Towson District Court Services Are Relocating For 6 Months

TOWSON, MD — The Towson District Courthouse will move its services more than 15 miles away later this year so crews can repair the HVAC system at the building on Chesapeake Avenue. Officials say the move out of Towson will last up to six months, and the exact moving date will be released in the coming weeks.

All services that were available at the Towson District Courthouse, including the commissioner’s office, will temporarily move to the new Catonsville District Courthouse, according to the Maryland Judiciary.

Aging equipment and failing systems necessitated the Towson District Courthouse move, judicial officials said.

"This is an unfortunate situation, but the safety and the well-being of both our court visitors and staff is a top priority, and we will continue to provide the highest level of service during the temporary location change," Chief Judge of the District Court of Maryland John P. Morrissey said in a statement about the move Monday, Sept. 23.

"The Maryland Judiciary is committed to ensuring there will be no disruption of services for Marylanders," Morrissey said. Signs have been posted at the Towson courthouse alerting people about the change. There will also be FAQ sheets and transportation guides at all Baltimore County District Courthouses.

Those with pending court cases should check their paperwork to determine where to report.

Just as the Towson facility will be updated, the new Catonsville District Courthouse will be opening up at 1 Rolling Crossroads in the Rolling Crossroads Professional Park.

Located on 5.9 acres near Johnnycake at Rolling roads, the new Catonsville District Courthouse will have 425 parking spots in a free garage, and it is accessible by Maryland Transit Authority bus; the 78 bus line stops about two blocks from the courthouse, at the intersection of Johnnycake and North Rolling Rd.

There will be eight courtrooms in the 130,000-square-foot facility.

Officials expect the new Catonsville District Courthouse to be finished later this fall, and the move there from Towson will take place in winter 2019/2020.

"The completion of the new Catonsville District Courthouse could not come at a better time," Baltimore County District Court Administrative Judge Dorothy Wilson said in a statement. "The Judiciary is committed to providing a secure environment for people to have their cases heard and will do its best to make this a smooth transition for all involved."

While the Towson services relocate to the new courthouse, the old Catonsville District Court will remain fully operational at 900 Walker Avenue, officials said.

There are three District Court locations in Baltimore County — in Catonsville, Essex and Towson.

Once repairs are finished on the Chesapeake Avenue courthouse in Towson, staff and services that had moved to Catonsville will return to the county seat.

Anyone with questions or concerns about the temporary relocation of the Towson courthouse can email towsontempmove@mdcourts.gov or find more information from the Maryland Judiciary.