DENVER METROPOLITAN SYMPOSIUM 551

inequality for which no single cure or secure solution exists. This very
absence of clear-cut solutions increases the obstacles to implementing
plausible remedial programs. Nor can it be denied that popular
opinion is more divisive, ambivalent and emotional on social issues.
Consequently, elected officials are hesitant — and with good reason —
to invest taxpayers' dollars in programs which could — but not
definitely will — relieve poverty, unemployment and prejudice.

This does not imply that answers simply do not exist nor justify
delay in the application of proven or highly plausible programs. We
may be grateful that so many technical tools exist, that so many sub-
stantial solutions have evolved to guide our urban and human renewal
efforts.

First among these is comprehensive planning. With planning we
can in essence control the development and destiny of our cities; we
can eradicate blight, reverse the trend of commercial decay and ac-
tually create the character of our communities.

A decade ago, the commercial core of Baltimore offered almost a
textbook classic in its dreary facade. Private initiative enlisted public
support to raze ten blocks and build a balanced high-rise center. The
City purchased, cleared and sold the land to private investors. Con-
struction was subject to an Architectural Review Board. Today, the
Charles Center combines glass and steel office buildings with apart-
ments, a new hotel, theater and Civic Center, malls, parks and a
magnificent fountain. Night-life downtown, almost virtually non-
existent a decade ago, is becoming versatile and vibrant. This project
has been so successful that Baltimore's voters have authorized the
development of a companion harbor area project five times greater
than the Charles Center.

Beauty as well as balance should be a constant planning discipline.
Baltimore is not unlike Denver in that better than one out of every
two trips into the City is made by private automobile. While the City
is planning a rapid transit system, Baltimore will always depend upon
its urban expressways. To assure expressway development that is not
only functional but tasteful, the City officials created a Design Concept
Team composed primarily of architects. This unit is authorized to
review and approve all metropolitan expressway construction so that
it will neither disrupt existing neighborhoods nor detract from the
grace of the new downtown.

Next to comprehensive, creative planning, taxation has the potential
to be the most constructive, critical instrument. Early this year, Mary-