Housing in Baltimore

Dr. Ken Morgan Is there a shortage of livable and affordable housing in Baltimore? Turning the question around it can be asked, "Is there a housing shortage in Baltimore? Tell us how you drew conclusions that you did draw. In answering the question: describe what relevance social class has.; Is it better to rent than to buy or vice verse? What role does the housing market play? Where will subsidies come from if the private sector will not produce sufficient livable and affordable housing? What are some solutions that you would propose? To help you answer these questions, draw on the appropriate chapter(s) in the book or other sources. Remember, I am not looking for a right or wrong answer, but how you organize your thoughts and variables that you include in your response. Be prepared to defend your responses in class.

Journal Entry

When I was reading some of the articles on the infrastructure issues in Baltimore, I ran across one about the dollar house program that took place in the 1980's. This program actually allowed residents in Baltimore to buy homes for a dollar and the renovations of the homes were financed by the city at an attractive rate. I find this quite interesting because a program like this may be the answer to decreasing the number of abandoned houses in the city. Not only will it increase the number of homebuyers, but it will revitalize the city. In addition, a program like this may even attract residents from other areas to move to the city. The local government would see huge profits from the renovation loans. Furthermore, a program such as this would give people who rent a chance to become homeowners during a time when banks are not as eager to finance loans to first-time buyers.

Disaster Preparedness

The Baltimore Disaster Plan is efficient. It covers all the basics and provides useful suggestions to help citizens survive the first 72 hours of an emergency. My only issue with the plan is that it tells residents to prepare to be without assistance for at least 72 hours. I think that it needs to be emphasized that there is a chance that residents may be without help for a longer period. Also it gives a 7 week plan to help residents buy supplies and it even breaks the list down into categories of things that you can and cannot do without. I also found that it is highly recommended that you replace supplies at least every 6 months. I feel that this can become somewhat expensive because the supplies will go unused and will be discarded of if no disasters occur. Another thing that I found interesting is that the plan suggested that you include bleach in your supply kit so that you can disinfect tap water if needed. Reviewing this plan made me realize that I am not prepared disaster. I am going to utilize this information and create a disaster plan for my family. In addition, I am going to make good use of the 7 week plan to buy supplies so that I can be prepared if a disaster strikes.

Emergency Preparedness

Frantz Pierre
Natural disasters can't be stopped but there is certain measured that we can take to minimize the domages. No place on earth is immune to natural disasters, but some places are more prone to it than others. When i look at other cities like San Francisco, Miami, Tampa and New Orleans, etc. Baltimore seems to have less chances to get hit by earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding. Tornadoes which are not rare in this area, are more likely to hit southern Maryland than Baltimore.That doesnt mean Baltimore is safe from natural disaster, it just mean that it's chances of getting hit are lower than some other places. The infrastructure in Maryland are better than most other places. While 84% of Marylande roadway are at least 30 years old, but only 7% of our bridges are in danger compare to an average of12% nationwide. The water system was given a D grade by the American Civil Engineers. A watermain breakes can cause a natural disasters and we are prone to it , since our water system is over 100 years old. I looked at some of the information on the web, I don't Batimore or any other cities is ready to deal with a natural disaster properly. According (ASCE) American Society of Civil Engineers, most of the Bridges and Dams that have some type of defficiencies 10 years ago are still remain untouched. Could it be a budget problem, or negligent? We dont know. I think that our officials shouldn't take the warming lightly. They should find a way to raise people awareness of of natural and social disasters. Basic trainnig on natural disaters should be encouraged and provided to the communities all around the cities.

How prepared is baltimore for disasters?

Is the Baltimore disaster plan effective in meeting different natural disasters such as earth quakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, nuclear accidents and chemical spills? Why or Why not? What needs to be done?