A big $400 million development called One Westport is starting in South Baltimore. It will include new apartments, shops, offices, and open space along the waterfront. This large-scale construction is bringing new attention to the Westport neighborhood, which has struggled for years with poverty and vacant buildings.
Westport’s Ongoing Problem with Vacant Homes
Westport has a serious vacancy problem—about one out of every three homes in the area is abandoned or boarded up. These empty houses can bring down property values and attract crime. They also make the neighborhood feel less safe and welcoming, which has been a concern for residents for a long time.
City and State Step In to Help
To tackle the problem, Baltimore’s housing department and the state are working together to fund the renovation of nearly two dozen vacant townhomes near the new development. The city is applying for a state grant of nearly $1 million, which would help cover the cost of buying, fixing, and reselling these houses.
Tying It All Together: New Development and Community Support
Leaders say that fixing the abandoned homes is a key part of making sure the new One Westport project benefits the entire neighborhood—not just new people moving in. Repairing and reoccupying the old homes could create a stronger, more stable community that grows alongside the new development.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Westport
This effort marks the beginning of what officials hope will be a long-term revitalization of Westport. A combination of public funding and private investment could actively transform a community that city leaders have long neglected. City officials are optimistic that cleaning up blight and bringing in new residents will lead to lasting positive change.