The Fallacy of Demolition-Only Policy: An Examination of the Intersection of Race and Rightsizing in Baltimore, Maryland

Abstract

This thesis critiques rightsizing policies in Baltimore, Maryland. It analyzes Project C.O.R.E. and the effect it will have on the neighborhood of Sandtown-Winchester. This thesis argues that rightsizing policies have and will continue to have a negative impact on low-income, predominately African-American neighborhoods in the city by destroying the cultural and built environment and their historic resources. It asserts that rightsizing is a short-sighted public policy. The work argues this claim by first providing a history of the city of Baltimore emphasizing how racialized policies shaped the built environment. It analyzes the urban policies of the late 20th century that were designed to revitalize Sandtown-Winchester. This thesis reviews of rightsizing as urban policy, and ends with recommendations for how the city can manage vacant properties in a more equitable and fair way. The recommendations suggest rightsizing policies be reformed in order to reconsider the effect that they have on disinvested minority populations.