Waste Facility Plan Clouds Future of Baltimore’s ‘Founding River’
For decades, concerned Baltimore residents have battled to restore and safeguard the Jones Falls, a long-neglected stream flowing through the city’s core before reaching the Inner Harbor. Known by some as Baltimore’s “founding river,” the Jones Falls powered mills in the 1800s, shaping the city’s growth around it.
However, the river became heavily polluted and overwhelmed with stormwater runoff. By the early 1900s, city leaders decided to bury the remaining open sections of the stream beneath downtown streets and buildings.
Today, the 18-mile waterway still faces challenges from sewage overflows, stormwater pollution, and litter. There are ambitious plans to transform the Lower Jones Falls Valley into a park that would attract wildlife and visitors.
These hopes were recently clouded when city officials announced plans to relocate a trash and recycling drop-off center to Falls Road, just steps from the waterway. This decision sparked strong opposition from environmentalists, community leaders, and nearby residents.
They warned the facility’s proximity would damage the falls and create unsafe conditions for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts who frequent the area.
Author’s summary: The proposed relocation of a waste facility near Baltimore’s Jones Falls threatens long-term restoration efforts, raising concerns from the local community and environmental advocates.