BALTIMORE — LaShelle Rollins’ rental house in West Baltimore is wedged between a line of derelict properties valued only by street gangs, drug addicts and firefighters conducting arson drills. At a time when rival cities are gaining population, Baltimore’s decades-long disappearing act is only continuing. In 1950, Baltimore was America’s sixth most populous city, with nearly a million residents, many employed by Bethlehem Steel. Even with job gains, stately historic districts, and gleaming waterfront areas, Baltimore overall has about the same population today as it did 100 years ago. “People around here want real changes, real opportunities,” she said, watching her little girl play in the yard of her public school.

Source: National Post December 29, 2018 13:30 UTC