"We got to first ask the question, 'Why are we even talking about The Block?' In 2017 and 2018 we closed down liquor stores in the Park Heights community. This year and last year we had legislation to close down stores at 10:00 on North Avenue, where we only have half a dozen bars. In 2020 we had 91 shootings, and 39 homicides. In 2021 we had 73 shootings and 42 homicides. Just this year, we had 6 shootings and 3 homicides. The reason why we're talking about the block is that people come from out of town into the city, but there are other priority issues that don't get the same amount of attention, like neighborhoods like North Avenue," Democratic Maryland State Senator Antonio Hayes said. Sen. Hayes represents Baltimore city. He said mandatory minimum sentencing and homicide clearance rates are also priorities. "If people feel like they're not going to get caught or be held accountable, that's where we should be having our focus," Sen. Hayes said.