Choice Neighborhoods Baltimore

hood transformation process by going beyond the traditional bricks and mortar approach to urban revitalization. Beginning with extensive planning efforts, Choice Neighborhoods places a strong emphasis on community engagement and resident involvement, capacity building, supportive service linkages, and aims for significant improvements in measured outcomes to include resident health, employment, public safety, schools and educational opportunities. Planning for the Central West Baltimore Initiative commenced in 2009, when community leaders and local residents came together to envision a “responsible” and comprehensive revitalization of Central West Baltimore, an area marked by concentrated poverty, disinvestment, low-performing schools, pressing health concerns, and high crime. In March 2011, out of 119 applicants nationwide, the Central West Baltimore Initiative was selected as one of 17 recipients to receive a Choice Planning Grant in the amount of $213,000, through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Choice Neighborhoods targeted planning area includes all or significant parts of a series of West Baltimore neighborhoods, including Bolton Hill, Druid Heights, Madison Park, Reservoir Hill, and Upton. This targeted area encompasses three (3) community statistical areas and covers seven (7) census tracts. The Choice Neighborhoods targeted project-based assisted property is Pedestal Gardens, located at 325 McMechen Street. Further, there are a series of other distressed project-based assisted properties in the target area of importance, such as Memorial Gardens, Madison Park North, Medeso Manor & Marlborough Apartments.