The BARCS animal shelter in South Baltimore may be moving to make way for a new private development.
The Baltimore Development Corporation has set April 5 at 4 p.m. as the deadline for proposals from groups interested in redeveloping a 2.5-acre parcel at 301 Stockholm Street, the current home of the nonprofit Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS).
BDC posted a notice on its website saying that it has received an unsolicited proposal for the “purchase and development” of the Stockholm Street parcel and is seeking competing proposals as part of the land disposition process. The agency did not disclose any details about the unsolicited proposal, but the fact that BDC is seeking other bids is a sign that the unsolicited bid likely is acceptable to city redevelopment officials.
The animal shelter property is near the M&T Bank Stadium and the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore on Russell Street, where a new entertainment district is taking shape. According to the BDC, any new development at 301 Stockholm Street must be consistent with the goals of the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan.
Before new development can occur, city officials also will need to relocate the animal shelter, which is affiliated with Baltimore’s Animal Control division. The city hasn’t yet identified a new location for BARCS.
