In response to Lila Johnson's recent letter concerning the future of the "grand dame" row houses of the city ("A newcomer's search for a place to call home," Dec. 4), it is wonderful to hear someone from another state appreciate the beauty of Baltimore.

I would also love to see the old houses on Harford Road, Biddle Street and East North Avenue renovated.

I think the best way to have this happen is to start with the renovation of a row home in a neighborhood such as Canton, Fells Point or Butcher's Hill. These are neighborhoods that 50 years ago were in decline, but in the past several decades they have become jewels of the city.

There are still many houses in these areas that are in need of renovation. Once these areas are complete, the renovations should proceed to the areas you have been admiring. Let's make East North Avenue the new Canton, one step at a time.

Mark Lippy, Baltimore