The City Dock in Annapolis has long suffered from frequent and severe flooding, which was exacerbated this year with record numbers of flooding events. Now, an anonymous legal filing threatens to delay long-awaited resiliency efforts aimed at safeguarding the area's historic structures and local economy. According to the City of Annapolis, this legal challenge comes after extensive community involvement and city planning.

Despite the meticulous process involving nearly 100 local figures and many public consultations, this not-yet-identified party has introduced an obstacle that could see much-needed interventions to stem the tide put on hold. "Our downtown businesses can't afford to wait," said Mayor Gavin Buckley, per the city's press release, adding that the motives behind this clandestine legal thrust are obscure, complicating the city's response. The escalation in flooding for Annapolis is stark, with the city poised to set a dreary record of 120 events in 2024 alone, a jump from the previous high in 2019.

The challenge follows the Annapolis Planning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission's endorsement of a plan involving the construction of a raised park, flood gates, and a realignment of storm drains. Buckley emphasized that the resiliency project was a beacon of transparency, with abundant opportunities for public engagement and strict adherence to the City Code from inception to the approval stages.