Shrinking cities are a problem across the country and Baltimore is no exception. This article outlines a few of Baltimore's current initiatives and suggests a few that are being tested in other cities such as Cleveland and Philadelphia.
The comments at the end of the article list a number of different strategies for dealing with abandoned or vacant properties. I like how the first comment points out that there are different strategies being tested in a number of neighborhoods and it is this response to specific neighborhood needs that will really make these programs successful.
Also, take a look at the last comment, "Nature Reclaims Land." There are some shocking pictures tagged at the end of the comment.
The Arts to the rescue! I really see creative, recycled art projects as a way for neighborhood residents to participate in community revitalization...
ReplyDeleteAnd it was awesome to read about Baltimore's improvement. Baltimore is actually the first city in which I ever consciously noticed blight... two summers ago. There are just rows and rows of vacant homes, and liquor stores on all the corners. I asked my host, "Where did all of the people go?" and she said, "That's what we're all wondering, too."
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/service/pnp/highsm/04900/04987r.jpg
Totally agree with Toni. The Heidelberg project in Detroit has been around for 25 years. The city wanted to tear it down a few years ago and there was a lot of protest to keep it up. Check out the website.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.heidelberg.org/
I think that these are very innovative projects. Transforming these blighted areas into livable and functional spaces that have the potential to bring the community together seems to me to be a good step in urban revitalization.
ReplyDeleteYes I also agree with Toni's comment
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above comments. It turns blights into something intriguing. I think it would be better to turn these properties into useful space, but with so many people leaving the cities, the next best option is to at least keep the area attractive.
ReplyDelete