BALTIMORE–Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order this week meant to wipe out high numbers of vacant properties around Baltimore.
Moore’s order calls for the creation of the “Reinvest Baltimore” program, a collective effort to turn at least 5,000 vacant properties into thriving homes or prospering establishments over the next five years.
Derelict homes and dilapidated commercial properties are stunting the public health, safety and quality of life for Baltimore residents, according to Moore’s order.
The concentration of vacant properties within the city of Baltimore is disproportionately hitting lower income communities of color, decreasing property values and dampening the potential, the order says.
“Right now, Baltimore has roughly 13,000 vacant and abandoned homes and structures, and has more than 20,000 vacant lots,” Moore said at an event to sign the order this week. “If we want to drive investment, and if we want to drive growth, we need to address the vacancy problem in Baltimore.”
The order sets up a new council to coordinate the work. Jake Day, secretary of the Maryland Housing & Community Development, will serve as council chair.
“In order for this to be Maryland’s decade, it has got to be Baltimore’s time,” said Day. “Today, together, we begin a new chapter in the history of the state and city partnering together to eliminate vacancy in Baltimore City.”
