In the most recent case I've personally tripped over, the land sold for $110,000. That doesn't seem very expensive to me. Judging by the look of the pads they're laying out, there will be at least six houses soon abuilding, priced per the developer's sign "starting from the low 400s."

I'd say the city is getting rooked, but this is Baltimore. Somebody bought somebody. If you think that's a problem which is susceptible of solution by political processes designed to work in the absence of rampant corruption, then I'd love to hear how you see that working.