Safety top concern among those surveyed in South Baltimore communities: 'Not shocking at all'

BALTIMORE - Nearly every respondent to a recent survey in South Baltimore communities reported feeling unsafe.

The survey was conducted by Greater Baybrook Alliance in response to the July 2 mass shooting at Brooklyn Homes.

Nearly 100 people, from both Brooklyn Homes and neighboring communities, were surveyed anonymously. Survey results show 98 percent of people reported feeling unsafe, according to GBA Executive Director Meredith Chaiken.

"There's some history of the police not being as responsive in that community as they should be, so it's not surprising that people don't feel safe," Chaiken said.

The survey was conducted on behalf of the Brooklyn Homes Tenant Council.

"We've seen the neighborhood become increasingly violent. It's not shocking at all. It's the reality," Kandice Golden, who lives a few blocks from Brooklyn Homes, said. "It is my concern, 'Is will (the response to the shooting) continue?'"

In the weeks following the shooting, city agencies and organizations flooded the community with resources ranging from food distributions to job fairs.

"The love was good. All the activities they had, they gave away food, but we need some long-lasting programs," Stephanie White of the Greater Baybrook Alliance said. "Crime is one problem, but our major problem is grime, dirt. And, Brooklyn is very dirty. A person wouldn't come into a well-groomed neighborhood, take over, and sell drugs."

Police have still not made any significant arrests in the shooting that killed two young people and injured 28 others. The only arrest announced so far is a 17-year-old shooting victim, who is facing weapons charges.

The release of an internal after-action review from Baltimore City Police is expected within the week. Inquiries to the department about its release date were not answered.

Other concerns voiced in the anonymous survey include the cost of living and food access.

A nearby Lidl grocery store just over the city line in Anne Arundel County closed last month.

The chain said the store was "underperforming."

White said neighborhood clean-ups are needed, too.

"Crime is one problem, but our major problem is grime, dirt," she said. "And, Brooklyn is very dirty. A person wouldn't come into a well-groomed neighborhood, take over and sell drugs."

Another Baltimore City Council hearing on the response from city agencies to this shooting is set for September 19.