Could Big Box Retailer Replace North Point Police Station?

The Merritt Park Shopping Center is expected, as part of its planned renovation, to add a as its new anchor. But the news that a big box retailer wouldn’t be coming to the shopping center disappointed many local residents.

There may be hope across the street.

At the for a new Baltimore County Savings Bank on Holabird Avenue, Councilman John Olszewski Sr., chairman of the Baltimore County Council, said developers have approached the county about redeveloping the North Point Government Center property across the street from the Merritt Park Shopping Center. Olszewski cautioned that the discussions are only in preliminary stages, but said potential developers of the North Point Government Center have talked to a big box retailer about bringing a new store to the site.

“Someone is interested in the site,” Olszewski said. “They went to the county. If we can move forward, if we can make something happen that doesn’t cost the county, it’s a possibility.

“They’re interested in developing the property with a big box retailer,” Olszewski said.

Citing the very preliminary nature of the discussions, Olszewski did not want to name the potential developers or the big box retailer involved at this point.

Among the numerous government offices, Olszewski’s office and recreational space, the North Point Government Center is home to the Precinct 12 police station. Olszewski said the police station is in need of upgrades, specifically for the K-9 unit and holding areas and could benefit from a new state-of-the-art facility.

Olszewski said a new North Point Government Center could potentially be built on property near the new Dundalk High School and the College of Baltimore County campus.

Again, Olszewski cautioned the talks are preliminary and said developers would be required to “foot the bill” if the North Point Government Center is relocated to make room for commercial development.

“There’s a long way to go before any of this becomes a reality,” Olszewski said.

Baltimore County spokeswoman Ellen Kobler confirmed that developers over the past few years have approached the county about the North Point Station site. She also added, however, that nothing definitive is currently in the works.