Your commercial district is only as successful as your least desirable patrons

And if you have potentially a great number of less desirable patrons, the long term health of your commercial district (or shopping center) is not assured. To deal with the potential problems, a very strong retail plan must be in place, with a robust security plan. By way of example, see today's Post, and the article "Violence, Vacancies, Image Issues Trouble Md. Mall."

It will continue to be difficult for Prince George's County to attract high end retail for some time to come.