Mayor Scott Signs Controversial Housing Laws to Boost Growth
In a City Hall ceremony on Monday, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott signed four new housing and zoning reform bills that were once considered ambitious goals by advocates. These laws aim to increase housing development by removing certain restrictions and easing construction rules.
Key Provisions of the New Laws
- Elimination of off-street parking requirements
- Permission to build closer to property lines
- Removal of the mandate for multiple stairwells in buildings between four and six stories
Goals and Supporters' Viewpoint
Supporters argue these reforms will improve housing density, availability, and affordability. They hope this will tackle deep-rooted challenges such as Baltimore’s population decline. In 1950, the city’s population was nearly 950,000; by 2024, it had fallen to approximately 568,000, based on U.S. data.
“This is particularly meaningful because redlining was signed into law in this very building, at the desk where I sit each day,” said Mayor Scott, referring to the historic practice of denying loans and insurance to minority neighborhoods.
“But it isn’t just about rewriting wrongs of the past. It’s about building a stronger future and continuing the momentum we’ve already created.”
Opposition and Concerns
The reforms have faced strong resistance from critics who fear that increased development could lead to gentrification, displacing long-standing Black communities in Baltimore.
Author's summary: Baltimore's new housing laws, signed by Mayor Scott, aim to increase density and affordability but face criticism over fears of gentrification impacting Black neighborhoods.