Baltimore not unfriendly/aloof like DC/N. VA? (Cumberland, Mayo: real estate, condos)

[ajacksb]

"I think things like Harbor East are horrible, in addition to pushing the ghetto outward it destroys the soul of the area."

You mean the "soul" of acres of surface parking lots which made up Harbor East previously, or contaminated/derelict warehouses which were there before that?

Neighborhood revitalization and redevelopment is a tide which raises all boats. More people in the city, more tax revenue, more money for services throughout the city. One of the reasons that Baltimore has the highest property tax rate in Maryland is because we are a city built for a million with a population much less than that. Attracting new residents and jobs is one of the keys in getting our taxes down. Gentrification is an ugly word but stagnation is uglier.

[carolott]

Originally Posted by vivo

I don't doubt you but what is the population of ruxton compared to the potomac population?

the old money part makes sense.

Potomac "proper" used to be very small. I have no idea what its population is now, but I would bet at one time (before they started building the ugly McMansions) it was around the same as Ruxton.

[Gil3]

ajacksb wrote:

Gentrification is an ugly word but stagnation is uglier.

I couldn't agree more..

[jonjj]

Baltimore has plenty of room for some gentrification to occur. We have tons of neighborhoods that are begging for change.

[kinkytoes]

Exactly. What's so nice about poverty, dirt and crime? The only thing wrong with gentrification is when the MAN uses it as an excuse to tax the poo out of property owners.

[Billiam]

Originally Posted by jonjj

Baltimore has plenty of room for some gentrification to occur. We have tons of neighborhoods that are begging for change.

Yea, truely. Lately ive been thinking how its time for Real change in Baltimore. Going around on streetview in East And West Baltimore the neighborhoods just look so beautiful, but sit in such horrible conditions. What is or can be(ing) done? anything?

[kinkytoes]

Bulldoze them and return them to natural forest or parkland planted with native plants, shrubs and trees. That would cost money up front but save $$ in the long run. The harbor might be a bit cleaner as well. Then concentrate on the areas that are more populated. Some midwest towns tried this tactic. THe other option is to try to "revitalize" areas that are beyond saving by taxing the poo out of everyone else. If more than 50% of the houses in an area are abandoned, that's a sign that area is no longer attractive for habitation. Since the city does not have unlimited funds, they should remove these areas from electric/gas/sewer/water/trash service and make them contribute our clean air and water.

[HandsUpThumbsDown]

Originally Posted by kinkytoes

Bulldoze them and return them to natural forest or parkland planted with native plants, shrubs and trees..

Interesting!! I like it.

[Billiam]

I hate the idea, completely

[carolott]

I agree that Baltimore needs to restore some green space. Tearing down an abandoned block and turning it into parkland -- that sounds like a fantastic idea, provided the community would use it and care for it.