Baltimore, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Wyman Park and Remington in Baltimore are voicing strong opposition to the planned Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute by Johns Hopkins University. Concerns center around weakened stormwater protections amid construction, risking significant environmental investments in local watersheds. Efforts to manage potential flooding issues have heightened apprehensions about the project’s impact on the community. Despite some mitigation measures proposed by Johns Hopkins, locals remain wary of the implications for both environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Baltimore
Residents from the Wyman Park and Remington communities in Baltimore are expressing opposition to Johns Hopkins University’s (JHU) new Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute (DSAI). The project has raised concerns regarding environmental protections and the overall size of the development.
Community members are particularly troubled by JHU’s request for a waiver that could weaken stormwater protections during the construction phase. They believe that this could undermine millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded restoration efforts aimed at improving local watersheds. Concerns have been amplified by the ongoing flooding issues reported in the neighborhoods, highlighting the potential risks associated with stormwater runoff.
Hillary Gonzalez, who founded the BMoreAgainstDSAI campaign, emphasized the significant environmental threats posed by unchecked stormwater runoff. Baltimore City has invested more than $10 million in the restoration of Stony Run, and residents are apprehensive that further development may jeopardize these ongoing initiatives.
In an effort to mitigate these concerns, JHU has begun implementing measures to enhance its stormwater management infrastructure to handle an expected increase in rainfall. The university has committed to implementing upgrades such as a new stormwater line with 20% more capacity and a 500,000-gallon rainwater cistern for better runoff management. To address fears of potential chemical contamination from nearby construction sites, JHU has enlisted environmental consultants to monitor the health of Stony Run Creek and surrounding wildlife throughout the project’s duration.
Construction plans for the DSAI project include building two facilities near Wyman Park Drive and Remington Avenue, with an anticipated completion date set for 2029. Although the scope of the project has been reduced by 30%, now totaling approximately 476,572 square feet, it is still expected to generate approximately 11,000 jobs and create an economic impact of about $1.6 billion. The project also includes plans to plant 300 new trees to replace those that will be removed.
In response to local feedback, JHU is conducting structural surveys to address residents’ worries regarding potential damage to their homes from the construction. Additionally, the university has committed to minimizing construction noise and traffic disruptions in the area.
Community meetings have been held frequently, with 14 sessions conducted over the past two years to address various concerns and gather public input. As part of the planning process, Baltimore City has opened a public comment period regarding the project until Friday, October 10 at 4:30 PM.
This initiative aims to position Baltimore as a significant player in the tech industry, promising advancements in healthcare, science, and technology while fostering local economic growth.
Impact on the Local Community
The growing tensions between JHU and local residents will undoubtedly shape the conversation around urban development in Baltimore. The outcome of this project not only holds potential for technological advancements but also poses serious implications for community well-being and environmental sustainability.
Summary of Key Details
- Project: Johns Hopkins University Data Science and AI Institute
- Location: Near Wyman Park Drive and Remington Avenue
- Community Concerns: Stormwater protections, flooding issues, environmental threats
- Investment in Restoration: Over $10 million for Stony Run
- Economic Benefit: Estimated 11,000 jobs and $1.6 billion impact
- Construction Size: Reduced by 30% to 476,572 square feet
- Tree Planting: 300 new trees planned
- Public Comment Deadline: October 10 at 4:30 PM
FAQ
- What is the DSAI project?
- The Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute project by Johns Hopkins University aims to enhance tech capabilities in Baltimore.
- What concerns do residents have?
- Residents are worried about weakened stormwater protections, the impact on local flooding, and the environmental effects on Stony Run.
- How much money has been put into restoring Stony Run?
- Over $10 million has been invested in the restoration of Stony Run to protect local watersheds.
- What are the economic benefits expected from the DSAI project?
- The project is expected to create 11,000 jobs and have an economic impact of approximately $1.6 billion.
- When is the deadline for public comments on the project?
- The deadline for public comments is Friday, October 10, at 4:30 PM.
Key Features of the DSAI Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Type | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute |
| Location | Wyman Park Drive and Remington Avenue, Baltimore |
| Size Reduction | 30% reduction; approximately 476,572 square feet |
| Job Creation | Approximately 11,000 jobs |
| Economic Impact | Approximately $1.6 billion |
| Tree Planting | 300 new trees to be planted |
| Public Comment Deadline | October 10, 4:30 PM |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Johns Hopkins DSAI Development
- Wikipedia: Environmental Impact Statement
- The Banner: Johns Hopkins AI Center
- Google Search: Johns Hopkins environmental impact
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Structural Surveys Offered by JHU
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stormwater Management
- WMAR2 News: Controversy Over JHU AI Institute
- Google News: Johns Hopkins DSAI
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
