Historic District Faces Development Pressure

Brew reporting has closely chronicled the pitched battle between developers and residents of the city's historic Clipper Mill neighborhood. In 2019, we broke the story of a developer's surprise demolition of two 1840s stone houses. In 2020, as The Brew first reported, he had another nasty surprise for them - a $25 million lawsuit against residents who spoke out against one of his projects at a meeting. One aspect of our close coverage of this saga: holding city agencies accountable for handling a politically-connected businessman's projects without fear or favor.

Schenuit building, slated to be torn down for a self-storage facility, collapses

Developers of the factory, site of one of Baltimore’s oldest textile mills, won an exemption that allows them to demolish the building without a preservation review.

Planning Commission keeps residents “on mute” during public hearing

It’s not the first time the Planning Commission has muted citizens. Meanwhile, Clipper Mill developer Larry Jennings meets with Nick Mosby at a Baltimore County Starbuck’s.

Planning Commission to meet once again about Larry Jennings’ Woodberry plans

Will the $25 million lawsuit by the Baltimore developer – and mayoral advisor – have a chilling effect on the residents he sued for speaking out?

Larry Jennings to appeal dismissal of $25 million suit against Clipper Mill residents

Mayor Brandon Scott defends his appointment of the developer to serve on his transition team.

Developer Larry Jennings loses his $25 million suit against Clipper Mill residents

Lawyer for defendants hails the ruling as an affirmation of freedom of speech at public hearings.

Larry Jennings talks and Baltimore’s preservation commission balks

The developer’s apartment project seemed headed for CHAP approval – the staff had recommended it. But then Jennings turned the hearing into a personal grievance session – and the meeting went off script.

CHAP turns down apartment building proposed for Woodberry

In a surprise decision, CHAP overrules its staff and rejects Larry Jennings’ Clipper Road project.

More apartments proposed in the Woodberry historic district

The developer who ripped down the millworker stone houses in Woodberry is seeking CHAP approval for another building on Clipper Road.

Clipper Mill court hearing lifts veil on developer’s tactics to keep residents in line

“What I was trying to do was force issues, intimidate and force people to run up costs,” says the attorney for developer Larry Jennings.

Freedom of speech at issue in today’s Clipper Mill court hearing

Residents will ask the court to dismiss developer Larry Jennings’ lawsuit seeking $25 million in damages for speaking out at public meetings.

As Woodberry becomes a historic district, a key historic site is targeted for demolition

Replacing the factory with a self-storage building is made possible by an amendment from the district’s councilman.

Clipper Mill developer Larry Jennings files $25 million lawsuit against residents who testified against his projects

Critics have cited zoning law and the developer’s character. He says they gave up their right to object when they signed the deed or lease to their residence.

Developer lacks approvals, but city issues building permit anyway

Despite a court order, Larry Jennings, a very well-connected developer, gets the permits he wants from Baltimore’s housing department.

Judge invalidates city approval of Woodberry townhouse project

Residents have been challenging Baltimore developer Larry Jennings’ efforts to build 30 townhouses in Clipper Mill.

Katherine Jennings acquires another property in Woodberry

Developer tells the community association she has no current plans to incorporate the vacant building into her proposed Woodberry Station complex.

Planning Commission supports making Woodberry a local historic district

The virtual meeting goes smoothly, for the most part, with nearly 30 people giving testimony remotely.

Coming from the Council: A bill to make Woodberry a historic district

Also to be introduced tonight: Charter amendment to change the makeup of the City Council and tax credits for UMB’s BioPark.

At risk for demolition, Tractor Building gets temporary protection

Move by Baltimore’s CHAP preservation panel protects the 104-year-old Woodberry structure, which is being eyed for redevelopment.

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Residents take city to court over Woodberry townhouse approval

Residents allege plan requires City Council review; No comment from developer Larry Jennings on Circuit Court appeal.

After losing two historic dwellings, Woodberry moves closer to becoming a historic district

To the disappointment of Clipper Mill property owners, the preservation board leaves the fate of the Tractor Building up in the air.

Property owners accuse Mayor Young of favoring a project associated with his campaign treasurer

Martin Cadogan is a principal behind a 100-unit apartment building that would greatly alter the historic Tractor Building at Clipper Mill.

Planning Commission okays Clipper Mill project after residents unload about developer’s “character”

After hearing tales of broken promises and bad attitude, the panel gives Larry Jennings the approval he sought – plus a gentle rebuke for “not being a very good neighbor.”

Property owners vote 99 to 41 to make Woodberry a historic district

An effort to designate a “hot” real estate market for historic protection is opposed by one person at CHAP hearing – developer Larry Jennings.

A look at what may replace razed millworkers’ houses in Woodberry

“It looks like a public storage facility!” So says a resident about the building unveiled by developer Katherine Jennings to replace the historic stone houses knocked down in May.

Katherine Jennings sets her sights on another property in Woodberry

Fresh from the teardown of historic stone houses on Clipper Road, a controversial developer is preparing to build on a nearby lot.

Commercial under consideration to work on new development in Woodberry

Politically-wired contractor may soon be tackling a housing project that, skirts the zoning code, an attorney for nearby residents says.

Residents scoff at new plans for Woodberry site where stone houses were torn down

A modern five-story building stuck in the middle of a historic mill community got a unanimous thumbs-down last night.

Fines against company that razed historic houses increased

Soil samples taken today at the Woodberry site reveal elevated levels of a potentially hazardous gas.

Property owner and demo company fined for razing historic Woodberry houses

No comment from Katherine Jennings, former wife of ValStone Partners principal Larry Jennings, who is hoping to develop nearby parcels in Clipper Mill.

Historic stone houses in Woodberry bulldozed this morning

The developer had assured residents and city officials he had a plan to save the 1840s millworker houses by wrapping his planned apartment building around them.

Development and density comes to Woodberry

Builders eye Jones Falls Valley as the next Canton as a result of changes in the city’s zoning laws.

New plan would incorporate the Woodberry stone houses into a new apartment building

Developer bows to community pressure and preservationists, revealing a new design at a meeting.

For at least two weeks, stone houses in Woodberry are saved from the wrecking ball

Developer has agreed to postpone demolition until after he meets with the community.

In Woodberry, will historic stone houses come down for “hipster flats”?

A developer has started tearing down millworkers’ houses to make way for one of the city’s first “micro” residences.

Dead factories, lively neighborhoods and the ghosts of working Baltimore: the May Day Roll