Baltimore City Sues Poppleton Developer for $478K in Unpaid Water Bills

Baltimore, MD – The City of Baltimore has filed a lawsuit against a Poppleton developer over nearly half a million dollars in unpaid water bills at a West Baltimore property, marking the latest chapter in an ongoing dispute over development in the historically Black neighborhood.

According to court records, the city is seeking $478,000 in outstanding water and sewer charges from La Cité Development, the New York-based firm behind the controversial Poppleton redevelopment project. The unpaid bills are tied to properties the developer acquired as part of a long-standing effort to revitalize the neighborhood, but progress on the project has been slow, and tensions between the developer and the city have continued to mount.

A Long-Running Battle Over Poppleton

La Cité was awarded a $200 million redevelopment deal by Baltimore officials nearly two decades ago, with the promise of transforming the West Baltimore neighborhood into a mix of modern housing, retail, and green spaces. However, the project has been met with delays, resident displacement concerns, and disputes over land use.

City officials say they have repeatedly attempted to collect the overdue water bills but have received no payment from the developer. The lawsuit represents a significant escalation in the city’s effort to hold La Cité accountable for its financial obligations.

“We cannot allow any developer—no matter how large—to neglect their financial responsibilities, especially while so many Baltimore residents struggle with high water bills,” said Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony Thompson in a statement. “This lawsuit is about fairness and making sure taxpayers aren’t left to cover the costs.”

La Cité’s Response

Representatives for La Cité have yet to comment publicly on the lawsuit, but sources close to the developer suggest that the company may dispute the charges, arguing that billing issues or administrative errors could be at play.

Some community advocates have pointed out that large-scale developers often receive incentives and exemptions, making the size of the unpaid bill particularly alarming.

“If regular residents fall behind on water bills, the city is quick to shut off their service,” said Tanya Wallace-Gobern, a Poppleton community activist. “Why should this developer get a free pass while our neighborhoods continue to suffer?”

What’s Next?

The lawsuit adds to growing frustration with the Poppleton redevelopment project, which has faced criticism for displacing long-term Black homeowners and failing to deliver the promised revitalization. Meanwhile, the city has been under pressure to increase enforcement of unpaid water bills as it struggles with its own budget deficits and aging infrastructure.

Legal experts say La Cité could either settle with the city, fight the case in court, or risk additional penalties, including potential liens on its Baltimore properties.

As the case unfolds, residents and city officials alike will be watching closely, with some hoping that the lawsuit could be a turning point in holding developers more accountable for their commitments to Baltimore communities.