Annapolis, MD — More than two years ago, Larry Hogan promised to commit $75 million to demolishing 4,000 vacant houses in Baltimore as part of an effort to improve neighborhood and reduce crime, but only spent $5 million to demolish 132 houses in the first 18 months of the program. Following Hogan’s announcement today of a plan to demolish 500 vacant homes, the Maryland Democratic Party is calling on Hogan to keep his promises to Baltimore.
“Two years ago, Governor Hogan swooped in with cameras and promised to make Baltimore neighborhoods more vibrant by tearing down 4,000 vacant and decaying houses, but he has failed to deliver,” said Maryland Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Matthews. “After more than 2 years, he needs to lay out what, if any, progress his administration has made toward keeping its promise to Baltimore. The test of true leadership starts when the cameras stop rolling, and once again Governor Hogan is shortchanging Baltimore.”