Poll Results: Should Owings Mills Mall Be Torn Down?

As it turns out, the desired solution to Owings Mills' longstanding mall problem may be a bit more complicated than expected.

Voters on a non-scientific this week indicated there is no clear consensus on what should actually be done to improve the quiet shopping center that is Owings Mills Mall.

Just 39 percent of 113 voters felt the mall ought to be torn down and replaced with a new shopping center. Meanwhile, 35 percent wanted the mall to remain in its current state physically, with a renewed effort to add appealing stores to sparsely filled storefronts.

Another 28 percent said they didn't care what happened, so long as the shopping center was improved.

"The mall needs to be demolished...it is at a point of no return," a comment by a user going by the handle "BluePeace" wrote. "Community confidence is low and most do not want to shop there anymore - it's quite obvious.

"Businesses come where they are welcome and remain where they are appreciated. It's evident that the mall's appreciation has dwindled and that is a shame."

But another commenter disagreed.

"The managers are now finally making effort to improve the mall and add new stores. There is still hope," wrote Jeffrey Freedman. "So many people have left because they did not have enough shopping options in this mall. The mall simply needs more stores, better advertising, and special events."

Others were less vocal one way or the other, but sounded disappointed in the would-be town center's current state.

"At one point I was excited for the mall.. with the Metro center opening up.. I thought we would have a place like the Avenue at White Marsh," wrote Kim Morrison. "I think it could be like it still if they invest in the Mall and get moving on the ."