Councilman Calls for Safer White Marsh Town Center

Marks seeks stronger coordination between police and property owners to address recent incidents.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Councilman David Marks has called for increased safety measures at the White Marsh Town Center in eastern Baltimore County. The area, a blend of commercial and residential uses, has seen recent incidents that have disrupted the experience for residents, office workers, and customers. Marks is advocating for better planning, stronger coordination between police and property owners, and addressing state juvenile justice laws that he believes have favored youthful offenders over community impact.

Why it matters

The White Marsh Town Center is a major economic hub in the region, and ensuring a safe environment is crucial for maintaining its viability as a destination for businesses, residents, and visitors. Councilman Marks' efforts to address the recent incidents and implement proactive safety measures aim to protect the community and preserve the town center's reputation as a safe and welcoming place.

The details

Councilman Marks has worked to improve planning and development in the White Marsh Town Center, including eliminating over 300 proposed apartments near the library in 2023 and passing a new Small Area Plan for the community. He also emphasizes the need for stronger coordination between the local police precinct and major property owners, such as White Marsh Mall and The Avenue at White Marsh, who already enforce an adult escort policy. Additionally, Marks points to the impact of state juvenile justice laws, which he believes have favored rehabilitation over prosecution, as a contributing factor to the recent incidents.

  • In the fall of 2023, Marks requested the Baltimore County Council to eliminate more than 300 apartments that were proposed near the White Marsh library.
  • In March 2026, an incident occurred at the White Marsh Town Center that prompted Marks' call for increased safety measures.

The players

David Marks

Councilman representing the White Marsh area since the most recent redistricting in 2022.

White Marsh Mall

A major commercial property in the White Marsh Town Center that enforces an adult escort policy.

The Avenue at White Marsh

Another major commercial property in the White Marsh Town Center that also enforces an adult escort policy.

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What they’re saying

“The residents, office workers, and customers who are part of the White Marsh Town Center deserve a safe experience. People should be able to enjoy a nice meal, visit with friends, or live in the town center without experiencing the chaos that comes from incidents like that one that occurred on March 7th.”

— David Marks, Councilman (nottinghammd.com)

What’s next

Councilman Marks is open to any tools that can help Baltimore County better support the policies already in place by the major property owners in the White Marsh Town Center, and he is committed to working towards a safer community.

The takeaway

Ensuring the safety and security of the White Marsh Town Center is crucial for maintaining its status as a thriving economic hub and desirable destination for businesses, residents, and visitors. Councilman Marks' efforts to improve planning, strengthen coordination between police and property owners, and address state-level policies aim to create a safer and more welcoming environment for all who experience the town center.