While discussion of the redevelopment of Harbor Point is centered on city-provided tax incentives, potential safety issues are virtually ignored ("City Council committee approves aid for Harbor Point development," Aug. 8). Announced plans to break the encapsulation of the carcinogenic hexavalent chromium are unprecedented. An experiment with dangerous materials in the midst of any population center is alarming. Why no discussion? One has to wonder if the tax increment financing discussion is designed as a distraction.

Joe Stocks, Baltimore