Baltimore: $10 Million Grant to Transform East Side Neighborhood

Baltimore Secures $10 Million Grant for East Side Neighborhood TransformationBaltimore Secures $10 Million Grant for East Side Neighborhood Transformation Baltimore City has received a transformative $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to revitalize and empower the city’s East Side neighborhood. The grant, part of HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods program, will fund a comprehensive plan to improve housing, create economic opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for East Side residents. The initiative will focus on four key areas: 1. Modernizing Housing: * Demolish and replace aging public housing units with high-quality, mixed-income apartments. * Repair and upgrade existing single-family homes and rental properties. 2. Fostering Economic Development: * Attract new businesses and support the growth of existing ones by providing business loans and grants. * Create job training programs and apprenticeship opportunities for residents. 3. Improving Infrastructure: * Repair and repave roads and sidewalks. * Install new lighting and greenery to enhance public safety and create welcoming spaces. * Improve access to public transportation and green spaces. 4. Enriching Community Services: * Provide after-school programs, academic tutoring, and mentorship opportunities for youth. * Create community health centers and support services for families. * Establish community gardens and public art installations to promote resident engagement and well-being. The East Side Neighborhood Transformation Plan was developed through a collaborative process involving residents, community organizations, and city officials. The grant will allow the city to implement the plan’s key priorities and create a thriving and sustainable neighborhood where residents can live, work, and prosper. Mayor Brandon Scott hailed the grant as a “game-changer for the East Side.” He said, “This investment will not only transform the physical fabric of our neighborhood but also empower our residents and create opportunities for them to succeed.” The Choice Neighborhoods grant is expected to have a significant impact on the East Side neighborhood and the broader Baltimore community. It will improve the quality of life for thousands of residents, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.