The following is an op-ed from Councilman David Marks…

It’s time to take bold action to stop the steady increase in crime in Belmont and Dunfield, neighborhoods where the quality of life is eroding thanks to vandalism, lawlessness among our youth, and shootings like last night’s incident off Stillmeadow Road.

In January, I joined our state legislators in calling for a police substation and community center to serve this community. The project was never included in the capital budget, but we need to redouble our efforts.

Not only does this area need constant police presence, but it requires a Police Athletic League so children can form positive relationships with law enforcement.

A previous County Executive targeted this area for subsidized housing without committing any new resources to support the many new families who live there. It’s time for Baltimore County to step up and take control.