At a recent community budget forum held at the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center, Baltimore residents gathered to share their priorities and concerns with city leaders. The discussions highlighted pressing issues such as public safety, vacant properties, and limited access to fresh food in certain neighborhoods.
Community Concerns
Residents expressed a strong desire for safer communities. Brandon Dismel, a northwest Baltimore resident, shared his family’s apprehensions: “It’s bad when your grandmother doesn’t feel safe with you walking up the street and there’s a police station right behind you.” He also recounted a personal tragedy, noting, “I just had a cousin I lost about two months ago that was found in one of those vacant homes.”
In Cherry Hill, the lack of grocery stores has been a longstanding issue. Resident Janice Samuel highlighted the challenge: “[The things proposed in the budget] are important and imperative, however, we have a fitness center, but we don’t have fresh foods. Many people in this community are unable to drive.”
City’s Response
Mayor Brandon Scott acknowledged the complexities of addressing these concerns within the city’s budget constraints. He emphasized the importance of community input in shaping budget decisions, stating, “You balance it all by understanding that those people are the why. Many of those folks are seniors. They are the ones that helped the city stay afloat for all those years. Now it’s my job to make sure that we’re serving them better.”
The preliminary budget includes significant allocations aimed at addressing these issues:
- $1.3 billion for enhancing public safety
- $1 billion in capital investments
- $1.1 billion for maintaining clean, safe, and healthy neighborhoods
- $645.3 million in youth programming
- $380.6 million for economic development
As the budget process progresses, residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming public hearings to ensure their voices continue to be heard.