Establishing a special tax district in central Towson to pay for enhanced maintenance, cleanup and landscaping — all designed to improve the aesthetics of the evolving downtown — was an emerging theme at a Wednesday night community forum.

More than 50 residents and business owners met at Goucher College to discuss ways to spruce up the area, with some residents complaining about unkempt businesses.

Mike Ertel, the president of the Greater Towson Council of Community Associations, which represents neighborhood groups, showed pictures of piles of leaves on a York Road sidewalk and a trash dumpster occupying parking spaces — examples of what he said are issues with basic maintenance.

“I think we are consistently seeing some of the restaurant and bars doing a bad job” maintaining the areas around their properties, he said.

Source: Special tax district suggested for parts of downtown Towson – Baltimore Sun