Commentary: The lack of enforcement on illegal rentals and the prioritization of commercial zoning over affordable housing are eroding the fabric of the Old 4th Ward, just as Urban Removal once did.- By Ms. Veronica Grant

"As a descendant of the Old 4th Ward, a long-time resident, and the Founder and President of Old 4th Ward the New Generation Inc., I am deeply and personally invested in the well-being and future of my community, with no alternative motives.

The Old 4th Ward once thrived as a vibrant community for people of color. As I sit on a bench in the People's Park—dedicated to my ancestors—and look at the surrounding area, I'm reminded that where there are now dedicated monuments there once stood Black-owned homes and businesses, which were lost due to URBAN REMOVAL.

I believe we are witnessing a similar unsettling trend today, primarily driven by the proliferation of short-term rental (Airbnb) businesses. Which research shows that in the Greater Clay Street Community, there may be as many as 13 to 14 such operations, with only a small fraction (around 4) appearing to be properly registered or licensed. There seems to be no limit on how many can be established, yet there is a critical and growing need for more affordable housing.

This issue is compounded by the housing situation within our community many residents have been required to apply for Section 8 housing vouchers. However, when we look at the limited number of available units for this program, and ask how many Section 8 homes are truly available within the City of Annapolis, the answer is revealing and underscores the severity of our housing crisis.

Furthermore, the Greater Clay Community has been re-designated as a residential/commercial area. I question how this zoning change truly benefited or benefits the current, long-standing residents. Are these new businesses providing meaningful employment for those who live here? It seems not. 

I strongly feel that commercial development should have been focused on the top of the Clay St corridor from Pleasant Street down toward Arundel Center and possibly West Washington Street, rather than taking away potential housing from those who need it most.

Also It's disheartening to have to walk a few blocks from to enjoy the luxuries of the water living on waterfront property and still not have immediate convenient access to the water unless, perhaps, you are a tourist staying in one of these questionable short-term rentals. I urge you to consider the cumulative impact of these issues on the residents who call the Old 4th Ward home. The lack of enforcement on illegal rentals and the prioritization of commercial zoning over affordable housing are eroding the fabric of our community, just as URBAN REMOVAL once did."

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