One way to do this is to avoid mid-block demolitions. Look for opportunities to create parcels large enough for new construction and for the development of other amenities. For example, recognizing the significant role that well designed and maintained open space can play as a catalyst of neighborhood revitalization, look for opportunities to use demolition and capital funds to create new residential urban squares. Once one of these new parks is developed the houses around it can be rehabilitated, or new housing can be built that faces the park. Existing Baltimore examples to consider replicating are Union Square and Franklin Square in southwest Baltimore.
Deconstruction is the careful hand disassembly of buildings for material salvage.
The advantages of deconstruction are that it minimizes solid waste, reduces health hazards, and creates jobs. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have measured elevated lead levels in the air near demolition sites in the hours after demolitions have taken place. Currently, there is no neighborhood notification to warn residents of this potential hazard. To prevent contamination, contract should water down sites during demolition and take other measures to prevent demolition runoff from going into Chesapeake Bay storm drains. Require demolition contractors to complete the job quickly and to clean and prepare the site for future use.