The Charles P. Crane coal power plant’s red-and-white smokestacks came down with a big blast two years ago—to mixed reviews from boaters who used them as navigation landmarks.
The implosion in August 2022 brought down two 300-foot-tall towers as a first step to clearing the 157-acre property. As developer Forsite Development, Inc., then explained, “Planned implosion is the preferred method for felling such structures as it is considered safer for workers than dismantling the facility.” Then, crews were able to begin processing the metals and debris from the facility once it was safely on the ground.
At the time, there were no set plans for the property.
Now comes the welcome news that the former plant’s site will be transformed into a public waterfront park. Baltimore County Executive Johnn Olszewski, other leaders, and Bowleys Quarters community members announced that an 85-acre parcel of the property will be used to expand public space on Seneca Creek, next to Baltimore County’s Middle River.
“Preserving this large, waterfront property for all to enjoy—even as we continue exploring additional land acquisition opportunities throughout Baltimore County—is all a part of our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski.
The county was able to acquire the property using $10 million from Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Program Open Space grant fund. It will make park-related improvements using $1.67 million in federal funds, and $1.25 million in Maryland state capital grants.
The site’s location off Carroll Island Road between multiple Chesapeake Bay tributaries means it has great potential for water recreation. It is about six miles from Gunpowder Falls State Park and adjacent to Seneca Creek, so it could support a regional park network with a connected water trail access, the county says.
“We are helping to create a nearly unbroken green space from Carroll Island to the Hammerman area of Gunpowder Falls State Park,” said Baltimore County Councilman David Marks. “It’s a huge win for Baltimore County’s Eastside and for our environment.”
The C.P. Crane Generating Station, a 400-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Bowleys Quarters, officially closed in 2018. Forsite Development bought it from Middle River Power and assumed the responsibility to decommission the plant. Forsite has since been performing environmental remediation in cooperation with the Maryland Department of the Environment.
The property’s creative redevelopment as a park will be a major environmental improvement, Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger points out. “This property has been an eyesore and, before that, it produced dirty fossil fuels that contributing to the climate crisis. Soon, it will be a park that will enable Baltimore County residents to enjoy historic Seneca Creek.”
The purchase is expected to be completed in the coming months.
