The Daily Record News Summaries: June 6, 2008

Next up: Mulberry Street

Downtown Baltimore's West Side redevelopment effort gained momentum with the recent issue of a request for proposals by the Baltimore Development Corp. for several properties along Mulberry Street. The RFP opens up four properties -- 410 and 422 W. Mulberry St., 213 W. Mulberry St. and 210 W. Pleasant St. -- for development. The proposals, which are meant to generate interest in revitalizing the city's historic retail district, will be accepted until Sept. 22.

Tuition freeze for undergrads

The University System of Maryland will hold in-state undergraduate tuition rates steady for the third straight year under a plan approved Wednesday by the system's Board of Regents. However, many student fees will rise at many of the system's 11 universities, and out-of-state tuition will go up as well. Also, many of the system's professional schools will see higher rates this year. But state and university officials who met Wednesday at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County called the tuition freeze for the coming academic year a big step in keeping education affordable.

St. Paul Plaza's new tenant

With the relocation of the Maryland Insurance Administration from its Mount Vernon office to St. Paul Plaza, a 28-story office tower a few blocks to the south, the state agency has committed to keeping about 300 jobs in Baltimore's central business district, the building's owner said. Commercial broker Cushman & Wakefield announced Wednesday that the agency had signed a lease for 69,151 square feet, or slightly more than three floors of the building. David Kornblatt, president of The Kornblatt Co., which owns St. Paul Plaza, said the MIA's lease brings the building's occupancy rate to "98 or 99 percent."

Wind power for sale

In the state's first renewable electricity distribution contract, Delmarva Power & Light Co. has agreed to purchase wind power from Annapolis-based Synergics Wind Energy LLC, even though the company has yet to start building its turbines proposed for private land in Garrett County. Synergics is awaiting state, local and federal approval for the projects planned for Roth Rock and Four Mile Ridge. The two 20-year contracts -- one for each proposed facility -- would provide up to 100 megawatts of electricity to Delmarva's Delaware customers and help meet the state's requirements for renewable energy use. One megawatt of wind energy powers about 1,000 homes a year.

Completing Columbia

In a 30-year project that could cost up to $5.2 billion, General Growth Properties Inc. has said it would complete James Rouse's dream for the community he founded in 1967 by transforming Columbia's downtown into a vibrant, urban core. However, GGP has yet to release a detailed plan, and there are untold hurdles to cross before it would be completed. But the firm's initial proposal has warmed even some of its toughest critics. In a move harkening back to Rouse, GGP has drawn from world-renowned architects, cultural planners and environmental talents to help plan the downtown space.

Another light rail shuttle

Maryland Transit Administration passengers will have to shuttle to get to the northernmost stops on the light rail for about six weeks, beginning June 16. The MTA announced Monday that it is preparing to replace a crossing at the Warren Road stop in Baltimore County, and work there will cut off rail service to four stops: Gilroy Road, McCormick Road, Pepper Road and Hunt Valley. Shuttle buses between those stops will replace the light rail service until the $1.5 million project is complete in late July. MTA spokeswoman Jawauna Greene said the agency has enough buses available -- especially since most schools are out for the summer.

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