Readers React: Baltimore an example of urban revival done poorly

To the editor: I am writing to add to Robin D.G. Kelley’s passionate Op-Ed article about the Baltimore riots. (“Baltimore and the language of change,” op-ed, May 4)

As someone born and bred in Baltimore and whose family remains there, I and they feel great grief at what has happened to our city. We should look beyond the police to even larger structural questions concerning the future of this and other cities.

In the city’s decades-long effort to recover and rebuild itself, the inner-city poor of Baltimore have been sacrificed. The new urban population no longer needs the same level of public resources as do long-term residents, so schools and transportation have been cut while support for the development of hotels and convention centers has been increased.

Those I know among the working poor find the value of their property drastically reduced. Their streets are burdened with abandoned homes. What has happened to Baltimore is like New Orleans without a hurricane.

Surely there is a better, more inclusive, more compassionate way to rebuild American urban life.

Ellen DuBois, Los Angeles

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To the editor: The true message to anyone (including rioters) who feels there is social injustice taking place: Get an education like Baltimore State’s Atty. Marilyn Mosby. Your voice will be better heard.

Gene Uzawa Dorio, Santa Clarita

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