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Govans: From a Storybook Past to a Troubled Future

Crime and violence increase, as does the gap between affluent and underprivileged

These days, crime isn’t big news for Govans.

The neighborhood, located in Baltimore City’s Northern District, has seen its fair share of disturbances in recent months, especially along the York Road corridor. With 6 larcenies from vehicles, 3 aggravated assaults, 1 burglary and 1 stolen vehicle just between February 17 and March 3, theft and violence is a major concern. But more than property is at stake – of the 57 homicides in Baltimore City since January, three have been in the Govans area.

Reports of gang activity have also heightened fear among the residents, as some youth have claimed ties to the Bloods and Crips. In the Northern District of Baltimore City Police, a special unit has been established in the past seven months to deal with this problem. These gangs have left graffiti tags throughout the area, which has been an indication of increased organization. The special gang units’ leader, Officer Quinn Gooden, has recently identified 25-30 Crips and 30-40 Bloods. This is part of a city-wide uprising, in which the Mayor Shelia Dixon has noted that, “All communities need to be aware there is a gang problem.”

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