Property Address: 2037 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
Property Owner: Melvin T. Russell, 3405 Periwinkle Way, Edgewood, MD 21040
City Council District and Contact: District 13, Warren Branch
This home is owned by Melvin Russell, commanding officer of the Baltimore City Police, Eastern District Station. Perhaps that explains why Major Russell has never been hauled into housing court for the numerous violations involving this property. Please note the trash, and open/missing windows.
2037 Orleans Street, Front
Front door of 2037 Orleans Street
Open/missing windows at 2037 Orleans Street
Trasn and weeds in the rear of 2037 Orleans
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About Baltimore Slumlord Watch
Baltimore Slumlord Watch was created in January of 2009, as a way for city residents to discuss and share information on Baltimore’s many bad property owners. Started by a resident who was tired of watching out of town “investors” and others destroy neighborhoods as a result of their negligence, we hope this blog will serve as a valuable service to other city residents who are sick of the problems slumlords cause in our communities.
Please note, we do not work for realtors, developers, or property investors, and have no financial interest in property in Baltimore City.
View all posts by Baltimore Slumlord Watch
March 20th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Well, must be nice. I inherited property at the corner of Lakewood and Orleans eleven years ago. It took me three years just to clean the house out and prepare for sale which netted a real bundle owing to the lovely surroundings. The neighbors were aware this corner property was empty and used the backyard as a dumpster and also were setting trash out on non-pickup days. During this time, I was issued citations for the situation which required a hearing appearance. After explaining what was going on at the property, I was curtly told it was my responsibility to comply. ‘Nuff said. Not being a commanding officer in the PD guess other rules apply to me. Hey, Bub, I had to clean up, so MOVE IT!!!!!
March 20th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
Indeed, I guess rank does have its privileges. :(
March 20th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
In fairness to Office Russell the properties at 2029, 2031, 2033 Orleans Street look at lot like his (on google street view) and are owned by the Housing Authority. But unlike the Housing Authority Office is current on his taxes of $2400/yr to the City.
March 20th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
Hopefully the City will fine him for the code violations…so theySyll make even more money from this property. I’m just shocked that a police officer would allow a property to remain in such a state of disrepair, especially when you consider the fact that vacant homes bring more crime to a community.
March 20th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
I wonder if it’s a conflict of interest for him to own a property in the same district that he serves. It’s my understanding that a Baltimore City police officer cannot work in the same district where he lives.
January 17th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
There is no truth to that.
January 17th, 2012 at 9:17 pm
Sorry, but it’s a little difficult to argue with court records.
March 22nd, 2011 at 12:53 am
I find it appalling that a police officer who is sworn to up hold the law and live by some code of integrity. Would have the audacity to be a slum lord. That place is filthy. How difficult is it on a police officer’s salary to hire someone to pick up trash? Which by the way I would think the Mayor would have extra restrictions and guidelines for his police officers, send you lead by example. Well you just never know what lurks underneath the clothes/uniform of a man.
March 22nd, 2011 at 8:33 am
I have a difficult time accepting community leaders and government employees who use, abuse and exploit the city. Unfortunately it is common.
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:16 am
I agree completely. I would also be interested in knowing how many other public officials own derelict property in Baltimore.
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:53 am
Wow! Unbelievable how so many of us are quick to judge. I’m from East BMore and I know a little about Commander Russell. First it was his residence while he was assigned to the Eastern District years ago (was and still allowed). 2nd the home was placed into HUD program where the tenants completely destroyed before being legally put out, a year plus long process. Those same tenants continued to squat and alegedly set the place on fire. His insurance co dropped him after giving him pennies for repairs. 3rd he has been fined several times. As soon as he has yard cleaned more dumping occurs. 4th he works at an insane pace to make communities better while supported by his family. East BMore loves Commander Russell who is also a great man of God. So before you put your mouth on this man of God get your facts straight.
March 22nd, 2011 at 1:44 pm
I’m confused as to why you’re bringing religion into this. Leaving a property in this condition is against the law, plain and simple.
March 22nd, 2011 at 2:30 pm
OK Laura, answer these questions:
1) Isn’t it against department rules for a member of the BPD to own a property in the district in which he works? The last time I checked, this block of Orleans was located in the Eastern District.
2) If he’s such a dedicated servant, then why doesn’t he show it by staying in Baltimore? Don’t give me some BS about safety- I’m sure that a house that is occupied by a high ranking police official would be a major crime deterrent. And don’t give me some BS about how some Section 8 tenants screwed him over. He contributed to the crime problem by renting to some lowlifes without conducting the appropriate background checks.
