What’s happening?
Baltimore’s Commission for Architectural and Historical Preservation (CHAP) has greenlit designs to turn two blighted row houses in the Union Square Historic District into a five-story affordable housing complex for low-income healthcare workers, particularly single mothers.
Union Square is one of many predominantly Black neighborhoods that Baltimore City officials have allowed to deteriorate due to racist policies.
How do Union Square residents feel about the project?
A resident named Bif Browning testified during the CHAP hearing, saying: “We want to see not only luxury housing. Union Square inspires to be a community. We inspire to grow and want to be open and welcoming to all,” per the Baltimore Business Journal.
Another newer resident, Salima Jones-Daley, remarked: “What this neighborhood has is the potential to rise and we don’t want to waste this opportunity. We want to do it right, and to do it well is really important and what we are looking forward to.”
Anything else I should know?
Developer Nadine Ngouabe Dlodlo, who purchased the vacant homes in June, told CHAP that she plans to add an African-themed cafe, youth-focused maker space, and retail to the complex as well.
You can read more here.
