Druid Heights CDC and State Farm Launch Baker’s View and Gateway Housing Development Projects
Making a Difference in Historic West Baltimore
By Doni Glover, www.bmorenews.com
(BALTIMORE – April 21, 2009) – In the early ‘90’s, there was a brand of heroin in this neck of the woods called “Strong As Steel.” The pink cellophane bags were found all along Pennsylvania Avenue. Additionally, the crack epidemic was in full swing. ‘Abandominiums’, or vacant houses, were shooting galleries and “Starship Enterprises” for addicts seeking relief.
The Executive Director for Druid Heights Community Development Corporation (DHCDC) at the time was Jackie Cornish. A true soldier, hers was an almost impossible task of clearing away dilapidated homes, rebuilding new ones, and attracting homeowners to live in these newly built homes – despite the pervasive stigma.
As if that wasn’t enough, the gem of community development in Historic West Baltimore at the time not Druid Heights. It was Sandtown. Tons of money poured into Sandtown-Winchester – a 72-square block community just on the other side of Pennsylvania Avenue, thanks to former Baltimore Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke and the late James Rouse. Along with those millions of dollars – one should also note the former Housing Commissioner at the time, Daniel P. Henson, III – came a slew of promises by individuals who were either talking a good game or who were just unable to do what they promised. The key here is that many of these non-profits conducted their “dog and pony shows” for funders with the goal of turning the development process ultimately over to the community.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Cornish’s vision – although Herculean in nature – was slowly, methodically coming to reality.
Yesterday morning, for instance, the Druid Heights CDC held a press conference to discuss their latest initiative. Now under the leadership of 17-year community development guru Kelly Little, this Historic West Baltimore community is now on-point as a national model. The CDC officially launched the Baker’s View and Gateway Housing Development Projects that will bring approximately 31 new and affordable townhomes into the community along with 15 rehabs. State Farm Insurance, a strategic partner in this effort, helped with financing by making a $9.7 million loan.
“Today, we celebrate a project that will continue to help this community to be a haven of economic growth,” said Little. With a track record of developing some 500 housing units at a value of some $40 million, Little is helping to lead Druid Heights well into the future and continue the efforts started by Cornish and other giants, like Maggie Quille.
“The families who occupy these homes will enrich this neighborhood by being a cornerstone for revitalization,” said Little.
Oh-hand for yesterday’s announcement were Congressman Elijah Cummings, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, Baltimore City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, and 44th District State Senator Verna L. Jones.
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