Baltimore City, MD (WBFF) — Frustration is mounting in Baltimore’s Federal Hill, where residents say rising crime and disorder are changing the character of one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Now, hundreds have signed a petition calling for immediate action, arguing they’re tired of feeling unsafe and tired of waiting for change.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how much it’s changed,” said Sandra Seward, who has lived in the neighborhood for decades.
Neighbors point to a range of ongoing issues, from large gatherings of young people, often organized on social media as “teen link-ups,” to swarms of dirt bikes and ATVs taking over streets and public spaces.
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“This is now a destination for not only good things, but for drug dealing, for gangs, for shootings, for fights,” Seward said.
Stephen Topping, another longtime resident, echoed those concerns, “It’s just not safe,” he says, “The dirt bikes, that’s become a daily occurrence, and it occurs all night long with the revving of engines.”
Recent incidents, including a deadly Easter Sunday shooting, have only heightened fears.
“It’s become what I call an after-hours free entertainment district,” says Topping.
Following a community meeting where dozens of residents voiced similar frustrations, District Councilman Zac Blanchard announced a new public safety plan. The proposal includes tracking the progress of the police department’s dirt bike enforcement unit, holding bi-weekly meetings focused on bar and restaurant security, and introducing legislation to limit the expansion of new smoke shops while placing additional restrictions on existing ones.
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But some residents say the plan is too little too late. “Zach says, we know it’s going to take a couple of years. Well, I don’t really think it needs to take a couple years,” Seward said.
In response, Seward and Topping helped organize a petition signed by roughly 800 residents. Their demands include 24/7 parking enforcement, an immediate crackdown on dirt bikes, DUI checkpoints, and additional support from Maryland State Police.
They say they plan to take those requests directly to the mayor’s office and the governor next week.
“Let’s get moving,” Seward said.
And if meaningful changes don’t happen soon, they say they’ll be the ones to moving out of the city.
“We’re fortunate to live here,” Seward added, “but it’s really going downhill.”
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