Green Network 'Lots to Love' program will strategically target 47 vacant lots from April through October in the Upton, Boyd-Booth-Shipley and Carrollton Ridge neighborhoods.

A media event with Councilman Bullock is scheduled for 3 P.M. on Monday, June 10, 2019 at 2224 Frederick Avenue.

BALTIMORE, MD JUNE 7, 2019 -- Baltimore City Department of Planning and the Office of Sustainability’s Baltimore Green Network announces the upcoming launch of the Lots to Love initiative.

The “Lots to Love”’ is modeled on Philadelphia’s successful Land Care program. As part of the Baltimore Green Network’s strategic approach to neighborhood redevelopment, Baltimore City will work with nonprofit workforce development organizations to transform vacant lots along the Pennsylvania Avenue and Frederick Avenue corridors into neighborhood assets.

The ‘Lots to Love’ program will strategically target 47 vacant lots from April through October in the Upton, Boyd-Booth, Shipley Hill and Carrollton Ridge neighborhoods. The lots were chosen by residents for their proximity to schools, recreation centers, business retail corridors, overall visibility, and location in underserved neighborhoods. Baltimore City will partner with local workforce development organizations to train, hire and employ local residents to care for the lots twice per month until October 31. 

The ‘Lots to Love” program pilot aims to improve the livability of the adjacent community, providing residents with a new green space to utilize for community events and gatherings. Similar programs focused on the transformation of vacant lots into green spaces have been linked to reduced crime and improved health outcomes. 

The ‘Lots to Love” program is an outgrowth of the Baltimore Green Network Plan, adopted in September 2018 by Baltimore City’s Planning Commission. This plan provides a vision to create an interconnected network of parks and green spaces, with a particular focus on transforming vacant lots into active and inviting green spaces in communities hit the hardest by vacancy and disinvestment. The ‘Lots to Love’ program directs resources towards communities with the greatest need for investment and access to safe green spaces for recreation.

Councilman Councilman John T. Bullock, Ph.D.

"This project is a great benefit to our neighborhoods that struggle with vacancy and trash. Involving community members to replace blight with well-maintained open space is critical to success."

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Media Contact:

NAME: Kim Knox

EMAIL:kimberley.knox@baltimoreplanning.com