South Baltimore’s closed schools are prime real estate. For now, they’re full of trash.
When Jenna Crocker looks out her front window, she sees a decaying school building with open windows and boarded-up doors.
She has witnessed teenagers break into the former New Era Academy in Cherry Hill and come out with a pile of books they set on fire and light bulbs they threw at the building walls.
Cherry Hill residents concerned about safety from vacant South Baltimore school
Cherry Hill residents are demanding that Baltimore City leaders take action and take care of a South Baltimore vacant school building — the former New Era Academy.
Dozens met last Friday to discuss solutions to secure the deteriorating 21-acre building from burglaries and other crimes.
"It's a landmark to me, because it's been here all my life," said Robert Hines, a longtime Cherry Hill resident.
'Issues with security': Cherry Hill residents say vacant school is eyesore, safety issue
Cherry Hill residents are concerned about the vacant New Era Academy building, closed since 2023, which they see as both an eyesore and a safety issue.
Baltimore City School Police said 43 reports related to the property have been filed since 2024, including cases of arson, burglary and disorderly conduct.
Progressive Maryland Wins End to Trash Incineration (Copy)
Progressive Maryland celebrates the end of “Cash for Trash,” as the state ends subsidies for trash incinerator companies like Win Waste, which will bring clearer air to areas like South Baltimore.