Marvin “Doc” Cheatham Sr. spoke Tuesday to The Examiner about the recent Abell Foundation report, which was critical of the state of public housing in Baltimore City, as reported in The Examiner on Oct. 2 and 3.
Cheatham has been president of the Baltimore City branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People since January 2005.
What was your reaction to the report?
You have an organization in The Abell Foundation that many associate with the City of Baltimore, and for them to issue a very critical report about public housing, I think everyone should take notice.
The federal government has not given us enough money to replace what we?ve torn down. We?re finding 13, 14 folks living in one house.
What about the report concerned you?
The Housing Authority is tearing down these houses, and according to the report, [it has] money that?s supposed to be going to building new houses.
Housing Commissioner Paul Graziano says there?s a plan to rebuild, but we just don?t see it.
What has the NAACP suggested be done?
We?ve been in contact with the [American Civil Liberties Union] and the Citizens Planning and Housing Association, and we?re asking City Council to hold a public hearing on this.
We?re asking to hear from the Housing Authority and to have an opportunity to make some suggestions.
A lot of great ideas come from the organizations that have the citizens? needs at heart.
It?s clear we have a severe housing problem in Baltimore.
Do you think a public hearing will be held?
We?re cautiously optimistic.
It behooves City Council to stop covering up for the shortcomings of city agencies.
It?s time we address the situations affecting our residents.
We?re not just pointing fingers.
We want to find solutions to get us out of the mess we?re in. ? Andrew Cannarsa
