UPDATE: The Starbucks location has now closed permanently.

Original story below…

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TOWSON, MD—For several days now, local residents have been posting to social media asking why the Starbucks at the corner of Loch Raven Boulevard and East Joppa Road has been closed.

On Monday night, Councilman David Marks provided some answers.

The coffee spot located at the site of the former Bel-Loc Diner is “temporarily shuttered,” according to Councilman Marks, partly due to recent crime in the immediate area.

In June 2016, the historic Bel-Loc Diner announced that it would be closing its doors and that a Starbucks would take its place. Now, just over five years later, it seems that crime has driven off the Starbucks as well.

Councilman Marks’ full statement is as follows:

”Since 2019, I have been working with business owners and community leaders to spark redevelopment at the long-troubled intersection of Joppa Road and Loch Raven Boulevard.

“Plans took a big step forward when investors announced plans to convert the former First Mariner bank building to a children’s pediatric center – and now they took a massive step back with the closure of Starbucks.

“Jordan Levine is the co-chair with me of the task force. Ovee the past week, he’s had many conversations with Starbucks representatives. I have met with nearby property owners and talked directly with the Chief of Police.

“Starbucks has not announced a permanent closure. They are, however, temporarily shuttered – based on our conversations – partly due to recent crime in the immediate area.

“Make no mistake – we are exploring all options to force property owners to improve security on their premises. I’ve constantly talked about the need for more police, but the responsibility for security also rests with propertyowners where there have been repeated problems over many years.

“The temporary closure of Starbucks was completely avoidable.”

[Photo via Councilman David Marks]