Belward Farm Fact Sheet
  • In 1989, Belward Farm was sold to Johns Hopkins University for $5 million, much below its $40
    million to $50 million value with the understanding that JHU would build a minimally intrusive
    medical or academic campus that would continue the legacy of the farm.  

  • Deed restrictions called for “agricultural, academic, research and development, delivery of health
    and medical care and services, or related purposes only”.  

  • Johns Hopkins Real Estate has ignored the wishes of the former owner, Elizabeth Banks, her family
    and the community by proposing a high-density, high-rise commercial complex on Belward Farm
    with housing and retail to accommodate over 15,000 people.

  • The proposed job density of the farm would rival a downtown area near a Metro station.  Yet
    Belward Farm is five miles from the nearest Metro station.  Johns Hopkins has requested a level of
    density that would rival the size of the Pentagon on a property that is one-fifth the size.

  • The proposed buildings will rise to 150 feet and will dwarf the bucolic farmstead and surrounding
    neighborhoods.

  • If Johns Hopkins Real Estate prevails, the Corridor Cities Transit (CCT) will traverse the length of
    the farm.  This approach will cause automotive and pedestrian havoc at nearby intersections,
    further destroying the character of Belward Farm and the community.    Homes will be destroyed,   
    noise walls will be built and  railroad-style gates may be necessary at the entrances to Mission Hill
    and Washingtonian Woods.

Letter to the President of Johns Hopkins University  

Letter from the President of Johns Hopkins University

Second letter to the President of Johns Hopkins University

The addresses for the President of Johns Hopkins University and the Chair of the Board of Trustees is on
the ADDRESSES page.  Write to them about your opposition to Johns Hopkins Real Estate's plan for
Belward Farm.
From a presentation by Johns Hopkins Real Estate.
Beatriz Malo de Molina Laborde sent a letter to the County officials that eloquently
expresses the feelings held by many.  To read her letter click here.