BALTIMORE — More than 30 business and restaurant owners in Baltimore's Fells Point are threatening to withhold taxes if city leaders do not address crime, trash and other issues they say are plaguing the waterfront neighborhood.
The group sent a letter to Baltimore officials Tuesday — two days after three people were shot in the neighborhood early Sunday morning — complaining about blatant drug sales, public drinking and other problems they say are happening in plain sight while police are handcuffed from enforcing the law.
The letter bemoans a “culture of lawlessness” that allows the " the kinds of violence and tragedy we witnessed late (over the weekend).”
The letter is a sharp response not only to the violence of the weekend, but also to the policies of State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, who earlier this year announced that she will no longer prosecute a host of crimes, including drug possession, public drinking and urination and trespassing, among others. It was addressed to Mayor Brandon Scott, Council President Nick Mosby, Councilman Zeke Cohen, Mosby and Police Commissioner Michael Harrison.
It points particularly at what they say are the very public crimes taking place nightly that discourage people from visiting the neighborhood and hurts their ability to keep businesses running.
“These are not concealed, clandestine operations by sophisticated gangs with suppliers and lookouts. These are brazen individuals who conduct their business in plain sight because they know Baltimore City will do nothing to prevent or punish them”, the letter reads. “This hurts the family fabric and tourist value of the community.”
Three people were shot in Fells Point early Sunday morning in two separate incidents. Police said around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, officers patrolling the area found two men, 24- and 26-years-old suffering gunshot wounds in the bustling 1700 block of Thames Street. The injuries were not life-threatening.
A short time later, officers were called a to nearby Aliceanna Street and South Broadway, where a man had been shot in the head.
The business owners say they intend to withhold taxes, minor privilege and permit fees, and place those funds into an escrow account, which will not be released “until and unless basic and essential municipal services are restored.”
Scott, the mayor, could not immediately be reached for comment. A spokeswoman for the state’s attorney’s office did not immediately comment and said it was reviewing the matter.
The letter depicts the business owners as fighting to survive following a difficult year.
“We have struggled through a global pandemic, enduring restaurant shutdowns and mask mandates. For months, we have been holding on by a thread, waiting for daybreak, worrying whether we will make it or if we will be the next business to shutter our doors for good,” the letter stated.
The business owners say they love the city and call Fells Point a “crown jewel,” that brings families and life to the city. But they pointed to the Inner Harbor, where they said crime and lack of police enforcement has hurt the area.
“No one wants this to happen to Fells Point, least of all the people and families who have devoted themselves to creating a residential and commercial district that is welcoming, prosperous, diverse and safe, where you can raise a family, build a business, savor a meal and enjoy the splendor of our city in peace,” the letter said.
The letter was distributed by Thiru Vignarajah, at attorney, who previously ran unsuccessfully for mayor and Baltimore state’s attorney. He said he is “serving as an advocate and organizer,” for the group.
