Baltimore City Announces Inner Harbor is Now "Swimmable"

Is this a Joke?

No, it's not a joke. The Waterfront Partnership, under the leadership of Laurie Schwartz for the past two decades, and Baltimore City Mayor, Brandon Scott, have declared that the water in the Inner Harbor is now "swimmable and fishable". This harbor, an industrial port city on the East Coast, is notorious for its history of industry, manufacturing, shipping, transportation, toxic pollutants, and frequent sewage overflows.

The Ceremonial Jump

On June 23, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott will take a ceremonial leap into the Baltimore Harbor from a floating dock at Bond Street Wharf in Fells Point. This is to commemorate the Waterfront Partnership's achievement of allegedly making the harbor clean enough to swim in. "I know the data, I know the water is safe, and that's why I'll be jumping in the harbor," Scott stated on the nonprofit's website.

Trust the Science?

Where have we heard 'trust the science' before? Do you find anything peculiar about the members of the Waterfront Partnership?

Is the Harbor Really Clean?

Just weeks ago, the city was grappling with accumulated toxic waste sediment and sewage discharge materials. Has all this been cleaned up? Not according to certain sources. While the nonprofit does operate trash interceptors in the harbor to enhance appearance, this doesn't necessarily mean that toxic pollutants on a microscopic level have been eradicated. "Every time it rains, trash, bacteria, heavy metals, and other pollutants are washed from city streets and roofs into local streams and the harbor," stated the nonprofit Blue Water Baltimore on its website. The website also shows that bacteria sensors in the harbor are failing.

Why Promote a Potentially Dangerous Event?

Given all this, why would Schwartz and Scott encourage such an event next month, potentially enticing people to jump into a polluted body of water? According to Sayari's data on public records and financial intelligence, Schwartz has been involved in several projects across the metro area, ranging from trash-collecting wheels to ice rinks to parks. This event might provide her with a justification to channel more taxpayer funds through the nonprofits. Or perhaps Scott needs to improve the image of a city that is still grappling with violent crime and a dwindling population?

A Word of Caution

Whatever you decide, it might be best to avoid jumping in the water.

What's Your Take?

This is certainly a thought-provoking development. What do you think about this announcement? Is it a genuine achievement or a publicity stunt? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.