3) Don’t you find it unethical for a so-called “man of God” to be driving a police vehicle, financed on the backs of Baltimore City taxpayers, 50 miles roundtrip each day between the Eastern District HQ and Edgewood?
March 22nd, 2011 at 3:41 pm
It is not illegal or against policy for officers to live in the district in which they work.
The pictures you have posted are old and the property has been cleaned and boarded up.
All taxes are paid.
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Sorry, but the photos were taken on the 17th and they were posted on the 20th….so the photos aren’t “old”.
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Neal, I’ll be happy to email the photos that I took along with the date stamp. Stop being a lying liar.
March 22nd, 2011 at 5:01 pm
It is far more sad that this kind of discussion happens “about” someone than “with” someone. Perhaps far more would be accomplished if we as citizens stop gossiping about public officials and actually contacted them directly and talked with them to hear their story before jumping to conclusions. I too have a rental property and have had tenants not only work on destroying it but also run out on rent payments leaving me with thousands of dollars of losses all the while I am paying a mortgage on the property, the taxes, and the upkeep, and then also having to reinvest in repairs left by the wayward tenants. I did my due diligence to check on background, ability to pay, etc. The fact is some folk just don’t hold up their end of a contract. Then the homeowner comes out looking like they don’t care about the neighborhood or property when they are out of money.
I would encourage whoever started this blog to simply address the officer in question with a respectful inquiry. You may be surprised at the truths you learn.
Jesus was the one who said – if your brother offends you go to them and work it out, if that doesn’t work take someone in with you and try again. I simply ask those with comments here, “Have you approached the officer in question?” “What was the story?”
March 23rd, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Religion- the last refuge of the scoundrel.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:55 pm
First, this property is not technically a slum, as it is unoccupied. Therefore, its owner, Melvin Russell, cannot be labeled as a “slumlord.”
Second, this vacant property is just one of thousands of vacant properties in Baltimore City. In that case, shouldn’t all of our vacant properties be under this “slumlord watch?”
Most importantly, the owner of this property, Police Major Melvin Russell, has gone above and beyond his call of duty to bring safety, unity, and community revitalization to the very neighborhoods that have been plagued with the problems of vacant properties. My prayer is that God continues to give Major Russell the strength to mentor and empower the people of distressed neighborhoods in Baltimore City to take control of their neighborhoods and deter illegal activity.
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Slums don’t have to be occupied, and I would love to get every vacant property on the blog. Are you volunteering your time and energy to help with that
December 6th, 2011 at 10:36 am
I do believe that is the point of this blog, to get all of our vacant properties listed.
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:53 pm
I see that Major Russell’s family members are out in full force shilling for him on this blog.
March 23rd, 2011 at 5:10 pm
That seems to happen a lot, when people are caught doing the wrong thing. Remember all the comments after I posted about the woman who shot her boyfriend at the downtown hotel?
March 29th, 2011 at 7:53 am
It’s funny how we have “Men of God” whom commit horrible transgressions and many, including their members forgive them and all is forgotten. Before you condemn this true Man of God, know the facts! Also, read your bible; “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” John 8:7
April 2nd, 2011 at 9:00 am
Funny how people will take advantage of that “forgiveness” and keep doing the same things over and over again. No, this guy needs to clean up his blighted property — would Jesus let a home fall into disrepair? Really?
I can’t believe how often the “Christian” card gets pulled here — face it, the guy is a slumlord. Get over it.
April 2nd, 2011 at 10:13 am
“Doctor” Clarence R. Daniels, get over yourself! Receiving a “Master of Divinity” degree from some diploma mill called Family Bible Seminary doesn’t make you a doctor.
According to MD Casesearch, you must have had to ask for forgiveness several times for such indiscretions as breaking and entering, destruction of property, adultery (as evidenced by your paternity case), and divorce (which is a sin according to most churches). I consider myself an atheist, yet I manage to stay out of trouble. Hmmm.
December 6th, 2011 at 10:39 am
All your true man of “God” has to do is clean up his property, keep it clean, and all will be forgiven.
December 8th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Amen, Mr. Smithey…Amen. Clean it up and no need to repent.
January 17th, 2012 at 6:03 pm
[...] commanding officer in the police department owns a run-down vacant — why hasn’t this been fixed up? He’s in a position of authority and respect [...]