title
The Displaced Member Group of the Old Fourth Ward of Annapolis
For the purpose of the Annapolis City Council expressing its regret to families of the Old Fourth Ward who were displaced from their homes, businesses, and community by the City of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and the State of Maryland urban renewal construction projects between 1950 and 2021.
body
City Council of the
City of Annapolis
Resolution 32-25
Introduced by: Alderman Gay
Co-sponsored by: Alderman Schandelmeier
A RESOLUTION concerning
The Displaced Member Group of the Old Fourth Ward of Annapolis
FOR the purpose of the Annapolis City Council expressing its regret to families of the Old Fourth Ward who were displaced from their homes, businesses, and community by the City of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and the State of Maryland urban renewal construction projects between 1950 and 2021.
WHEREAS, This Displaced Member Group of the Old Fourth Ward of Annapolis includes the originally harmed individuals and up to three generations of their descendants. It specifically encompasses Black American Negro individuals, families, and businesses-who were harmed by state, county, and local Urban Renewal policies in the Old Fourth Ward of Annapolis, Maryland, between 1950 and 2021-efforts often more accurately described as "Urban Removal."; and
WHEREAS, In 1961, the Maryland General Assembly granted the City of Annapolis urban renewal powers for slum clearance (Chapter 755 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1961). The General Assembly allowed further changes in 1976.
WHEREAS, The 1984 Annapolis City Charter, in an appendix, contained the Annapolis Urban Renewal Authority for Slum Clearance (Charter Appendix I, §§ A1-101 to A1-113), allowed the city to condemn property determined by the city to be a “slum” or “blighted.”
WHEREAS, The Old Fourth Ward communities were decimated during urban renewal, which led to the displacement of families and businesses, the loss of community spaces, the erasure of cultural heritage, and further damaged the self-efficacy that was already in peril from slavery, Black Codes, and Jim Crow; and
WHEREAS, Historical injustices, including urban renewal, resulted in the loss of generational wealth for homeowners, renters, and business owners; and
WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis recognizes the ongoing and enduring pain, trauma, and lasting impact caused by these actions to the Displaced Member Group and impacted community, as evidenced by their existing health disparities; and
WHEREAS, The victims of urban renewal and their descendants continue to confront housing insecurity, health disparities, lack of economic opportunities, and destabilization, which impact every aspect of their daily existence; and
WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis must rectify these disparities and invest in the well-being and economic empowerment of the Displaced Member Group and their businesses by creating opportunities for them to thrive continuously; and
WHEREAS, In 2021, the City of Annapolis passed Ordinance 13-21, Urban Renewal Projects-Repeal, which eliminated all provisions related to urban renewal in its City Charter and Code, and recognized that an apology is the next step towards repair; and
WHEREAS, We honor the resilience, strength, and invaluable contributions of the Displaced Member Group, remembering all who thrived and continue to thrive in this historic neighborhood.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that:
1. Acknowledgement of Harm: The City of Annapolis accepts its role in the urban renewal policies in the Old Fourth Ward and the resulting loss of generational wealth, displacement, disruption of community bonds, loss of political influence, and economic hardship experienced by the Displaced Member Group.
2. Expression of Apology and Regret: Be it further resolved that the City of Annapolis sincerely apologizes to the members of the Displaced Member Group, residents, and families of the Old Fourth Ward, for the pain and suffering caused by the urban renewal policies. We deeply regret the negative impact on the Displaced Member Group and empathize with the experiences of those affected.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that:
1. In adopting this resolution, we urgently and unequivocally affirm our commitment to justice, equity, and the long-term prosperity of Old Fourth Ward families and businesses. Our goal is to swiftly redress past injustices, promote healing, and build a more inclusive and just future for all residents of the City of Annapolis.
2. We further emphasize the importance of community well-being and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Old Fourth Ward. To this end, we commit to establishing a citizen-led task force, in collaboration with key stakeholders, to seek resources to address the harms caused by urban renewal policies in the Old Fourth Ward.
3. With unwavering hope, we envision a future where generations can thrive in a revitalized, empowered, and united Old Fourth Ward.
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect upon passage.