Charm City Land Trusts manages 19 parcels of open space on Port Street, called the Amazing Port Street Commons. The Commons are a reflective space housing community gardens, a labyrinth, and mural artwork created by the late Pontella Mason.

The Commons are open to the public and often host community gatherings, including the annual Spring Fling organized by the McElderry Park Community Association.

The Sacred Commons are emblematic of CCLT’s core values: holding land in common with our neighbors, stewarding space for the benefit of all, and providing occasion for collective healing and reflection.

Before the Commons were constructed through collaborations with various community development organizations, the homes on Port Street were vacant and deteriorating. The Commons used to look like this:

Now they look like this: