Tuesday 21 July 2009

Dying beauty: Baltimore's neglected neighborhoods

Investment classes, North Broadway. Baltimore, MD 2009.

Several weeks ago, I went to the Herring Run Berry Festival. To get there I cut through upper Fells Point, taking Broadway to Harford Rd. I saw some sights I wasn't expecting.

What I saw was candid and raw, unveiling a truth about the conditions of many Baltimore city neighborhoods we aren't supposed to acknowledge. Just drive by them and don't stare. Get to your safe neighborhood in the county.

We hear Charm City when we hear Baltimore, but forget it was also called "Mobtown."

De-feet. Baltimore, MD. 2009

The Wire was not only one of the best shows on H.B.O., it was an accurate portrayal of a beautiful, neglected city in a lot of trouble. Not much has changed since the show ended last year. N. Broadway is less than 3 miles from the event where children, adults and pets were happily celebrating the joys of berries with their happy berries. But like many sections of the city, there are no community events or celebrations here. A memorial tribute constructed on a speed limit sign no doubt honors the death of a neighborhood child.

Stuffed animals pay tribute to a child killed. Baltimore, MD. 2009

There is still much life to be found in the form of architecture along this road. But where is everybody?

While some were boarded up, many houses still have residents. But they were no where to be found on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Moorish influence found in row house entrance. Baltimore, MD 2009

Johns Hopkins Hospital is the one of the most reputable hospitals in the world. This hospital is also located on North Broadway. Would you want to come all the way across the country or world to come here for a doctor knowing it is located in one of the most dilapidated, dangerous neighborhoods in the state?

Investing in Baltimore. 2009

There is a $3000.00 tax grant incentive to buy homes in Baltimore City.

More boarded up or board game? Baltimore, 2009.

Is this enough to save the dying neglected beauty that is Baltimore City?

Baltimore Cemetery. 2009

Sometimes, I find neglected beauty that is just too neglected. This would be one of those times.

ALL PHOTOS BY THE FLOWER SPY.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your discerning eye captures the doddering dowager that is Baltimore.

Modern Mencken in Poe Baltimore said...

Certainly a lot of neglect in Baltimore, not nearly as much beauty as is needed. Thanks for shedding some light on this and the need to bring some beauty to bawlmer...

Unknown said...

I just saw a bounch of rounded red beautiful tomatoes and i remembered you. Kisses.

Anonymous said...

My mom and I visited our hometown Baltimore this month after 18yrs....we were both shocked and saddened by the abandonment of the city...certain areas looked like a ghost town.....our Beautiful B`MORE is no more..I`m sure there`s a bigger plan at work here. We like Florida but will forever REP BALTIMORE.