During a recent government meeting, residents of Annapolis voiced urgent concerns regarding the impact of urban renewal and ongoing safety issues in local housing, particularly at the Morris H. Blum high rise.

One resident, Ms. Tanner, expressed her frustration over emergency medical personnel being delayed for over two hours while trying to assist her elderly mother, who lives in the building. She highlighted the distressing sight of senior citizens struggling to navigate the stairs due to malfunctioning elevators, emphasizing that vulnerable adults should not have to endure such conditions. Tanner called for immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, warning that failure to address these issues could affect political accountability in upcoming elections.

Michael Brown, another resident, shared a poignant account of his family's history in Annapolis, detailing the devastating effects of urban removal on community cohesion. He lamented the loss of local businesses and the dispersal of families, which he believes has led to a breakdown of community ties. Brown called for accountability and reparations for those affected by past injustices, asserting that the impact of urban renewal has been both profound and illegal.

Cynthia Carter echoed these sentiments, recounting her own experiences growing up in the area and the fragmentation of families caused by urban renewal policies. She urged city officials to acknowledge the historical injustices and work towards reparative measures for affected families.

Linda Mundy, representing the Coalition For Atonement and Repair, shared her perspective on the inequities faced by marginalized communities in Annapolis. She emphasized the need for community engagement and support for initiatives aimed at addressing the historical trauma experienced by residents.

The meeting underscored a collective call for action from community members, who are demanding not only immediate improvements in housing safety but also a reckoning with the historical injustices that have shaped their neighborhoods. The discussions highlighted a growing movement among residents to seek accountability and foster a more equitable future for all.