Gritty City Series: Charm City, Baltimore

Charm City

By Reginald Larkin

Baltimore city is famous for its luxurious harbor and rich history however, in recent years Baltimore’s efforts to become industrialized has disenfranchised three communities in the city. The transportation system in Baltimore has placed four bus yards throughout the city, three of which are in close proximity to transit dependent communities. These four bus yards are located at Kirk avenue bus yard (Midway Community), Transit Access (Cherry Hill), Highway to Nowhere (West Baltimore), and Public Pedestrian Safety (Lexington Market). While Residents could not be reached for commentary, reports published by Baltimore Region Environmental Justice and Transportation project (BREJTP), “state that residents have expressed desire for a better living environment and a more responsive government. “

The residents have complained that noise population and the Carbon emissions have disrupted their lives. The Bus yards are responsible for noise exceeding the Baltimore City noise ordinance. The City of Baltimore has a Noise ordinance that states any sounds over 55 decibels can warrant legal action in residential areas. While some may ask well how does that pertain to bus yards? The answer is that the zoning of the bus yards is in such proximity that they too must comply with the laws. Homes in the Midway community that are 1/4^th of mile from the bus yards decline in property value thus in turn, leading one to believe that the bus yards are integrated into the communities which they serve.

The Health issues are rapid in the communities inhabited by the bus yards. Residents complain that they do not what to enjoy their yards because of fumes in the air, to keep the noise they have to shut their windows. The quality of life has deteriorated forcing many people’s homes to become unlivable. The city of Baltimore has responsibility to the citizens living in these conditions.

Baltimore City has the opportunity to distribute these bus yards equally or even neutralize the use of coal for cleaner forms of energy. However, little is being done are the part of the local government to aid residents. Placing these bus yards in areas in area’s such as Cherry Hill were they have seen over 67,000 crimes , according to the federal government. The city of Baltimore is placing bus yards in underdeveloped communities where many of the residents are living in low income housing. The bus yards are causing many to suffer from long-term respiratory problems and other health issues.