his vision, but he said, ‘Why not?’”

This week, I met in Violetville Park with constituents and officials from Baltimore City Recreation and Parks to discuss renovation of the site.

Violetville is a new part of the 41^st District, after redistricting.

Until now, I had only seen the park from an Amtrak train.

I am working on both of these projects with my 41^st District colleagues, Senator Jill Carter, Delegates Dalya Attar and Tony Bridges.

Hard work.  Real results.