Neighborhood Continues to Build on Whole Block Vacant Elimination Strategy Success
The Upton Planning Committee marked a major milestone in West Baltimore revitalization on Thursday, March 26, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its first completed homeownership project under the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative at 1340 Division Street.
The event brought together public officials, housing leaders, neighborhood stakeholders, residents, and supporters to commemorate what organizers described as an important step in transforming vacant properties into pathways for homeownership and stronger communities.
Located in the heart of Upton, the home at 1340 Division Street stands as a visible example of the broader goals of Reinvest Baltimore, an initiative aimed at returning vacant properties to productive use and restoring blocks across Baltimore neighborhoods.
Wanda Best, executive director of the Upton Planning Committee, said the project represents more than the completion of a single home. “This ribbon cutting represents more than the opening of a home, it represents progress, partnership, and the continued belief that Baltimore neighborhoods deserve sustained investment and opportunity,” Best said.
The project arrives as Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development continues to advance the Reinvest Baltimore Action Plan, which outlines an ambitious strategy to address vacancy in Baltimore City. The initiative, a partnership involving the state, city, and nonprofit and for-profit partners, is designed to reduce concentrations of vacant properties, revitalize neighborhoods, and improve quality of life for residents.
According to event organizers, the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative provides $50 million annually to support redevelopment efforts in Baltimore City and aims to move at least 5,000 vacant properties into homeownership or other positive outcomes over five years. The plan emphasizes measurable redevelopment goals, stronger coordination among partners, and “whole block, whole neighborhood” strategies aligned with community priorities.
Underscoring the broad support behind the initiative, Baltimore Community Lending CEO Watchen Bruce; Reverend Glenn Smith; Baltimore City Housing Deputy Housing Commissioner for Development Wendi Redfern; District 7 Councilmember Zachary “Zach” Blanchard; and the project’s developer Dean Harrison of Harrison Development. Due to legislative sessions on Capitol Hill and in Annapolis, though ordinally confirmed, Congressman Kwesi Mfume (7th District Maryland) and Maryland State Senator Antonio Hayes (40th District) were unable to attend. However, Constituent Services Director Lora Mayo presented a Senate Proclamation on Senator Hayes’ behalf.
Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jake Day commented, “When our community partners have access to the right resources, they can deliver high quality moving ready homes faster, bringing families back to blocks that have waited too long. Great places win and I’m proud and grateful that the state of Maryland could play a part in this wind for Upton”.
The ceremony also served as an opportunity to recognize leadership and long-term commitment to neighborhood revitalization. In a special recognition, an award was presented to Carol A. Gilbert of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for her continued service and steadfast support of the Upton Planning Committee. The acknowledgment drew attention to the partnerships and behind-the-scenes dedication often required to move community development projects from vision to reality.
Recent homeowner of a neighboring home, Jarred Jackson shared his motivation for purchasing on the block in such an early stage of revitalization. “I saw the value this home represented based on the track record of Upton Planning Committee in the neighborhood. It also aligns with the mission of the West North Avenue Development Authority where I work. It seemed to make sense to invest now and be part of the momentum these projects are creating in the marketplace.” said Mr. Jackson.
The Upton Planning Committee has continued to position itself as a key force in neighborhood revitalization, resident engagement, and equitable development in West Baltimore. Leaders say the completed Division Street homeownership project is only the beginning of what they hope will be continued progress under the BVRI framework.
As guests toured the site, shared refreshments, and celebrated the achievement, the message was clear: rebuilding Baltimore’s neighborhoods requires commitment, vision, and partnerships rooted in community needs. At 1340 Division Street, those principles were on full display.
For Upton, the ribbon cutting was not just a ceremony. It was a sign of promise — and a statement that long-awaited reinvestment is taking shape, one block and one home at a time. For more information about home ownership opportunities in Upton visit https://historicupton.com/live-in-upton/