In an effort to fill vacant storefronts with businesses that residents want, community associations in Charles Village and Old Goucher are partnering with Spotmojo, a California-based 'crowd-sourcing' company that does neighborhood-based market research, free of charge to communities.
"After digesting it, we thought, it doesn't cost anything," said John Spurrier, a real estate agent and a member of the land use committee of the Charles Village Civic Association. "It could be a great opportunity to contact residents about what they'd like to see in specific locations. I figure we can't lose."
There is a need for businesses such as bakeries, restaurants and...