First class.  Every aspect of the redevelopment of the Pimlico Race Course site must meet that standard.  My leadership kept the Preakness at Pimlico.  I will continue to work on behalf of all of the track’s neighbors as this project progresses.

The firms chosen to prepare the architectural and engineering plans for the race track and the clubhouse, which will also serve as a community center, are first class.  Ayers Saint and Gross is a local firm that  specializes in work for colleges, universities, and cultural facilities, including the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus. Populous, its partner, has done work at Churchill Downs and Ascot, the leading racing facility in England.

Sports wagering is coming to Maryland.  When House Bill 940 was introduced, this would have been permitted at Pimlico only on live racing days. This was expanded to year-round wagering, as I worked with the community and my 41^st District colleagues, Senator Jill P. Carter and Delegates Dalya Attar and Tony Bridges.

A community compact ensures that the neighborhoods surrounding Pimlico will be consulted about the redevelopment.  I worked with residents and the City government to bring this about.

I work with my 41^st District colleagues on many issues, especially those that affect the neighborhoods we represent.  The list below demonstrates the diverse needs and interests of these communities.

• The Poly-Western complex and Cross Country Elementary/Middle School will be modernized under the 21st Century Schools program. What will be the future use of the Grove Park Elementary School, the Roland Patterson Middle School, and the Westside Skills Center?
• The learning that takes place inside our schools took a great step forward with the enactment and funding of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The BOOST scholarship program for students in private and parochial schools was funded at Governor Hogan’s requested level of $10 million.  All of our students deserve a quality education.
• Planning for major improvements to the Mary Rodman Recreation Center is nearly completed.
• A problem bar in the Irvington neighborhood will now close at 9 p.m., instead of 2 a.m. under House Bill 256.
• The intersection at Northern Parkway and Falls Road is dangerous. I brought about a study of possible improvements.  The question now: how to fund those changes.

Federal money from the American Rescue Plan will be a significant source for capital projects, as would the Biden infrastructure plan.  My colleagues and I have already begun working on securing that assistance for worthy initiatives in the 41^st District.

A $25 million lawsuit was filed against the residents of Clipper Mill by a developer after they testified against his proposal at the Planning Commission.  Fells Point residents were threatened with a similar suit by a restaurant after they signed a petition opposing the renewal of its liquor license.

These abuses of the legal process are called Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation – SLAPP suits.  You shouldn’t live in fear of these actions if you get involved in your community.  The bill I introduced would remove the requirement that the people being sued demonstrate to a judge that these suits were filed in “bad faith.”  House Bill 308 passed the House but was not voted on in the Senate.  I will reintroduce it next year.