Background
In 2021, Forsite Development embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the former C.P. Crane coal-red power plant into a sustainable asset for Bowleys Quarters, Maryland, turning an environmental liability into a community resource. Forsite Development, worked to dismantle the power plant, remediate the site, and create a space that serves both the community and the environment. Forsite, the County, State and the Federal Government worked together to find common ground on funding in order to turn this former liability into an asset for Baltimore County for generations.
Scope
This project involved the complete decommissioning and demolition of the former C.P. Crane power plant, followed by the environmental remediation of the 153-acre site. Forsite Development aimed to transform the site into a community resource by preserving open space, providing recreational opportunities, supporting renewable energy infrastructure, and leveraging right-of-way access to better-connected established community assets. This included addressing contamination, removing hazardous materials, and collaborating with government entities to secure funding and ensure the site’s safe redevelopment.
Our Role
Forsite Development led every stage—from planning through demolition and environmental remediation—prioritizing safety, ecological health, and community goals. During demolition, Forsite Development ensured the proper abatement of the facility to remove hazardous and non-hazardous materials and ensure a safe implosion. Additionally, Forsite Development spearheaded environmental cleanup in accordance with state regulations and guidance from Maryland Department of Environment, addressing contamination to protect public health. The $10 million in funding secured preserved 85 acres as parkland and supported community-driven recreational amenities, creating a valuable resource for all.
The Challenge
Situated on a 153-acre site near a primary drinking water source, the former power plant presented significant environmental challenges, including contamination from an oil spill and other Recognized Environmental Conditions associated with operating a power plant—critical issues Forsite Development prioritized for the community’s health and safety. Forsite Development was faced with multiple challenges: addressing environmental contamination from the facility’s past operations, demolishing the site, and aligning with community aspirations to transform the site into something that would enrich the community. The site’s history and economics posed particular challenges to ensuring the redevelopment efforts would benefit the local ecosystem and the surrounding community. Forsite’s ability to develop sites into new energy development helped lower the acquisition cost for the County.
The Solution
The August 2022 implosion of the defunct power plant marked a new chapter for the site, symbolizing the beginning of its revitalization into a safe, community-friendly, and eco-conscious space. The demolition marked the beginning of Forsite Development’s efforts to remediate the site. Working with federal and state environmental agencies, Forsite took extensive steps to clean up existing site contamination, ensuring the land would be safe for public use and that the nearby river would remain unharmed. Asbestos Abatement Contractors, Demolition Contractors, Environmental Engineers and environmental crews were employed to handle the site reclamation. The community was deeply involved in this process, advocating for the site’s transformation into parkland and conservation space. Forsite Development was eager to meet the community’s expectations while addressing environmental concerns.
Forsite Development settled a $10 million deal for the site, contingent upon the successful completion of remediation efforts. The funding for this purchase was secured by local government, in collaboration with state and federal entities. As part of this project, Foresite is working to preserve approximately 85 acres of the site as open parkland, which will serve as an enduring resource for the community. This preservation effort includes plans to establish new recreational opportunities and improve access to the waterfront.
The transformation also incorporated new renewable energy infrastructure. Forsite Development helped to replace the energy that had previously been generated at the coal-fired power plant by supporting battery storage at the facility, contributing to Maryland’s efforts to develop sustainable energy resources. By utilizing existing right-of-ways and connecting the site to other nearby conservation areas, Forsite is ensuring that the site is well integrated into the community’s recreational network, while also fostering renewable energy generation.
Community and Environmental Impact
In close collaboration with local residents who championed the site’s repurposing, Forsite Development is proud of beginning the transformation into a green space for walking, biking, and community gatherings—restoring natural beauty and ecological health to a cherished local landmark
The active involvement of the community was a driving force in the redevelopment process. The property is a testament to the importance of recreational access, providing opportunities for walking, biking, and enjoying the waterfront. This project not only replaced an eyesore, but also returned the area’s natural beauty and
ecological health.
Project Impact
Forsite Development’s work on the former C.P. Crane power plant site exemplifies their core mission: turning industrial liabilities into community assets. By leveraging Forsite’s internal expertise and experience and embracing community collaboration, Forsite turned a contaminated coal plant into a beautiful park that serves local residents and the environment alike. The addition of renewable energy infrastructure on the site further demonstrates Forsite’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. This project showcases how Forsite’s vision and partnerships turn industrial sites into sustainable community assets—ensuring ecological restoration, fostering resilience, and creating spaces that will serve communities for generations.