The Edmondson Village shopping center has been plagued for years with crime, destructive fires and more.
It has caused stores to vacate the shopping center, leaving behind empty buildings.
However, neighbors in the area hope a new year will bring change.
“We’ve had a couple of fires up here, down that end we have some illegal activity that has been up here for years, which is not helping the community,” said Monique Washington, President of the Edmondson Village Community Association.
Washington said there have also been numerous shootings and killings in the area. She said people don’t feel safe despite a police presence.
Now, Chicago TREND, a commercial real estate developer that co-owns Edmondson Village shopping center, is on board to make changes.
“Chicago TREND informs us that there were two major stores that were supposed to come, and they came up unexpectedly and decided that they didn’t want to do it because of what they saw at the other end,” Washington said.
But Chicago TREND has started making some changes to the area.
“The bright Christmas lights, I think the developer is listening, because that’s one of the things the community talked about,” said David Smallwood, President of the Uplands Community Association. “He’s doing some things with the overhang, there’s more lighting, and the Christmas lights. A lot of people are talking about that right now.”
Those who live in the area have their own ideas on how the area should be developed.
“I would like to see some more department stores, clothing stores, shoe stores, jewelry stores and cut down on the crime,” said nearby resident Penny Workman.
“Fun food place and fun things where you can watch movies, bowling or something like that,” said Jameil Sommonds.
Smallwood said he’s ready to work toward change.
“We’re committed as community leaders to work together to bring about change, work with city police, housing, all entities of Baltimore City that can help bring our community back up,” Smallwood said.