Baltimore County Announces Plans to Acquire Major Portions of Former C.P. Crane Power Plant in Middle River to Preserve as Parkland

TOWSON, MD – Baltimore County today announced it has entered into an agreement in principle with Charlotte-based Forsite Development to acquire major portions of former Charles P. Crane generating station in Middle River and preserve the majority of the site as future parkland.

“I am proud of the ways in which our administration is preserving cherished open space and creating new parks and recreational opportunities – a core component of our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for all Baltimore County residents,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “I applaud Councilman Marks and the Bowleys Quarters Improvement Association for their advocacy on behalf of this historic waterfront property along Seneca Creek, which we believe can and should be enjoyed by the community for generations to come.”

"Forsite Development specializes in remediating, repurposing and redeveloping Industrial Real Estate including Coal-Fired Power Plants. During any redevelopment, we strive to find the highest and brightest use for the facility,” said Forsite Chief Operating Officer Ryan Ford. “I would like to acknowledge the local communities and Councilman David Marks for their willingness to discuss the future use of the Charles P. Crane facility for its redevelopment as a park and a future, low-traffic use. I also would like to thank the Olszewski administration for its hard work and support of this transaction that will provide for the property to transform from a coal-fired power plant to that of preserved, waterfront open-space to be enjoyed by generations of Baltimore County residents and infrastructure that will contribute to the renewable energy goals of Baltimore County.”   

"I would like to thank the Olszewski administration for moving forward with this critical land acquisition in Baltimore County, and I would like to acknowledge all our elected officials and community leaders for their support,” said Councilman David Marks. “This will not only preserve one of the most beautiful waterfront regions on the Eastside, but will lighten potential traffic and other activity along Eastern Avenue."

The former 400-megawatt coal plant was closed in 2018, acquired by Forsite in 2021, demolished in 2022. Forsite has been actively performing environmental remediation in coordination with the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) since its acquisition.

Under the terms of a signed letter of intent (LOI), Baltimore County plans to acquire considerable portions of the 153-acre former C.P. Crane Plant site which the County plans to protect and preserve the majority of as a future park site.

Located in close proximity to multiple County parks, approximately six miles from the Gunpowder Falls State Park, and adjacent to the Seneca Creek tributary of the Gunpowder River, this site provides potential connectivity in supporting a regional park network with a connected water trail access.

To complete this acquisition, Baltimore County plans to leverage Maryland Program Open Space funding. Established under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 1969, Program Open Space provides financial and technical assistance to local jurisdictions for park acquisition, development and enhancements.

With the support of this funding, Baltimore County has secured, expanded and improved a wide range of public parks and recreation sites including Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center, Cromwell Valley Park, Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, seven regional parks and athletic facilities and nearly 100 neighborhood and community parks.

Forsite Development is retaining a portion of the former C.P. Crane site and considering the redevelopment of this area that is outside of the County parkland acquisition for low impact uses that support the resiliency of the regional power grid. Additional infrastructure is critical to broader efforts to provide for reliable power to the region as the usage of renewable energy is increased, and will advance County efforts to help the State of Maryland reach its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030.

Under the terms of the LOI, final details, including total purchase price, will be determined subject to negotiation and signing a definitive agreement in the coming months.