Baltimore, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Wyman Park and Remington in Baltimore are voicing strong concerns over Johns Hopkins University’s proposed Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute. The project, which seeks to weaken stormwater protections, could jeopardize local environmental restoration efforts. Community representatives worry about increased flooding and potential contamination from construction activities. JHU has committed to addressing these concerns, implementing stormwater management measures, and engaging with the community. The project aims to create jobs and economic growth but faces significant opposition due to environmental fears.
Baltimore residents from the communities of Wyman Park and Remington are expressing strong opposition to the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) proposal for a new Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute (DSAI), citing environmental concerns and the project’s scale. The uproar centers on the university’s request for a waiver that would potentially weaken existing stormwater protections during construction, raising alarms among the community regarding the integrity of local restoration efforts.
Community representatives are concerned that the DSAI project could jeopardize millions of dollars’ worth of taxpayer-funded restoration projects, particularly aimed at revitalizing the watershed area. This anxiety is compounded by the substantial financial investment that Baltimore City has already made, amounting to over $10 million allocated for the restoration of Stony Run. Residents believe that further development could jeopardize these advancements, especially in light of ongoing flooding problems in the area.
Hillary Gonzalez, one of the campaign creators for BMoreAgainstDSAI, emphasized the risks associated with increased stormwater runoff during construction. Local residents are already facing flooding issues, which they attribute to inadequate urban infrastructure. The construction’s potential emotional toll is also a point of concern, as neighbors fear the project will encroach upon much-needed green spaces.
Additionally, residents have raised alarms about the prospect of chemical contamination from nearby construction activities, notably from the Agora Building project. In response to community concerns, JHU has started implementing measures to manage stormwater runoff more effectively after a city inspection revealed issues at the construction site. These measures include installing a fence around the project area to contain runoff.
The city is currently allowing public comments on the DSAI project until October 10 at 4:30 PM. As part of its response to flooding and infrastructure concerns, a JHU spokesperson articulated plans for better stormwater management systems to accommodate increased rainfall patterns. This includes the development of a new stormwater line with a 20% increase in capacity and the establishment of a 500,000-gallon rainwater cistern.
The DSAI initiative promises to transform Baltimore into a significant technology hub, aiming to create approximately 11,000 jobs and generate an estimated economic impact of $1.6 billion. The project entails the construction of two buildings located near Wyman Park Drive and Remington Avenue—anticipated for completion by the year 2029. In an effort to address community feedback, JHU has scaled down the overall size of the DSAI facility by 30%, which now measures around 476,572 square feet.
In a bid to maintain local environmental integrity, construction plans also include planting 300 new trees to replace those that will be removed. Residents’ fears regarding property structures have prompted JHU to offer structural surveys before construction begins. The university has consulted environmental experts to monitor and ensure the safety of Stony Run Creek and surrounding wildlife throughout the construction period.
Community meetings have been a key aspect of JHU’s engagement with residents, with 14 meetings held over the past two years to address various concerns. Furthermore, local residents have requested that measures be implemented to reduce construction noise and traffic disruptions in the neighborhood, aiming to minimize the ongoing impact of the development on their daily lives.
FAQs
What is the Johns Hopkins University DSAI project?
The DSAI project is an initiative by Johns Hopkins University to create a Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute, which aims to establish Baltimore as a tech hub and is expected to generate significant job and economic growth.
What are the environmental concerns related to the project?
Residents are concerned that the project may weaken stormwater protections, compromise watershed restoration efforts, and lead to increased flooding and potential chemical contamination from nearby construction sites.
How has Johns Hopkins University responded to community concerns?
JHU has engaged in community meetings, scaled down the size of the DSAI facility, and introduced enhanced stormwater management systems, including a new stormwater line and rainwater cistern. They also offered structural surveys for nearby homes.
When is the public comment period for the project?
The public comment period is open until Friday, October 10, 2023, at 4:30 PM.
Key Features of the DSAI Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Type | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute |
| Location | Near Wyman Park Drive and Remington Avenue, Baltimore |
| Job Creation | Approximately 11,000 jobs |
| Economic Impact | Estimated at $1.6 billion |
| Facilities Size | Reduced to approximately 476,572 square feet |
| Completion Date | Anticipated by 2029 |
| Environmental Measures | Investment in stormwater management and planting of 300 new trees |
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 PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia 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 Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
